4a Reflecting on Teaching
This includes the thinking regarding any instruction given. It is an analysis done by us on our planning and implementation of a lesson. It helps us determine where to focus efforts in future lessons and what may need done differently in the lesson or what should stay the same. Key Elements We should shoot for accuracy as professional educators seeking to judge our planning and lessons as unbiased observers, giving specific examples from lessons to support our judgements. We must use our reflections to make adjustments in our practices. We draw from ever-increasing knowledge and strategies as we become better teachers. Ways to Showcase This Allow students to give you feedback through questionnaires at the end of lessons. Ask students things that helped them through the lesson and things that they would have changed or done without. Pay attention to signals from students about whether they enjoyed and understood a lesson clearly or they struggled to grasp the concepts that you were trying to convey (use facial expressions, questions they asked, etc.). 4b Maintaining Accurate Records We must keep with routines and systems that track student completion of assignments. We should have systems of information regarding students progress against instructional outcomes. We need to maintain accurate noninstructional records. Key Elements The system we use for keeping records should be fully effective for us and for our students. Students can help us as teachers to maintain their records and keep them updated and organized. Students can maintain records on completed/outstanding work, progress checks in learning, and noninstructional records for the class (class jobs, responsibilities, etc.). Ways to Showcase This Give students assigned folders for projects, tests, quizzes, etc. where they can keep all of their own records. Assignment books are great for students and for teachers when maintaining records! Make portfolios for each student so, by the end of the year, all of their work is in one place and they have their own portfolio to showcase. 4c Communicating with Families It is important to involve families in their child's learning. The importance of regular communication with families of all ages cannot be overstated. A teacher's effort to communicate with families conveys the teacher's essential caring. which is valued by families of students of all ages. This shows the teacher's professionalism AND responsibility. Key Elements Information about the instructional program. Information about individual students. Engagement of families in the instructional program. Focus on what type of communication works best for the families you are working with and make sure you are communicating often in a culturally appropriate manner. Ways to Showcase This Provide families with frequent opportunities to engage in the classroom. Parent letters, handouts, emails, phone logs, blogs, newsletters, and observations are all great ways to stay connected with families. We can interact with parents daily as they drop off students at school or respond to emails or notes from parents which are observable interactions that can later be evaluated. 4d Participating in a Professional Community Joining with our colleagues, we are able to share strategies, plan joint efforts, and plan the success of each student. We should always be looking for ways to improve our teaching and the life of the school (through our students). Our job goes beyond the classroom - it's about the entire school/district and the activities and programs that the school offers or is involved with. Key Elements We need to be active in our relationship with our colleagues and involved in a culture of professional inquiry. We should provide service to the school we are working for as well as other schools around us as we work on initiatives and projects. Participation in school and district projects helps better the school system and gives us more experience in our field and more opportunities to grow our teaching skills. Ways to Showcase This We can participate in professional courses and communities that emphasize improving practice both online and in our actual communities. We can participate in school initiatives such as planning for the upcoming years, sports teams, clubs, and other activities that the school offers. Participation and support of community initiatives such as rules/regulations, service, and activities are also important tasks for us as teachers. |
Using technology in your classroom is very important when it comes to growing and developing professionally! Check out this infographic explaining technology use in the elementary classroom.
4e Growing and Developing Professionally
As teachers, we always get to keep learning and growing even as a professional. Increasing skills and staying informed leads to more effective teachers. Joining educational organizations and journals helps grow our effectiveness as teachers. We need to refine our understanding of how to engage students in learning. Key Elements Enhancement of content knowledge and pedagogical skill. Receptivity to feedback from colleagues. Service to the profession. Ways to Showcase This Attend conferences in my area to learn new teaching strategies that keep kids connected (online learning activities). Travel to a conference once a year on a key element in the classroom that I want to improve on and talk to other teachers from other areas that may have lots of different strategies. Join group chats online with other educators to stay connected and "in the know" about cool opportunities for teachers and ways to keep each generation of students engaged. 4f Showing Professionalism Demonstrate service to the students and the profession as we teach in and out of the school. We must show a strong moral compass that is in the best interest of our students and our peers. We need to advocate for students (no matter the traditional view), display professionalism in problem solving and decision making, and adhere to school/district policies. Key Elements We are to act with honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct. We will put students first in all considerations of our practice because service to students is our top job. We should support our students' best interest with their needs as a top priority even with traditional practices and beliefs. Ways to Showcase This Our reputation should be one of trust, and we should be sought as a sounding board. We need to remind other participants of our committees that students' needs are the highest priority. We will face challenges, but it is important to always look for the best option for the student while still following district policies. |