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Current Understanding (December 2007): Many of my beliefs about Collaboration, Ethics, and Relationships have not changed much over the past semester, however, I wanted to expand on some of the topics I discussed previously. To create an effective learning environment, teacher's need to collaborate about students, topics of study, and issues in the school. This collaboration greatly benefits all involved. One of my artifacts is the Interdisciplinary Unit that I created with a classmate. This is just one example of a way in which teachers can work together to enrich student learning. Of course, collaboration comes in other forms as well. For instance, I have observed my cooperating teacher talk with her colleagues about specific students as they try to figure out certain educational or behavioral issues. This sort of teacher-to-teacher collaboration is a form of professional support, letting a teacher know that they are not alone during troubling matters. This cooperative effort is vital, especially for new teachers, and is something I will focus on when I begin teaching at a new school. It is also important that we are actively communicating with parents, as they are the best source of information about their child. Teachers should form open communication lines with parents early in the year, and make a point to involve them as necessary throughout the school year. Parent involvement with their child's school can have a positive impact on that child's learning. Teachers must also always remember that they are in school not only to influence the child's education, but also to support that child as a whole. My reflection Teaching the Whole Child specifically addresses some of those needs, particularly relating to middle school students. It is important that we address students needs or point them to a place where those needs can be addressed. Unfortunately, students may not have a lot of contact with other adults, so we must be positive role models that the students can trust. Finally, professionalism is essential for all educators. In a society that hears negative things about teachers, it is especially important that we act in a professional way at all times, both at school and in the community. I feel as though I have maintained professionalism throughout this program and will continue this through my teaching experiences. August 2007 Understanding: Learning happens throughout a child's life, which includes time spent in school as well as time spent outside of the classroom. A student's environment outside of the classroom can greatly impact that student's learning environment. Factors such as poverty, health issues, nutrition, family circumstances and others all play a role in that student's life. Understanding where a student is coming from outside of the classroom can help educators address certain needs inside the classroom. Although it is important to know our students, we as educators must also respect the privacy and confidentiality of student files. It is important to understand where a student's file is kept, what information it contains, and who you would need to talk to if you thought you needed to see something in that file. The Confidentiality and Mandated Reporting artifact is a reflection on these such topics and why they are so important for a school. Teacher's must work together in order to create the best learning environment possible for each individual student. This collaboration can benefit your entire classroom, not just a single student. Finally, educators must follow the mandatory reporting laws and regulations, which state that they must report any suspicion they might have that a child is being neglected or abused. A call should be made to the appropriate county agency within 24 hours of witnessing an event or having a suspicion. As a mandated reporter, your identity will always remain confidential. This is addressed in the aforementioned Confidentiality and Mandated Reporting artifact. Baseline Understanding: It is important that we strive to always be professional. This means that we maintain appropriate boundaries with students and other staff members. It also means that we dress appropriately for school and use proper language. We must also be open to forming relationships with all parties involved in the learning process, including students, parents/guardians, other educators, and community members. Return to Standard 10 |
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(507) 625-8256 l karipratt@charter.net |
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