So how are you preparing? It is going to be mentally, physically and emotionally challenging, but I know that we are very prepared for it and by the time January roles around, we are going to be confident in all of the training and knowledge we have acquired. Considering how edTPA is going to be the bulk and focus of most of our student teaching experience, I am working on preparing a plan to thoroughly organize my schedule, course work and class data so that I can work at being proficient on all levels of teaching. Even though our licensure doesn't hinge on if we are 100% on EdTPA, it is going to be better for us if we work toward total proficiency anyway. EdTPA is really a great tool for us to see how we as teachers perform and how we can get our students to perform. Being able to actually see how our instruction works in harmony with the students understanding and how we can improve learning for them and teaching from us is such a great experience. It can only help us as teachers to know what works and what doesn't. That is why differentiation is so important. Students learn differently and we have the task of figuring out the best methods to encourage and facilitate. Plus, not only do we need to nail our edTPA data, we will be running the classroom for 10 weeks straight as part of our requirements for student teaching. This will be so different than our (pop in once or twice a week and help with a lesson or two) classroom time this year. We will get the FULL experience of steering the ship. Am I nervous? Let's just say I am confident and positive, but I am still in need of more time in to really find my groove I believe. Pressure has always been a positive aspect of life for me. I work well in that situation. Kind of like jumping into a cold pool, it is better to just get in there all the way. Dipping your toe in will not give you the full experience or the confidence that it is not so bad. Some of the ways I plan on getting organized and ready for action is knocking out some of our requirements over the time we have between this semester and next. I will be spending some quality time outdoors and with my family, BUT, I will not let time go by that could be used toward the completion of some of our projects for next year, or at least getting them started. The more we can accomplish now, the less we have on our plate next semester. I had a meeting with Dr. Parker this week and he encouraged me in this. We all know by now that if he recommends something, it is a good idea to follow through with it to help us down the road! Other ways I will be preparing is studying great lesson plans, digging into more pedagogy (developing my philosophy), continue to research best strategies and practices for classroom management, and WRITING IMPORTANT DATES down in my calendar. Mostly dates with my wife :) But also my school's dates, due dates and important projects that I want to have done. This not only will help with next semester but also setting goals for my future classroom.
This correlates with standard 5A:
Teachers think systematically and critically about student learning in their classrooms and schools: why learning happens and what can be done to improve achievement. Teachers collect and analyze student performance data to improve school and classroom effectiveness. They adapt their practice based on research and data to best meet the needs of students.
My hope is the EdTPA will help me develop a better understanding of how students can perform and how I could redirect my instruction to help them better. This is all a learning process and we will all benefit from it in the long run. But for now, we can complain a little right? :) From Teachhub.com, I found this checklist to be helpful for when we get closer to having our own classroom. The number one on the list was:
1. Create a Back to School Pre-Planning Checklist
This will help you identify all of your classroom responsibilities and think about all the major details involved ahead of time. It helps to divide the checklist into areas of importance—such as essential and instructional jobs. As you go through the checklist, be sure to mark off each task as you complete it.Checklists are a great tool to make sure you are knocking out your todos! I like to use Google Calendars and WUNDERLIST. With this app, you can create personal, shared and group lists as well as email and text them to others. I hope to use what I am learning from edTPA to further develop an idea for my future classroom. Each year, we will get a new set of kids with different backgrounds, learning styles, interests and motivations. The more we can learn now, the better.
Resources:
http://www.teachhub.com/back-school-10-ways-teachers-can-prepare
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/august-new-teacher-survival-guide
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/your-checklist-get-ready-first-day-school
No comments:
Post a Comment