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.