Week of March 23rd-27th

Week of Reflection: Week of March 23rd-27th

  

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week

I would give this week a 3. It has been so sad going to school and not having kids there, but great have the support of the entire second grade team, and GWU staff.

• • Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

This week, I was able to really plan and create more engaging online lessons for my students. I feel as if they will really enjoy them!

• • Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?
• Learning about all of the different technologies in our meeting on Thursday really helped me finish recording my videos. I have made them more engaging, and I am looking forward to using more of them in my videos for next week.
• Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

My goals and efforts are still aligned. I have worked hard to complete my videos for graduation, and components of my portfolio for my final presentation.

• • Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

This week, I could have spent more time working on my portfolio. I have worked on it some, but spent most of my time at school cleaning classrooms and helping pass out lunches.

• • Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

This week, I felt a little more comfortable working on my online videos since we are now teaching new instruction. I am working on a game plan for next week that will allow me to work one-on-one with some of my students with higher needs, through Zoom or Google Hangout.

• • Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

The first logical steps for next week are to create an outline and talk with my CE about what my videos should be about next week. I can clear the mental clutter of worrying about fulfilling my graduation requirements for EDUC 450, since we all know that we will be able to graduate.

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

This week, I looked at the entrance tests for Edmentum - the program my school will be using for online learning. I also looked at the leveled difficulty of the lessons and placed my students in the categories they need to be working on when the program will be released to them next week.

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

One piece of advice I would share is to share a Google Doc of video ideas between you and your CE. I have done this, and my CE and I collaborate and we determine what will be the best things to focus on in my videos.

• NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)
• • Standard 1: This week, I held open office hours for my students to pop in and ask questions or just chat. I only had a few come in, but I kept in contact with others through personal messages they each received.
  • Standard 2: This week, I have tried my best to a shoulder for my kids in this crazy time. I am providing a nurturing environment by encouraging my students to communicate with me at all hours if they have any questions or concerns.
  • Standard 3: This week, I have attached all of my video lessons to the NCSCOS. I have used the document that Dr. Wesson provided in order to track what standards go with what lesson.
  • Standard 4:In my video lessons, I have used online books as a source of technology. These interactive books and other activities have kept my students engaged as they go through my videos.
  • Standard 5: This week, I participated in professional development with the online seminar that went over Study Island, a potential platform of learning that we may be using with the students.
• Other:
• • What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?

This week, I have worked on organizing my classroom management component of the portfolio.

• • What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?

At this time, my CE does not have any specific needs or questions from my US.

• • What support do you need from your university supervisor?

At this time, I do not have any specific questions from my US.

Weekly Reflection - March 16th-20th

Week of Reflection: Week of March 16th-20th

  

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week

I would give this week a 4. It has been crazy with the COVID-19 situation trying to figure out next steps for our students. It has been a great experience working with my CE and team to create a plan. Missing my students though already!

• • Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

This week, I was able to get a head-start on my plan to contact and reach out to parents in the next two weeks. I was also able to work on some components of my portfolio, as well.

• • Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

Although I was not teaching my students this week face-to-face, I was able to email them and help them with the work and assignments they were completing from home. Technology is going to be our best friend from now on.

• • Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

My short term efforts of working on my student teaching portfolio are still aligned with my long-term goals. Although we are not in schools with students, it has given me time to look at data and lessons to put into my portfolio.

• • Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

This week, I could have spent more time creating options to online learning in the next few weeks. The teachers at my school still do not know what is going on, so it was difficult to create a plan when we do not know what the requirements will be.

• • Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

There was a lot of apprehension this week when it came to planning and organizing assignments for students. I worked every day with my second grade team to create learning packets that students will pick up at school to work on for the next week.

• • Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

The logical steps for next week are to continue to work on resources that my CE and I can share with students and parents for the upcoming weeks. 

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

This week, I did not look at any specific data for my students. My CE and team were looking at reading passages as a team for all second grade students to send out a packet that will fit all students.

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

My biggest advice would be to stay in contact with you CE when you have questions. This is a time of uncertainty for all of us, and knowing your CE is there for you in this time of need is great.

• NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)
• • Lesson 1: Teachers lead in their classrooms - Although students were not in the classroom this week, I reached out to all of my students and took responsibility for their learning by creating a instructional plan to make sure students were getting some kind of instruction during this time school is not in session.
  • Lesson 2:This week, I knew many of my students were probably scared and had lots of questions as to what is going on. During the week, my CE and I both sent messages to our students to let them know that we are there for them, and they can contact us if they have any questions or concerns.
  • Lesson 3:As I have planned my instructional videos for this week, I have made sure to align everything to the NCSCOS.
  • Lesson 4: I definitely integrated technology into my lessons this week! I have found a ton of resources that I am using in my videos this week.
  • Lesson 5: This week, we are beginning to become flexible as we are reaching out to students using different methods of technology. This is a changing environment, and we are all trying to create a game plan to make sure the needs of our students are being met.
• Other:
• • What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?

This week, I have started to organize my information into live binder, and worked on my class website and scanning all of my global awareness lesson plans into a folder.

• • What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?

At this time, my CE does not have any specific questions for my US.

• • What support do you need from your university supervisor?

I do not need any specific support from my US right now. I know there will be tons of questions in the upcoming weeks due to this situation.

Weekly Reflection - March 9-13th

Week of Reflection: March 9-13th

  

• I would give this week a 5! I felt like I was 100% present in my classroom, since EdTPA is now submitted. My students were well behaved, and I felt like I got a lot of work done.

• • This week, I was surprised how much work was completed! I was able to have a successful parent teacher conference night, get work completed at school and at home. It's been a great fresh start since EdTPA is now completed.
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• During my observation, I learned that completing reader's theater isn't the best way to practice and teach fluency skills. I have done this a few times, and have learned that teaching reading passages and allowing all students to follow along is going to be the best way to encourage participation with all students.
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• My short term goals and long term efforts are still aligned as I have completed my EdTPA, working on finishing lesson plans by the middle of the week. I am also working weekly to begin piecing together my portfolio.
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• This week, I could have spent more time videoing and taking pictures for my portfolio. I am putting all of my videos and pictures in a Google Document for safe keeping.
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• Each week, I have become more and more comfortable making decisions in my classroom. I have made instructional calls based off of things that my students need more or less review on.
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• The first logical steps for next week is to begin lesson planning and preparing a to-do list of things to complete. I also try to get ahead on the weekend. I will also continue to work on tagging standards in my lesson plans.
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• This week, I looked at the AR goals of each of my students. As I see students still have points they need to read, I will pull them aside to remind them to work hard and reach for their point goals.

• I would give advice to other student teachers to make a daily list of things to complete after school each day. Completing this list helped me stay on top of things and not be behind when Friday's roll around.

Standard 1: Teachers lead in their classrooms - This week, I led in my classroom by having a positive and nurturing classroom environment. When I was observed on Monday, I provided a lot of positive feedback that encouraged students to continue to work hard! I have built a strong relationship with all of my students, and this is great since they feel comfortable asking questions about the things we are learning about. 

Standard 2:Teachers work with families - This Thursday were parent teacher conferences. During this time, I was able to talk to 9 different parents about their child's progress in the classroom. This was a great time to share with parents data from iStation, Running Records, and behavior. 

Standard 3: Teachers know the content they teach - This week, we talked about the life cycle of different animals. I was able to integrate a lot of science concepts as we read passages in small groups, as well as whole group instruction. 

Standard 4: Teachers facilitate learning for their students - During the week, I integrated technology into my classroom using BrainPop videos and life cycle interactive activities on the new Smart Panels we have.  

Standard 5: Teachers reflect on their practice - This week, I was able to analyze student learning after teaching each of my lessons. I marked down what students were/were not understanding, then modified next day instruction to make sure skills were being mastered. 

• This week, I have created my Life Binder account in order to begin piecing together my portfolio.
• Neither my CE or I need specific support from my clinical supervisor at this time.

Weekly Reflection - March 2nd-6th

Week of Reflection: Week of March 2nd-6th

  

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 1-Very difficult | 5 – Great week

I would give this week a 3. It has been so overwhelming finishing everything for EdTPA, as well as being in the classroom full time this week. I feel like my mind was not 100% focused on my students, which was not how it should have been. I pushed through this week, and can't wait for a fresh start next week.

• • Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?

After MANY late nights this week, I was finally able to finish my EdTPA. This has been such a process, and I'm glad that it is over. At school, I accomplished getting all of the assessments in that needed to be finished, and lessons that were planned to be taught.

• • Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

As always, I need to become more proactive and not wait until the last minute to do everything. I was able to finish EdTPA, but did not give myself a lot of extra time to spare. Building upon this next week, I am going to make myself a daily list of things that need to be accomplished.

• • Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

My short-term efforts and long term goals are still aligned as I worked hard to finish EdTPA and all of the requirements for my portfolio.

• • Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?

This week,95% of my time was dedicated to working on EdTPA. After everything was submitted on Wednesday afternoon, I was able to sit down and work on my lesson plans for the next week. I could have spent more time on these lesson plans for next week, but was on a time crunch with so many other things going on during the week.

• • Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

This week has been so stressful in completing assignments and things for school. I was worried that I did not get everything done, but luckily finished everything on time.

• • Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?

I can clear the mental clutter of EdTPA! It has been such a relief to finish this huge assignment. The first logical steps for next week include making sure I have all of my lesson plans and materials planned for a fresh, full week of teaching.

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?

This week, I looked at the math assessments from the quiz they took last week. After grading, I could see that many students were still confusing rows and columns. This week, I made a short review session to help students remember these terms better.

• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

A piece of advice I would share is to start making a binder (if you haven't already) of instructional materials that you use in your lesson plans. My CE told me to o this, and it's been great! Once I have my own classroom, I will have resources that I will be able to use for all different subjects.

• NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)

Standard 1: Teachers demonstrate leadership in their schools: This week, I attended a staff meeting, where we discussed information regarding the upcoming fundraiser that each student will be completing in the classroom. Additionally, I worked with the second grade teachers at our weekly grade level meeting to talk about the upcoming animal research projects students will be working on.

Standard 2: Teachers Establish a Respectful Environment for a Diverse Population of Students: This week, I upheld a high expectation for all students. Every day this week, my students were very talkative and it prevented them from doing a lot of work. I used positive praise on the students who were doing what was expected, and this redirected the behavior of the ones who were not. 

Standard 3: Teachers know the content they teach: This week, I wanted to make my instruction as relevant to students as possible. We are starting a new unit on animals this week, and I used examples of animals that all students would be familiar with in order to keep them engaged in understanding. Additionally, I used examples of animals they may not know to keep them excited to learn more.

Standard 4:This week, I planned instruction that was relevant for my students by using the long range planning guide provided by the second grade team. I worked with my CE to make sure that I was staying on task with my lessons, and not getting ahead or falling behind the other teachers.

Standard 5: Teachers analyze student learning: This week, I started to take notes about ways to improve learning for the future weeks. At this time, I looked at things students were doing well, and things they were missing. I will try to include these in next weeks lessons.

• • What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?

This week, I have been updating my Professional Development log, as well as my parent communication log.

• • What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?

My clinical educator does not need any support from my university supervisor at this time.

• • What support do you need from your university supervisor?

I do not need any specific support from my university supervisor at this time.