Reflective Practice Entry

Allison Renew                                                                                                                  May 22, 2017

Reflective Practice Entry

What are my beliefs about teaching?

I believe that teaching is something that all people are equipped to do, but only certain people desire to do. In many aspects of my life, in an out of my job, I see moments where I am able to teach others and I often peruse those “teachable moments”. I love to see when my students make connections and use what they’ve learned.

What are my beliefs about learning?

I believe that learning occurs differently in every person and everyone prefers different methods of learning. As a teacher, identifying the learning styles of your students is necessary in helping them succeed to their fullest potential.

What are my aspirations as a teacher?

I want to reach my students on a more personal level. I would like to know them as more than “my students” because I spend so much time with them and I realize the impact I have on their lives. I want to be a good role model for them. I feel that doing this will help me to make more meaningful connections with students and understand how to teach/reach them best. I hope to attain my master’s degree in education and use what I learn to become a more effective teacher.

What are my concerns as a teacher?

I am worried that testing is taking over instruction. I feel that the focus on data and growth is great but that it can cause teachers to feel the need to teach to the test. I would prefer that teachers have more “freedom” in teaching and the methods that they choose. I do feel pacing and guidelines are important but shouldn’t be considered as requirements or deadlines.  Teachers should be able to teach and students should be able to learn…not just about standards but about LIFE, in every since of the word.

What area/s of teaching do I struggle with or need more development in?

I struggle with challenging my students above their current grade level. I’m not sure how to encourage higher thinking in students that have already mastered skills I haven’t taught yet. I struggled with this specifically this year and felt like I negatively impacted a student’s view of school and learning because I wasn’t able to challenge him effectively. I am also very concerned with phonics and literacy instruction. This year, I had many students who were well below grade level in writing/spelling and reading and this highly impacted their performance in all areas. I chose to do my endorsement in reading because I feel like I need to learn more ways to reach struggling students and help bring them see success in this area.