Jessica

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I believe that every child is given the right to receive the best free, public education that is possible. Regardless of the child's abilities, previous accomplishments, home life, etc., each child is entitled to learn to his or her fullest ability. As an educator, it is my duty to reach my students where they are cognitively, emotionally, and physically. I need to offer a safe and welcoming environment where my students can feel comfortable and willing to learn. I need students to feel that they can go out on a limb, share their seemingly crazy idea, and not fear social repercussions from their peers. In my classroom, put downs and bullying are simply not tolerated, ever. Such behavior is never appropriate and is never okay. Every child in my classroom community will be included and valued for all that they offer to our community learning experiences. ======

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I have learned that it is vital for me to personally know each of my students. By learning about their past, and engaging myself in their present and future lives, I can show my students through my actions, that I truly do care. I try to meet my students where they are emotionally, and I am sensitive to their perspectives on a variety of things, both inside and out of our classroom. By doing this, I believe we can have a truer sense of community within our classroom. I can better get to know my students through investing in them inside and outside of the classroom. If I have a student who is incredibly proud of his after school soccer team and they have games twice a week, why shouldn't I make an effort to attend a game here and there? I can discover the personal interests of students based on the everyday discussions they engage in together and with me. I may also have students vote during class: should we read "Arthur" or "The Bernstein Bears" next? As a teacher I should find ways to gear my instruction towards such interests of my students. ======

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I believe that it is also my duty as an educator to make learning fun, exciting and intrinsically motivating. My hope is to teach my students to love to learn. Gradually, I hope that my students learn to teach themselves. I hope that they gain the skills necessary to inquire about their own worlds, and the motivation to seek out answers to whatever their minds wonder. I am able to create fun and exciting lessons by being enthusiastic about my own lessons. I also try to have students do as many hands on activities as possible. This way, students are truly discovering and learning by doing. I believe that the love of learning is the most important thing I can instill in any child. I n order to deliver quality instruction to my students, thoughtful planning is required. When planning lessons there is much for a teacher to consider- what are the current levels of each of my students? What are the interests of my students? How can I maintain student engagement throughout my lesson? What can I do to better utilize research based practices within my lessons?======

Framework

The domains of teaching work together for classroom success. If a teacher does not effectively address all domains, learning may be stunted and not grow to it's fullest potential. Quality teaching bears quality learning.

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 * Domain 1: Planning**

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**What Needs to be taught?** In this area, a teacher must take the time to learn about what their students already know. This can be done through formal and informal assessments. The teacher also needs to gauge what specifically they want the students to take from the lesson being taught.======

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**How can it best be taught?** Differentiation in the lesson may be necessary in order to meet the variance of student understanding of the material being studied, student interests or student learning styles. Can this lesson be taught as a whole group and then reinforced in small groups? Is it best to present and practice these skills entirely in a small group?======

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**Consideration of family input should be taken, a teacher should develop ways for lessons to carry over at home in an easy, parent-friendly way.** As a teacher, I should attempt to extend learning beyond the bounds of our classroom. I should develop ways for parents to help reinforce skills at home in a quick and convenient way. For example, parents could play "I Spy" to reinforce color recognition with children.======

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in a logical and predictable format. As a teacher, I shouldn't focus on a science lesson about tropical rainforest ecosystems on Monday, teach a lesson on Tuesday that focuses on properties of air and then return to animals of the rainforest on Wednesday. That is illogical, not to mention confusing for children. Lessons should be presented in an appropriate sequence.======

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**Consider ways for students to think about this lesson and make as many personal connections as possible to the lesson's content.** As a teacher, I need to consider how my lessons may speak to my students. If I am teaching something such as Chinese traditions, I need to relate this to the traditions of my students. For example, I may have students compare their style of dress to kimono style dress. As a teacher plans their lessons, he or she should be cognizant of how they may affect children who have experienced trauma. A child who has experienced a house fire will likely react differently to a fire safety unit than a child who hasn't had such experiences.======

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This is the location where learning takes place for students and teachers. It is the shared physical space where members of the classroom community interact with one another.======

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[[#x-Classroom management systems must be employed. (ie: behavioral system, classroom code of conduct, daily routine and schedule)**For example, a behavior system needs to be put in place, such as a positive behavior intervention system. In addition, some children may need individual behavior charts to help them focus on personal goals. Students should be involved in the process of creating a classroom code of conduct. What do they value or want to see in their classroom? Why is it important that we use nice words with one another? A routine or schedule should be developed, posted and followed. This is particularly important in early childhood and special education. Deviations from normal routines and schedules should be brought to the attention of students so they are able to anticipate changes in their day. **Teaching strategies are implemented for academic and "life" learning.** This is the location where lessons are taught. The lessons being taught aren't necessarily academic all the time. In addition to preparing students for assessments, teachers have the obligation to prepare students for life. If an issue arises that is affecting multiple people in the classroom community, a teacher should take the time to address it with students. **Learner differences are observed and tracked.** A child may not be responding well to a science experiment involving students testing the buoyancy of their popsicle stick rafts. Maybe the child's sensory needs create anxiety when the child has to touch water. Maybe, he or she thinks this project is stupid, perhaps this student understood buoyancy already because he or she read about it in the textbook. It's up to the teacher to find ways to reach out to students. How can a teacher ignite a desire to engage in learning for each student? **Research is conducted through simple observations and formal data collection.** Written tests are not the only way to collect data about student achievement. Teachers need to observe the actions that students take and be mindful of conversations that students have with one another and with their teacher. **Relationships with students and other staff are built and nurtured. It isn't just important for teachers to be considerate of their interactions with students, they also need to build and nurture relationships with other teachers and professionals. Doing so can create a shared community in which teachers are able to problem solve together, share teaching strategies and collaborate about student needs. In special education, teachers having positive relationships with therapists can be critical. Therapists can often pick up on valuable nuances with children they work with one on one or in small groups.]]**Classroom management systems must be employed. (ie: behavioral system, classroom code of conduct, daily routine and schedule)**For example, a behavior system needs to be put in place, such as a positive behavior intervention system. In addition, some children may need individual behavior charts to help them focus on personal goals. Students should be involved in the process of creating a classroom code of conduct. What do they value or want to see in their classroom? Why is it important that we use nice words with one another? A routine or schedule should be developed, posted and followed. This is particularly important in early childhood and special education. Deviations from normal routines and schedules should be brought to the attention of students so they are able to anticipate changes in their day.======

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 * Teaching strategies are implemented for academic and "life" learning.** This is the location where lessons are taught. The lessons being taught aren't necessarily academic all the time. In addition to preparing students for assessments, teachers have the obligation to prepare students for life. If an issue arises that is affecting multiple people in the classroom community, a teacher should take the time to address it with students.======

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 * Learner differences are observed and tracked.** A child may not be responding well to a science experiment involving students testing the buoyancy of their popsicle stick rafts. Maybe the child's sensory needs create anxiety when the child has to touch water. Maybe, he or she thinks this project is stupid, perhaps this student understood buoyancy already because he or she read about it in the textbook. It's up to the teacher to find ways to reach out to students. How can a teacher ignite a desire to engage in learning for each student?======

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 * Research is conducted through simple observations and formal data collection.** Written tests are not the only way to collect data about student achievement. Teachers need to observe the actions that students take and be mindful of conversations that student======

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 * Relationships with students and other staff are built and nurtured.** It isn't just important for teachers to be considerate of their interactions with students, they also need to build and nurture relationships with other teachers and professionals. Doing so can create a shared community in which teachers are able to problem solve together, share teaching strategies and collaborate about student needs. In special education, teachers having positive relationships with therapists can be critical. Therapists can often pick up on valuable nuances with children they work with one on one or in small groups.======

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**Motivate students to learn by creating a desire to discover throughout the classroom.** Classrooms shouldn't be a dreaded place. Teachers should strive for their classrooms to be a fun and engaging environment built for exploration and discovery.======

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 * Develop a classroom community of welcomeness and a sense of acceptance/ belonging.** Students will find themselves more comfortable, and thus, more ready to learn if they are able to have a sense of belonging in the classroom community. If a child is fearful of his or her peers, they are much less likely to engage in the learning environment and benefit from lessons being taught.======

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**Have an anticipatory set (not all the time, but at least 2/3 the time).** It is unrealistic to have a grand entrance for every lesson a teacher teaches. However, teachers should strive to find motivating and inviting openings to their lessons. A simple personal connection to a lesson's opening can draw in students for the long haul.======

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**Let students know the objective (my goal becomes our goal)** Cluing students in on what they are striving for is important. It not only brings them aboard on the lesson, but, it allows them to see purpose and share a common vision with the teacher.======

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 * Children are encouraged to think critically and independently through independent practice.** Allow the students to attempt the task independently, but be available to offer assistance as it is necessary.======

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**Research is conducted.** Teachers should strive to remain current in research by attending conferences and reading professional journals. Teacher findings in the research should be considered to be implemented in the classroom.======

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[[#x-Relationships are built and maintained with students, staff, families and other professionals in this field.** Teachers should strive to know each of their students on a personal level. They should also reach out to parents and let them know that they are willing to work together, with parents, to accomplish the goals of each student in the classroom community. Teachers should work to have as many positive relationships as possible within the field of education. Other educators can provide a wealth of advice from their varying experiences with children. Principals and therapists are especially beneficial for teachers to have on board as they navigate the seas of teaching. **Parent- teacher communication is initiated and maintained throughout the year (both for positives and negatives).** When a child finally understands how to decode information to solve a word problem, after having struggled for two weeks, I believe a phone call to the child's parents is in order (or, at the very least, a positive note home). If a teacher only calls home to share negative experiences that occur at school, it may damage paret- teacher communication and motivation for parent involvement. Beyond that, teachers can utilize classroom newsletters to keep families informed about upcoming events/ units. **Support students in extra-curricular activities . As a teacher, why not attend dance recitals or little league games for students? This will help students to see that you value them, their talents and their interests. Not to mention, it can provide some time for parent- teacher communication. Even if a teacher can only make it for 15 minutes, that is 15 more minutes of involvement that a child may value. In some situations, the 15 minutes spent by a teacher may be the only support that shows up for a child.]]**Relationships are built and maintained with students, staff, families and other professionals in this field.** Teachers should strive to know each of their students on a personal level. They should also reach out to parents and let them know that they are willing to work together, with parents, to accomplish the goals of each student in the classroom community. Teachers should work to have as many positive relationships as possible within the field of education. Other educators can provide a wealth of advice from their varying experiences with children. Principals and therapists are especially beneficial for teachers to have on board as they navigate the seas of teaching.======

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 * Parent- teacher communication is initiated and maintained throughout the year (both for positives and negatives).** When a child finally understands how to decode information to solve a word problem, after having struggled for two weeks, I believe a phone call to the child's parents is in order (or, at the very least, a positive no======

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te home). If a teacher only calls home to share negative experiences that occur at school, it may damage paret- teacher communication and motivation for parent involvement. Beyond that, teachers can utilize classroom newsletters to keep families informed about upcoming events/ units.======

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 * Support students in extra-curricular activities .** As a teacher, why not attend dance recitals or little league games for students? This will help students to see that you value them, their talents and their interests. Not to mention, it can provide some time for parent- teacher communication. Even if a teacher can only make it for 15 minutes, that is 15 more minutes of involvement that a child may value. In some situations, the 15 minutes spent by a teacher may be the only support that shows up for a child.======

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**Mentor.** New teachers need mentors. Having someone to show you the ropes and respond to procedural questions can be invaluable in building new teacher confidence. Having someone to turn to for advice on handling a sticky situation with parents, or how to handle a behavior situation in the classroom can equip a teacher and help them become better acclimated in the world of education. Once a teacher has reached a level of stability in their classroom and greater school community, they can work to return the favor and assist in mentoring new staff.======

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**Plan for and facilitate CSE/ CPSE meetings.** This is the main event of the academic year for special education teachers. It is time to present student abilities, struggles, suggestions for goals and advocate for the best accommodations/ modifications to help students reach goals. As a special education teacher, it is this person's responsibility to allow everyone to be involved in any decision making processes. Maximizing parental involvement at these meetings is critical. The goals being created at this meeting need to be carefully considered and should be goals that help a student to meet state standards.======

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 * Track IEP goals and observations for each child.** If IEP goals are not being tracked, teachers will not know if any progress has been made towards goals. Furthermore, they will know less about what the best goals may be for the next academic year for their students.======

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**Attend regular staff development.** Staff development is necessary to keep staff informed. It not only keeps everyone in the loop with procedural changes or policy changes, but it also provides teaching strategies, and at times, team building experiences with other staff.======

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 * Initiate regular team meetings/ team communication to keep all staff on the same page.** Communication is key. Regular meetings should be held in any collaborative environment. It will help both teachers to stay on the same page with each child, assist therapists in gearing sessions towards classroom units/ themes and helps to create a whole picture of each child when everyone shares their experiences they have had with each child.======

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