Week 14 Reflection

Week 14 Reflection

Sarah Gilbert

Friday, November 20, 2015

Week Rating: 5

Questions to end the week:

What pleasant surprises/accomplishments did I achieve this week?

This week has gone by very, very well.  I had my final meeting with my university supervisor and successfully completed the teaching portion of student teaching!  I still have the portfolio to go!

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

This week has been amazing.  The students know that I will be leaving next week, and they have been so sweet and caring. We have had some issues with one student this week with poor attitude and defiance, which has never been an issue with him before.  We were letting the students read on the Big Universe app on their iPads, and I noticed that every time I got closer to him, he would move his iPad away from what I could see.  When I was sure that he was intentionally doing this, I told him to bring me his iPad, which was on the home screen.  I checked the iPad history, and the last app used was Safari.  When I checked the search history, the latest 10 searches on the iPad was “naked nice girls”!  I was shocked and had no idea how to handle this, so I took the iPad straight to my CE, who took it directly to the principal.  I never imagined that an eight-year-old would search for those kind of things.  My CE was not very shocked, but she was very upset.  We learned that students do not need to be in the reading centers and reading caves with their iPad out of view from us at all times.  I will never make that mistake again.

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

I have successfully finished teaching! I have submitted my portfolio for edits, and will work on the suggestions as I get them.

What could I have spent more or less time doing?

This week, I have gotten a lot of portfolio documents finished.  I finished up my professional development, global awareness, CE observations, dispositions, and final observations form this week, as well as putting extra touches on other documents as well.

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

Apprehension was only a concern in the iPad incident.  I did have the slightest idea how to handle the situation and was absolutely shocked that it had occurred at all. I included my CE in the event immediately to find out what to do, and she took it to the principal.   

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

Next week, I will be observing other teachers, and hopefully arranging a visit to another school in the county.  I will be preparing my observation papers this weekend. 

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

This week, was progress monitoring again, as well as another portfolio standard.  Progress monitoring data will be evaluated after Thanksgiving Break

North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards

·             Standard 1a – Teachers lead their classrooms:  I have definitely been leading the classroom in every way I can. 

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

More small group instruction has been better integrated into the math lessons, which I am still nervous about.

·             Standard 3b – Teachers know the content appropriate to their teaching specialty:   This week, my CE had to demonstrate a few of the things in the flipcharts to me the day before I taught them since the processes are so much different than what I learned. 

·             Standard 4b – Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students:  This week’s lessons are not very integrated, but we have still learned both subjects thoroughly.  I am very proud of my students this week, and I realize how much I will miss them.

·             Standard 5c – Teachers function effectively in a complex, dynamic environment: This week has been very challenging with one student, and in many cases handing seventeen was easier than working with the one student who had a difficult week.  It has been very hectic this week, but so amazing at the same time.

Other:

·             Components of the portfolio started/completed:

o    Sent in for edits

·             My CE does not need anything from Dr. Parker at this time.

·             Question for Dr. Parker – When will we be getting the licensure form to be signed?

Week 13 Reflection

Week 13 Reflection

Sarah Gilbert

Friday, November 13, 2015

Week Rating: 5

Questions to end the week:

What pleasant surprises/accomplishments did I achieve this week?

This week has gone by very well.  I have gotten amazing compliments this week from my CE, as well as other teachers here.  A second grade teacher across the hall told me yesterday evening that she had stood outside my door for a brief moment that day and listened to one of my lessons, and that she was very impressed with and how it was going!  I’m not sure which lesson she heard, but it made me so happy!  My CE has given me lots of compliments on my math instruction this week, which has been where a huge part of my focus is. 

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

This week has been eventful with my evidences meeting and fourth evaluation, and I now know which specific standards that I still need to work on.  The specific help is awesome to help me finish up next week with the last few standards I need.  This weekend, as well as next week, will involve a lot of portfolio work.  I have several components finished, but I still to compile them all together and assemble my livebinder.  The videos and the screencasts are the hardest part.

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

Both my CE and my US given me a lot of compliments with my math instruction, and I have definitely made a lot of improvement in math.  I am also more confident in math, which I think was a lot of my problem to begin with.  This has improved in the last two weeks, which also helped the standards to be checked off, which is awesome!

What could I have spent more or less time doing?

This week, I wish I could have gotten more portfolio things done.  Although it is progressing well, living in a place that cannot get internet access is frustrating when so many things have to be uploaded and downloaded.  It can be frustrating.

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

Indecision wasn’t a problem this week, and apprehension has not been too much of an issue either. Some things are annoying when it comes to having the “student teacher” title, like not having access to the Renaissance Learning site or not having a key card to get back in from recess on my own. Other than that, this week has been really great.

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

I have officially planned my last week of lessons, so next week will be spent working on organizing a lot of portfolio requirements. 

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

This week, we looked at the progress monitoring data from last week.  Flex groups aren’t changing until January, but there are already some that I know will be moving out of my Tier 2 group, as well as some coming in.  It is good to know that the students are improving.

North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards

·             Standard 1a – Teachers lead their classrooms:  I have definitely been leading the classroom in every way I can. 

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

More small group instruction has been better integrated into the math lessons, which I am still nervous about.

·             Standard 3b – Teachers know the content appropriate to their teaching specialty:   This week, we have started the most dreaded thing in math; putting letters into mathematics.  While the students are understanding it just fine now, I know how much a pain this will cause them later, so I want to give them as much practice with it as I can, so they will be more prepared for it later.

·             Standard 4b – Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students:  The lessons for next week are not as integrated as I would prefer them to be, but my CE approved it since it takes so long to teach the three branches of government to the students.  She said that since we only have social studies three times a week, it could easily take two weeks to teach government.  I just wish I could integrate it with the reading lessons.

·             Standard 5c – Teachers function effectively in a complex, dynamic environment: This week has been less hectic than last week, by far, but having one day off through them off as well.  On Tuesday, our Veteran’s Day program went 30 minutes longer than what we expected, and then I had 45 minutes to teach both reading and math (which is normally an hour each).  I was worried that I was going too fast, but my CE told me that I did awesome, which made me very happy.

Other:

·             Components of the portfolio started/completed:

o    PDP – in progress (updates are shared)

o    Professional Development updated and completed

o    Student Work Samples collected

o    Unit completed

·             My CE does not need anything from Dr. Parker at this time.

·             I do not need anything from Dr. Parker at this time.  Thank you for meeting with me this week!

Week 12 Reflection

Week 12 Reflection

Sarah Gilbert

Thursday November 6, 2015

Week Rating: 4

Questions to end the week:

What pleasant surprises/accomplishments did I achieve this week?

In my opinion, this week has gone by very well, although very slowly.  The kids were seemed to be harder to handle than usual, and I’m not entirely sure why.  The rain keeping them indoors this has not helped at all.  We are all stir-crazy, including myself.  I am ready for some sunshine!  We finished module 2 in math this week, and we did a review and a test.  The students did very well on the review, and I am still in process of grading the assessments.

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

The past two weeks, I have been really focusing on math.  I have watched myself improve in math as well as engagement.  My CE has also given me several compliments on improvement in math as well.  I will continue to work on this next week!

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

For the PDP, I gave Mrs. Lawson my planned parent involvement night materials last week, and we are slowly working on our paperclip chain for attendance.

What could I have spent more or less time doing?

As always, I feel like I could have spent more time planning for next week.  I think that no matter how much I plan and prepare, I will never feel like I am completely covered.  I have planned and studied a lot for next week, and I feel good about starting the week.  Recording my lesson previews has been beneficial, but not quite as much as the daily recording, and the daily feedback from my CE has been awesome.

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

Indecision wasn’t a problem this week, but apprehension has been.  Apprehension and anxiety is always an issue for me.  I am stressing about next week already, and this week isn’t even over yet.

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

As always, the first steps for next week is to get a head start on planning.  I have already started planning lessons for the week after next.

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

This week has been progress monitoring, and my CE had to P.M. with every single student.  She was finally able to finish, and so we will be looking at that data next week.

North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards

·             Standard 1a – Teachers lead their classrooms:  I have definitely been leading the classroom in every way I can.  I am also beginning to become a little more involved in school activities.  I may be judging the 3-5 spelling bee on the 20^th, which will be fun.

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

This week, during our math groups, I followed my group of students who struggle in math around, coaching them for the methods needed in each problem. 

·             Standard 3b – Teachers know the content appropriate to their teaching specialty:   Last week, we got a little bit confused with rounding numbers and the standard algorithm, but this week they shone.  It was amazing.  I only have a couple of students who confuse themselves during rounding, and then they can easily work it out.  I have a couple of students who just want to make sure they are doing the correct thing.

·             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 am also working to find more ways to boost my effectiveness in planning and teaching.  I have also been working to continue to integrate subject areas more thoroughly. 

·             Standard 5c – Teachers function effectively in a complex, dynamic environment: This week, we have not been able to go outside!  We have all gone crazy, and it was obvious today.  I am ready for this weekend!

Other:

·             Components of the portfolio started/completed:

o   PDP – in progress (updates are shared)

o   Professional Development updated

o    o   Student Work Samples collected

·             My CE does not need anything from Dr. Parker at this time.

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

Week 11 Reflection

Sarah Gilbert

Thursday October 30, 2015

Week Rating: 3

Questions to end the week:

What pleasant surprises/accomplishments did I achieve this week?

This week has been especially busy, and I am exhausted, but in a happy way.  The week didn’t get off to a great start, but it got better, and I proved to myself it could be better.  The best part of this week has been the increased excitement of my students in math.  Math is my hardest subject area, and I have been working very hard at better engagement in math, so I can see how it has helped. 

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

This week, I have worked hard in making my hooks better and more engaging, and I have noticed how these have lessened side conversations during math.  Friday was absolutely crazy due to Halloween, and while we were absolutely crazy, and while we were silly during our lesson, we were productive silly.

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

I am still working on efficiently planning lessons.  Daily recording of math has been very helpful, and I am very thankful for the daily feedback, and the very specific feedback that I have been receiving from my CE.

What could I have spent more or less time doing?

As always, I feel like I could have spent more time planning for next week.  I think that no matter how much I plan and prepare, I will never feel like I am completely covered.  Recording my lesson previews has been beneficial, but not quite as much as the daily recording, but the daily feedback from my CE has been awesome.

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

Indecision wasn’t a problem this week, but apprehension has.  I am constantly afraid of doing something wrong, and it has definitely been getting to me this week.  I am in the mindset (and I’m not sure how I got there) that if I make the smallest mistake, it means the worst will happen.  This is usually my response to this section, but it is constantly relevant.  I feel like there is constantly someone watching over my shoulder for the smallest error on my part.

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

As always, the first steps for next week is to get a head start on planning.  Again, I don’t think that it is possible to start planning too early.  As for mental clutter, this week has been highly evaluated, and next week will be as well, I’m sure.  I need to prepare for next week, as well as focus on all of the positive notes that my CE has given me this week.

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

While the MAP progress monitoring occurred last week, the scores did not change my flex group at all.  While most of my students improved, none of them placed out of my group, and no more came into it either.

North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards

·             Standard 1a – Teachers lead their classrooms:  I have definitely been leading the classroom in every way I can.  I am also beginning to become a little more involved in school activities.  Since I could not attend the parent involvement night, I planned one of my own.  I do not know if Mrs. Lawson will ever use it, but I planned it and provided all needed materials. 

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

This week, I pulled two students to work with them individually with rounding numbers.  While working with me, they both grasped the concept very quickly.  I was so proud of them.

·             Standard 3b – Teachers know the content appropriate to their teaching specialty:   This week, we have been working with the standard algorithm as well as estimating and adding numbers, which was confusing at first, but overall, the students caught on very quickly.  I worked with two students to help them grasp the concept, and they both picked up on it very quickly when I worked with them separately.  They went on to solve several more problems on their own, and I was very proud.

·             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 am also working to find more ways to boost my effectiveness in planning and teaching.  I have also been working to continue to integrate subject areas more thoroughly. 

·             Standard 5c – Teachers function effectively in a complex, dynamic environment: This week, we have been all over the place, with Halloween excitement from the kids, fire safety day, field trip day, and my being sick, it feels like it has been an up and down week, but reflecting upon it, I can see successes in the week.

Other:

·             Components of the portfolio started/completed:

o   PDP – in progress (updates are shared)

o   Global Awareness updated

o   Professional Development updated

o   Parent Involvement Night planned and delivered to Mrs. Lawson

o   Student Work Samples collected

·             My CE does not need anything from Dr. Parker at this time.

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