Week 4-September 19-23

I rate this week a 5. 

• Observe: I taught my first edTPA lesson to fourth grade, and it went really well!

• Reflect: I taught fifth grade, which was very similar to a choir rehearsal, because they are preparing for the December program. I was really grateful for the preparation I’d had for teaching chorus in Secondary! I realized that it is really important to listen to the students and to revise the rehearsal procedures depending on their performance. I felt the most out of my comfort zone with this lesson than with any other, but I am looking forward to more opportunities to become more efficient in teaching choir. 

• Focus:  My short term goal this week was heavily focused on edTPA and formatting my lessons correctly, aligning with the long term goal of having my edTPA completed by the first of November. 

• Be Productive: More time rehearsing the music for fifth grade, so I could be more confident in teaching it. Less time staying up too late for “free” time. 

• Have Courage:  There have been a few instances when a student approached me and said another student did something to them (stuck out their tongue, pushed them, etc.). When they are transitioning and another class is waiting on me, I really don’t know what to do other than say “I’m sorry,” and send them on their way. Although this should probably be addressed, there have been a couple times I have not been able to address it and am a little unsure how to do so.

• Begin Anew: For next week, I definitely need to have my 2nd edTPA lesson formatted and materials prepared. Also, I need to be physically and mentally prepared for the 220 kids I will teach on Monday. 

I collected data for the edTPA assessments. The data revealed that perhaps I’m teaching a bit above the students’ level. My learning unit is on the orchestra, and many of the students had not even seen a violin before. I just want to make sure I am teaching high enough for them to learn new material but not give too much new information for them to grasp. 

My advice to fellow ST’s would be to keep the main focus of the student teaching experience to invest in the lives of the students. Also, to encourage the faculty with whom you work, especially your CE. Even a little note or a small gift can be a great encouragement. 

Standard 1a, “Teachers lead in their classrooms.” Today was “College Friday,” where we were able to wear a college t-shirt and talk about the college we attended to the students. This is especially important for students in the area which I am teaching,  a high poverty district. I have had many opportunities to lead in this class throughout my first full week of teaching this week. I have collected data and planned/revised lessons based on this data. I have also worked to create and maintain an orderly classroom where each student feels safe in their learning environment. 

Standard 2c, “Teachers treat students as individuals.” I really strive to not show partiality to students in any way. I convey high expectations for each student but keep in mind that students are at different places in their lives and have different skills and talents. Sometimes it is a huge accomplishment just for a repeating kindergartener to be able to stand in the circle and participate in the dance. Yet is is very important to recognize that student for his or her achievement. 

Standard 3d, “Teachers make instruction relevant to students.” It is possible to grow in this standard while teaching even the most seemingly unlikely lessons. For example, I taught half-note pulse with a game that required students  standing in a circle, bouncing a ball to the pulse, bounce passing the pass to another classmate, and singing a song. This group activity incorporates the 21st century life skills of leadership (students leading/being in charge of themselves), adaptability, and social responsibility to 2nd grades-while having an awesome time too!

Standard 4a, “Teachers know the ways in which learning takes place, and they know the appropriate levels of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of their students.” This week, while teaching full-time, I have become aware of several students who have needs including mild autism/Aspberger’s, anxiety, and ELL students. This knowledge really helps me be aware of how to specifically interact with these students in order to create the most productive and comfortable learning environment possible. 

Standard 5a, “Teachers analyze student learning.” I have the opportunity to teach each of my edTPA lessons five times. I taught the first one this week, and the fourth time was today. I chose to teach some of the concepts differently because of data I had collected and analyzed.

I have started (and almost finished) my website, my edTPA lessons and commentaries, my resume, the school improvement plan, and the leadership/collaboration project.

I definitely appreciate Dr. Soja’s continued feedback questions on my edTPA lessons.