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?