Standard 5: Reflection
Teacher leaders contribute to systematic, critical analysis of learning in their classrooms and beyond. They are lifelong learners who model and support ongoing professional development. Teachers embrace critical thinking, problem solving, and innovation. Indicators are:
- Promote an educational culture that values reflective practice.
- Model the development of meaningful professional goals.
- Model personal and professional reflection to extend student learning and school improvement.
Rationale:
This assignment forced us to look at our teaching with a critical and reflective eye. I thought deeply about what I do that works, and what could be changed for the better. There are many techniques that I have learned in this program that I look forward to implementing in my next classroom. It was interesting to discover where certain pieces of my structure, routine, and strategies were initially established as I gradually learned them through personal observation or professional development seminars. Likewise, the teachers who taught these techniques to me learned them in the same way. Yet, I discovered that everything that I do is researched based and has been proven effective, which gives me the self-assurance that I am doing right by my students. This opportunity also guided me to set specific goals for myself in future classrooms. Goal-setting is a practice that I pride myself in doing every year. I recognize that I can always learn and grow as a teacher in my profession.
Synthesis Reflection:
Context:
This artifact was created in RE 5525 in which we were required to create this document, a reflection of our entire experience in the Graduate Program. My synthesis reflection is a summary of what I have gained from this reading program and what I will take with me as I continue to grow and teach in my chosen profession.
Rationale:
As I created this document, I thought back to my experiences in each class. Every class played a part in making me a stronger teacher and advocate for my students. I have reflected on what role I played in those classes, and how they have shaped my teaching. The most important lesson that I took from them is actually the value in reflecting on my own practice and sharing thoughts and ideas with my peers. Taking a moment at the end of each day and thinking, "What did I do well?" and "What could I do better?" is a goal that I am setting for the remainder of my career. Also, the discussion piece of the graduate classes was integral in my learning and I will make sure that I continue to listen and learn from my colleagues in the future.