About this site

This product of learning was created for partial fulfillment of the Master's Degree in Reading Education at Appalachian State University, under the direction of Dr. Woodrow Trathen. These artifacts serve to demonstrate knowledge gained while in this program of study. All artifacts are directly aligned with North Carolina DPI Teaching Standards.

Reading Education Graduate Program of Study and Reflection


Personal Statement and Reflection

My experiences in graduate school have challenged me to think deeper, to go beyond a summary, to apply my learning to my situations in the classroom. I cannot think of a better way to grow as a teacher than through self-reflection. All the readings were intertwined with informative and sometimes controversial issues that were difficult to reflect upon. Sometimes these readings evoked emotion within me and my reflections were personal memories involving pain or success. To make meaning of the material, I needed to find connections whether it be professional or personal in nature, and I think I was able to do that. At times I had to challenge myself to think differently. Now I realize that I must always keep an open mind regarding a situation and continue to think and reflect.

I have always believed that education is the key to success in life.  Earning an education is rewarding and excellent instruction improves a person’s quality of life both physically and emotionally.  Now I am more aware of all the variables that determine the educational experiences of the students in my classroom. For some children, the background knowledge and life experiences are lacking compared to that of their peers. For others, home life is in such disarray that succeeding in school becomes nearly impossible.

As a middle school teacher, I must be reflective in my instructional practices. Even though I teach 8th grade, I sometimes have students reading at the 1st or 2nd grade level, so middle school reading education requires an understanding of the beginning reading process. Reading instruction must first evaluate the specific needs of each student and adapt lessons accordingly. Because every child has varied interests, backgrounds, abilities and learning styles, an effective reading program will meet those needs by providing reading instruction on the child’s reading level. As a reading teacher, I must apply appropriate reading strategies that will ensure that each child has an opportunity to learn to read. In order to facilitate a successful reading program, instruction must include phonics, morphemes, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension.

My literacy experience began much earlier than I can even remember. My mother tells me that she always read to me and I never wanted her to stop. I loved books and grew up in a home where books were plentiful, even though I grew up in a home without much else. I have nearly raised my family of three daughters and two of the three are avid readers. Passing on the love of reading is something that I am proud to have accomplished.

As an educator I must reflect continuously on the progress of my students, evaluate and adapt my instruction for success, and ascertain ways to improve my expertise as a reading teacher. I must model a love of reading and encourage my students to explore a variety of genres. Furthermore, I must get my students to see that a teacher never stops learning.