Week 4 Reflection

Sarah Gilbert

Friday, September 11, 2015

Week Rating: 3

Questions to end the week:

What pleasant surprises/accomplishments did I achieve this week?

I began to teach math this week.  I was very nervous as to how I would do, especially since I had not seen the MIF flipchart since last week, but it went very well, and Mrs. Lawson agreed.

What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?

This week, I kept putting off planning until I had a computer, since I was told by RCS personnel it would coming within a couple of day (that was last week).  However, when it didn’t come as quickly as I had hoped, I was behind; but not by much.  I still had time, but then I got sick, which made it worse, as I couldn’t work for two days since I was throwing up.  Now I have my macbook, but I can’t login without being on the RCS network, so waiting was not helpful anyway.

How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?

Although this week was not the best, I still am successful in the area of classroom management, and it shows more each day.

What could I have spent more or less time doing?

This week, I could have spent more time planning for next week, but I was hopeful that my macbook would be delivered, and then I got sick, which put me behind.

How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?

This week, the biggest things that impacted me were the lack of MacBook.  It has been very frustrating.  I finally received it today, since the school’s PE teacher lives in the same county I do, and was nice enough to deliver it.  However, I am not on the school network, so I cannot log in.

What is the first logical steps for next week?  What mental clutter can I clear?

The first steps for next week are to plan, no matter what happens.  Due to previous experiences, the events of the last two days has gotten me very upset and anxious, and I do need to calm down from that before next week starts.

What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help did it help guide your decisions?

This week has been jammed full of assessments.  We had the BOG test in reading and mClass Benchmarks.  We will be analyzing the results of this data next week.

North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards

·             Standard 1a – Teachers lead their classrooms:  Even though I was only able to teach two days this week, I still feel that I am gaining ground here. 

·             Standard 2d -Teachers adapt their teaching for the benefit of students with special needs:

I have been able to work directly with students who need extra help with classroom assessments, and I have loved being able to do it.

·             Standard 3b – Teachers know the content appropriate to their teaching specialty:  Learning the new methods of multiplication and division instruction are still challenging, but I am working extra hard to keep ahead of my own planning.

·             Standard 4b – Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students:  This week, I have been planning the lessons that I will be teaching next week.  I have used the county curriculum websites as well as a lot of Mrs. Lawson’s help to make sure that the lessons are appropriate for eight and nine year olds.  This is challenging without full access to the LIF and MIF.

·             Standard 5c – Teachers function effectively in a complex, dynamic environment:  The past few weeks have been very hectic due to assessments.  Mrs. Lawson mentioned the other day that I have yet to see a “normal” week of school because of how everything has to be turned upside down for assessments.  This is sort of frustrating, seeing as I will be taking over full time before I see a “normal” week.

Other:

·             Components of the portfolio started/completed:

o   Classroom Website published

o   Permission Forms collected for one-on-one students

o   Technology Tools

o   Résumé

o   Philosophy of Education

·             As far as I know, Mrs. Lawson does not need anything from Dr. Parker at this time.

·             I do not need anything from Dr. Parker at this time.