Teaching Quality Standard

Here is a link to my professional growth plan, this is the first goal that I have set for myself and as I continue in my teaching journey I will expand and create new goals for myself.

Professional Growth Plan

Fostering Effective Relationships

A teacher builds positive and productive relationships with students, parents/guardians, peers and others in the school and local community to support student learning.

During my time in all my placements, the first thing that I worked on was developing relationships with the class, getting to know all their names and what interests them. In my third placement, I was in a kindergarten room, the first activity that I did with them was a snowball fight, in which the students would sit in a circle and all had their names written on a piece of paper, they would then make the paper into a ball a thrown it, they would keep throwing until the 5-second timer was up, then we would open up the papers and say hello to the friend's whos name was on the paper. This created a fun atmosphere and allowed me to get to know their names in a fun engaging way.

Engaging in Career Long Learning

A teacher engages in career-long professional learning and ongoing critical reflection to improve teaching and learning.

During my time with other schools, I have had the opportunity to take Professional Development Sessions in Curriculum Development in the transition from the NWT curriculum to the new BC curriculum. I have also taken PD sessions in SLP and language, sessions on how to better support students in their literacy learning. I have also been a part of school-based committee meetings, to see how the special events are planned in the schools, as well as being a part of School-based support meetings.

Demonstrating a Professional Body of Knowledge

A teacher applies a current and comprehensive repertoire of effective planning, instruction, and assessment practices to meet the learning needs of every student.

During my Field Experiences, I would have a sit down with my partner teacher where we would discuss what units of the curriculum I would cover. This conversation allowed me to practice having professional conversations with other teachers about what and how to tackle a lesson. A requirement for the Field Experiences was to send my Partner teacher my lessons the day before, this allowed for a collaborative working space where if there was anything I needed to fix there would be a conversation around it. Creating these lesson plans also helped me see how important it is to plan for every student and even scenarios that may happen in a class, also by diving into the curriculum and seeing what needs to be covered in a more explorative manner.

Establishing Inclusive Learning Environments

A teacher establishes, promotes and sustains inclusive learning environments where diversity is embraced and every student is welcomed, cared for, respected and safe.

When creating lesson plans, I made sure that the lessons were able to reach all students on all levels of learning. My lessons created openings for students to work collaboratively with each other, expand on their knowledge or take their time if needed. I also brought in a play-based approach in my teaching, as students learn better when learning is hands-on and interactive. I also included visual aids, like drawings, books and videos to help the students develop a deeper understanding. I also found that including movement breaks, quiet time and flexible seating helps the students as well.

Applying Foundational Knowledge about First Nations, Métis and Inuit

A teacher develops and applies foundational knowledge about First Nations, Métis and Inuit for the benefit of all students.

During my time in my Field Experiences, I included lessons that involved the indigenous way of living. In my Field Experience 3, I took it upon myself to do a Winter project with the Kindergarten class, during this series of lessons we learned about the animals in the north and how they stay warm, how indigenous peoples use what the animals know to keep themselves warm and how to respect the animal when they used them for food and clothes.

Adhering to Legal Frameworks and Policies

A teacher demonstrates an understanding of and adherence to the legal frameworks and policies that provide the foundations for the Alberta education system.

It is important to know that as an educator and employee, one must adhere to the confidentiality policy and remain professional at work. This is important for maintaining relationships with both staff and students. Being aware and respectful of students who deserve to have their personal information remain private and knowing that same respect falls for your colleagues. Not adhering to these policies can cause someone to feel disrespected in their workspace and lead to some professional reprocustions.