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Final Reflection

Final Reflection
At each milestone, along the journey of teaching, I must stop and reflect to best plot my way forward.

Reflecting on Program Experiences:

  1. What were the most significant lessons or insights you gained during your teacher preparation program?
    1. I learned that there is always room from improvement, within not just each year or unit, but each day's lesson.
  2. How did your experiences in the program align with your expectations before starting the program?
    1. I learned that understanding content is not even half of the skills required to be a good teacher.
  3. What aspects of the program (courses, practical experiences, workshops, etc.) do you feel were particularly impactful in preparing you for a teaching career?
    1. The student teaching experience was the best part by far, particularly, my last internship and not just because it was the III.
  4. Were there any moments or challenges in the program that significantly shaped your perspective on teaching? If so, how did they influence you?
    1. Absolutely! I had one student in middle school and one class in high school that I will never forget. They were incredible learning experiences for me.

Learning and Areas of Improvement:

  1. What subjects or areas do you wish were covered more extensively or in greater detail during your teacher preparation program?
    1. Classroom management and grading
  2. Reflecting on your coursework, what specific skills or knowledge gaps do you feel you still need to address before entering the classroom?
    1. I don't feel like I have any gaps. This program was broad, yet detailed enough, that I feel ready. Of course, "you don't know what you don't know", but with more experience and a supportive teacher/admin staff, I believe I will be successful.
  3. In what ways did your understanding of teaching methods or classroom management evolve throughout the program, and what improvements do you aim to make in these areas?
    1. I learned a variety of ways to manage a classroom, but watching mentor teachers, as well as trying out methods myself. I tried to be reflective with my mentors and ask questions or for advice in these areas, because there wasn't a particular course or segment of a course which taught classroom management.

Capstone Project Reflection:

  1. Looking back on your capstone project, what aspects do you feel were particularly successful or effective? Why?
    1. Having to create several days of consecutive lessons was the best practice there is.
  2. If given the chance to redo your capstone project, what specific changes or additional elements would you implement, and why?
    1. I don't think I'd change too much, but what I may suggest for the template is potentially adding a section for how various elements of the lesson specifically address sharing voice in the classroom and incorporating student movement, two elements that I've learned are vital. That said, those templates are already quite lengthy.
  3. How did your capstone project contribute to your growth as an aspiring educator, and what lessons did you learn from it that you plan to apply in your teaching career?
    1. They helped me focus on the language demands, so that I can remain mindful of all the ways that students learn.

Thoughts on the Next Steps:

  1. As you transition from being a preservice teacher to a classroom teacher, what are your biggest aspirations or goals?
    1. Improved math comprehension and reduced math phobia!
  2. How do you plan to continue your professional development beyond the teacher preparation program?
    1. I plan to explore various online resources, include Edutopia, TeachersPayTeachers.com, Kahoot!, podcasts, as well as develop mentorship relationships with the teachers at my new school.
  3. Reflect on the challenges and opportunities you anticipate as you enter the teaching profession. How do you plan to navigate these?
    1. My first internship wasn't great to be honest. While the SP and SC were wonderful, I felt like I could have gotten more from that experience. My CT wasn't particularly forthcoming with information and being new to teaching, I didn't even know what questions to ask until the end of that internship. Relationships with students and their families are important, as well as relationships with teacher staff is important, since this is a collaborative and reflective profession. In order to successfully accomplish goals, staff needs to have good chemistry, where teachers can be vulnerable, as well as supportive. I believe being someone who wants others to be successful by being helpful will facilitate those needed relationships.

Personal Growth and Teaching Philosophy:

  1. How has your personal teaching philosophy evolved throughout the program, and what principles will you prioritize in your future classroom?
    1. I have learned the power and importance of sharing voice with students. This philosophy has been supported in a breadth of literature, practice and dialogue throughout this program.
  2. Reflect on a memorable experience during your preparation that solidified your commitment to becoming an educator.
    1. Teaching requires trust, specifically students trusting teachers. I have a student that was someone who blew off our class, math and school in general, who has recently come around and been much more active in class. I believe that may be due to his understanding that I truly want him to succeed in our class and in life.
  3. What strengths or unique qualities do you believe you bring to the teaching profession?
    1. I think I have strong content knowledge and am a quick learner who is always willing to take constructive criticism in order to better serve students. I also think I am playful enough that students pay attention more.