Hire me!

In this blog post, I will discuss two main skill sets that make me marketable as a teacher:

      Even when the size of a class is small, there are still large differences in the learning styles of the students. When planning my units and lessons, I incorporate a variety of differentiated instruction methods and activities. I incorporate non-fictions texts, songs, movies, video clips, news articles, and other forms of media that relate back to their lives. I also incorporate many different assessments so that a wide variety of learned have the opportunity to excel. While I do utilize writing assessments, I vary the writing assessment prompt. I also incorporate creative writing in order to allow the student to express themselves in written word. I also address the needs of other students by incorporating activities like drawing, singing, acting, and other creative outlets. I believe that if I can address the individual needs of each of the students, I can instill a confidence in them that will allow them to be successful in their lives after school.

     Although a teacher should be an authority figure in the classroom, the students should feel comfortable enough to express their thoughts and ideas. I provide such a classroom by ensuring that every voice is both heard and respected. This will provide a model for the students on how to interact with others, be attentive listeners, and show respect for differing perspectives. I also believe that a teacher should be a comforting presence in the classroom. While I believe that teachers should be able to be stern in terms of classroom management, it is always important to have a sense of humor. If I can make a student laugh while simultaneously correcting his or her behavior, the student will be able to realize that although I am the authority figure, I am a figure that can relate to his or her life on the same level.

Goals and Responsibilities of Teaching

     Teaching is a career that is constantly changing. No week will ever be the same, and no lesson will be the same, even if I teach it three times a day, As a teacher, my goals are to continue to grow as a professional every day. I want to be able to instill my passion for literature in the students by modeling my excitement and starting and ending each day with a positive, enthusiastic attitude. I also want to connect with the students by connecting with the on their level. If I try to relate the work to the students as much as possible, it gives them the opportunity to find learning exciting. I can use the students' interests and goals to guide my own developments as a professional. Most importantly, I want to encourage the students to work hard. With my encouragement, I want the students to know that they can accomplish anything.

Educational Apps

This is a list of educational apps that I have found. I would use any of these in the classroom!

1. iBooks- a free app that lets students browse, download, and read classic texts from the literary canon. 
2. Poplet- an app that allows the students or the teacher to create intricate and interactive graphic organizers. 
3. Storyline - an app for creative writing. It gives a writer the situation, scene, and characters. It's up to the students to fill in the rest!
4. Sling Note - a free app that allows students to view a browser while simultaneously taking notes. Great for the common core standards!
5. Flashcards Deluxe - an app that allows students to create their own flash cards for review. Although it costs $3.99, the flash cards are fun, interactive, and can be customized. I think it's worth the cost!
6. Easybib - an app that helps students create accurate bibliographies. A student can store info and learn how to create any format of citation, from MLA to APA!
7. The National Archives App - allows students to access primary documents from the National Archive. This app is great for providing historical context to a literary work!
8. PicCollage - an app that allows students to create digital posters. Students can use photos, stickers, texts, or other pictures to create their very own poster!
9. WordPress - an app that allows students to create their own blog within an educational setting. Classmates, parents, and teachers can view the blog. Students practice personal writing while mastering technology. 
10. Grammar Up - an app that quizzes students on different topics within grammar. Great for test prep and review!

How Can Students Assess Their Own Performance

      Many times, the teacher is the sole provider of feedback in the classroom. However, it is important for the students to be able to assess their own work. Some of the ways that I have incorporated this form of assessment is by having the students peer edit each other's work. By doing this activity, students not only develop the skills they need to provide constructive criticism, but they also learn that about the different perspectives that are present in the classroom. Another way in which I have students assess their own work is to talk with them one on one. Although time is always an issue, I try to conference with each student one on one, especially after they have submitted a major paper or assignment. I always start the conference by asking the students how they think they did, what difficulties they had, and what they would do differently if they had the opportunity to try again. I think this practice is important because it teaches the students to reflect upon their own works. If students can develop strong metacognitive skills, they will learn the tools they need to improve upon their work and they will develop a sense of pride and responsibility when it comes to completing a task.

My Evolution

       When I first started my student teaching, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get the kids to quiet down and do their work. After all, I'm only three years older than they are! I wouldn't listen to me either!
       However, I have discovered that teaching is more of a give and take relationship. Although I am somewhat stern, I have realized that you just have to let kids be kids. I can't get upset over every little side conversation because then I would spend the whole day being upset. I have learned how flexible one must be in order to be a teacher. I have also learned that being a little bit nice goes a long way. If I can show the students that actually care about their well-being, they are more likely to cooperate with me. I have achieved this in several ways: by staying after school with them, by going to school events, and, sometimes, having short conversations about how they are before starting class. The students respond well and it allows them to see that I actually do care. In terms of evolution, my flexibility has developed tenfold.

SMARTBoard Lesson

This is a lesson I created on Romeo and Juliet using the SMART Notebook program.

Pinterest Educational Resouces

This is a list of educational resources that I compiled using www.pinterest.com. I thought this website was just for pictures and for planning weddings, but I found some great stuff for teachers on there, too!

http://pinterest.com/kaycteacher/teaching-resources/