Blog Two - Update!

It has been nearly two months since I began my journey in EDUC 250 and I get more and more excited every day! In the month since my last post, I have had so many new experiences and I continue to learn more about my future profession. I am excited to reflect on these experiences and find the ways that they can be applied to my future classroom.

One of the biggest learning experiences I have had in EDUC 250 this semester was getting the opportunity to observe teachers at the high, middle, and elementary school levels. It was exciting to be in the classroom and it gave me a better understanding of how a classroom at each level works. The teachers I observed had very different styles of teaching and classroom management. Regardless of their different styles and teaching philosophies, each teacher I observed was a leader in their classroom. One teacher demonstrated classroom leadership particularly well. While observing Mrs. Bryant at Crest High School, I was struck by how engaged her students were in the lesson. Her students paid attention and answered her questions, keeping the lesson interactive and fun. When she spoke, it was like the students were hanging onto every word she said. She commanded attention, while still keeping the focus on student learning. I believe that this demonstrates the essence of Standard 1a of the NCTCS. Standard 1a requires teachers to lead in their classrooms by taking responsibility for their students’ progress, helping ensure that each student graduates from high school and can be successful. Mrs. Bryant demonstrated this kind of leadership and it was evident that she cared about her students’ learning. Observing her also gave me ideas about how I can lead in my own classroom. The classroom environment in a high school is very different from the environment in an elementary classroom. However, the same principles can be applied. I will help prepare my elementary school students for their next steps in education by helping them make goals that encourage their growth and success.

Other learning experiences this semester have been related to the coursework I have completed in EDUC 250. In the last month, I have worked collaboratively with my classmates on several tasks that have encouraged me to apply certain standards in the NCTCS as I prepare for my future classroom. While doing research for the Relevancy and Methodology task, I learned about several teaching methods that could be used in my own classroom. One method that stood out to me was using learning centers. When teaching a subject like math, learning centers provide the opportunity for students to work with manipulatives that can give them a concrete understanding of a concept.  I plan to use learning centers and other teaching methods in my future classroom to meet the different learning needs my students may have. This applies to Standard 4c of the NCTCS, which says that teachers use a variety of instructional methods in facilitating learning. By using a variety of teaching styles, teachers can help a classroom of students with diverse learning needs to succeed. The Diversity task was also significant. While introducing the task, Dr. Parker made a statement that resonated with me - “Don’t focus on the label. Focus on the able.” As future teachers, we will have students with varying backgrounds, academic abilities, and medical histories. It is important that we recognize that each student brings a set skills into the classroom. Instead of focusing on what a student can’t do, we need to think about what they can do and help them set goals that will facilitate growth. This can be applied to Standards 2c and 2d of the NCTCS. Teachers first treat students as individuals, then adapt their teaching for the benefit of students with special needs. In my future classroom, I will treat my students as the individuals that they are by recognizing that they come from diverse backgrounds and modifying my lesson plans to meet the needs of a diverse community of learners.

I have also had several learning experiences outside of EDUC 250. Since completing the Relevancy and Methodology Task, I have continued to do research on different teaching methods. I am continuing to seek out research-proven methods, while also thinking about the different learners that could possibly come into my classroom. In my future classroom, I will use these different teaching methods to reach these learners and help them grow. Through my educational psychology class, I have learned about involving parents and the community in the classroom. I have started making plans for how I will communicate with the parents of my future students, as well as researching ways to involve the community in my classroom (Standard 2e of the NCTCS). I will take these ideas and put into action in my future classroom in an effort to establish a good relationship with parents and the community that will contribute to student success. My math class has encouraged me to think about how I will explain concepts to my students, as well as how to correct them when they make a mistake or don’t know what to do next when solving a problem. These lessons will be applied in my future classroom as I begin assessing my students’ understanding and find ways to improve the effectiveness of my lessons (Standards 4h and 5a of the NCTCS). I have developed a mentality of trying to do everything in the spirit of growth. I want to be the best teacher I can be, and that starts with seeking out opportunities to learn and finding those areas where I know I can grow (Standard 5b of the NCTCS).