First Year Portfolio

Planning and Instruction

"Teach a child how to think, not what to think." - Sidney Sugarman

Over-plan
Make sure students know how they will benefit from the lesson
Allow for hands on and collaborative activities
Know what to do and how to do it well
Build in relevance
Capture the students' attention
Appeal to their diverse learning styles
Make success achievable
Pace the instruction so that students can work with purpose
Keep them busy from the start of class until the very last minute
Build in a Plan B just in case things don't go as planned.

Technology In The Classroom

Since the pandemic, technology has become synonymous with learning. I have been fortunate to be a part of cross-curriculum activities that takes science and integrate it with technology by having students create their vision of a community and create a website to promote that community.

A student class schedule.

I was given the opportunity to lead math and language instructional time blocks. My math lessons included financial literacy and probability and for language, descriptive writing as well as reading engagements with poetry and short stories. Planning and instructions included differential instructions and UDL, attempts to engage in different learning styles and readiness; some of which were more effective than others. It was a learning and assessment period for both my students and I.

Assessment and Evaluation are key components in progression (both for the student and for the teacher).

Learning Goals and Success Criteria are posted along the walls, visible for students and are revisited to ensure they are meeting the success criteria.

Student Science Model

Our prize winning ‘Still I Rise’ decorated door.

Exceptional Students

A part of my exceptional experience includes creating an inclusive learning environment through differentiated instructions and universal design for learning activities. Scaffolding instructions were also necessary to fill the gaps in learning. Lesson planning was predicated on students' engagement in lessons based on how they learn (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, in groups or by themselves), as well as their readiness, interests, and learning preferences.

Physical Education

Oakdale Park Middle School offers a range of co-curricular activities. It was a pleasure getting involved with their girls volleyball team.

Professional Development

Assessment and Evaluation acts as valuable measures for growth and progression, not only for student but also for teachers. My time thus far has been spent being a consistent professional by being punctual, reliable, accessible, amiable, and assertive, which are important to foster relationships with my students and school community. Even if it means showing up during reading week to fulfill a prior commitment to the school body.As a teacher candidate, there needs to be constant reflection on my role and its effect on my students as well as their learning outcomes. As a first year candidate, I have been afforded access to sound feedback, which is helping me to develop my skills and teaching practice. I look forward to the year ahead to learn new things and to build upon the tools and knowledge gained this year.

Since I have been a part of the school community, I attended staff meetings, which provided much insight of not only how the school functions but also the inner workings of the Board.

Outside of the classroom, we were given an opportunity to engage with the school community at large. We were involved with a school-wide Black History month door decoration activity. We were also appointed to be judges of the contest and later prepared the newsletter highlighting the month’s activities.

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