My strengths in teaching consist primarily within the curriculum and technology. I have a love for research and finding new and interesting ways to teach different concepts in order for my students to gain the most out of a lesson. I have found that technology has been a great outlet for me as an educator as well as preparing my students for the outside world, which consists of technology in almost every field. I have also found that building classroom routines as become a strength of mine. I developed a clear order to my classroom very early on in the year and my students have a clear understanding of my expectations. When I am out of the classroom, I can trust that my students know what to do on a given day and I attribute that to my teaching of the classroom routines I set in place.
I believe I will always have areas to grow. One area in particular I am focusing on is building in as much real-world examples in my teaching to help my students gain a more well rounded education (Engaging all students). I believe that students remember the lessons that are the most meaningful to them. I want to grow in making my lessons as applicable to my third graders as possible in order to help them have a better understanding. Another area I believe I can grow is in planning instruction and designing experiences for all students by offering more choice in my classroom.
I suprised myself in how much I tusted my students to share with me what they need to be successful. I realized how important flexibility is. Also, I have always been a planner, but I have learned that is okay if the day does not go as planned and its okay if our daily schedule changes. I realized from my results that I have really gone from Applying to Integrating, which is great progress. I can always improve and I want to get better at utilizing the most rigourous materials out of the curriculum we've been given.
A professional goal I have is to become my sites technology lead. I have a real passion for technology and utilizing as much technology in the classroom as I can. I want my students to be prepared for their future in this techological world. I have been sharing different sites and resources at staff meeting this past year and have helped out other teachers when they need support with technology. I have had other teachers recommend me for the site lead as well.
I think I can remain a connected educator throughout my career by going to different trainings and alwasy looking for ways to improve. I believe collaborating with other educators is the way to stay as connected as possible.
To sustain the energy it takes to be passionate about students, teaching, and learning I will take the Ideas from Edutopia
3. Embrace the little joys of teaching.
Great satisfaction can be found in those "aha!" moments when the light bulbs of learning light up students' faces. In striving to keep up with all of our daily tasks as teachers, watching out for those moments and celebrating students' learning advances may fall by the wayside. Purposefully staying in the moment of those small, incremental successes, instead of letting your mind wander to other tasks and nagging dilemmas, may help you stay attuned to what drew you to your profession.
My administrator has told me "You have high expectation of your students, but make them feel so loved and valued."
Advice for a new teacher: Don't think you can do it all! Do your best to try to make your kids feel valued and thats what matters. Go to school everyday with a smile on your face because we never know what our students are going through at home.