2/20-2/23

 

Rate and explain your overall experience of the week: 1 - Very difficult to 5 - Great week

This week was a 5. It was a shorter week since we had a field trip Thursday and a teacher workday Friday. We all were so very excited to finally have a real workday with no meetings or classes. It feels good to have a day to reorganize and get prepared. The field trip was so much fun and the weather was beautiful for the picnic and outdoor time. The kids and their parents all had a wonderful time. 
Response to these questions to end your week:
Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week? I was able to reorganize some of the shelves and make some new works for the classroom.  It was so nice to see a certain student understand a new math skill. Another student was able to master some reading work that we have been working on. I do feel that completing my 3rd observation is an accomplishment. 
Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week? I am regrouping my math and reading intervention group. I also changed some seating arrangements to make the interventions work better during the work cycle. 
Focus: How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned? My short-term goal is to finish edTPA and the class which aligns with my long-term goal of graduation. 
Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing? I worked as hard as I could. I do wish that the day blackboard was out had not been because that really had me stressed out. 
Have Courage: How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do? I do not think apprehension and indecision had any impact on my week. 
Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear? I will be finished with edTPA so that is a huge weight off my shoulders. 
What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?
What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers? I looked at some math data and made some grouping decisions for math interventions. I also worked on some additional lessons that students need to review.

NC Teacher Candidate Standards (Be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer.)
Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 1b. Teachers demonstrate leadership in the school. I have been working on a Montessori Professional Development that I requested about deep engagement in the classroom. 
Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 2c. Teachers treat students as individuals. I was able to give a student a one-on-one lesson on something to support them in catching up. They understood it and completed a problem independently. 
Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 3b. Teachers know the content appropriate to their teaching specialty. I know the content I teach and I am improving all the time in my lesson presentations. 
Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 4b. Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students. I am using some of the feedback and suggestions from my observation to better plan my book club lesson for next week. 
Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 5a. Teachers analyze student learning I am constantly analyzing student learning through observations of them during the work cycle and also by looking at their independent work. 
Other:
What components of your edTPA and portfolio have you started to complete? Mostly finished Task 3
What support does your Clinical Educator need from your University Supervisor? None
What support do you need from your University Supervisor?  I appreciate all the support! Thank you! 

Week 6

 

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  Rate and explain your overall experience of the week: 1 - Very difficult to 5 - Great week This week was a 5. It seemed to go by quickly and the week ended with another successful Italy activity! We painted Fresco paintings after learning about Leonardo Da Vinci.
  
  
• Response to these questions to end your week:
• • Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week? I had a good week with my behavior student. This student showed self-control and was able at times to keep boundaries which is a considerable achievement. This week the kids worked very hard and I was able to stay on top of a lot extra interventions and lessons.
  • Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week? This week taught me to stay prepared and keep staying organized. This week could have felt very long had I not been as prepared and organized as I was. I did learn I can speak my mind and say no to things I do not want to do! I was offered a possibility of a different level and classroom for next year which I do not want so I turned it down.
  • Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned? My short-term goals are to finish edTPA and pass this semester so I can just enjoy my job without having to do the extra school work.
  • Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing? I am not sure I went 110% this week to get everything that needed to be done, done.
  • Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do? Apprehension about changing levels had me turn down that position, but I am Montessori trained for where I am. Maria Montessori says it takes 3-4 years to finally fall into your role as a Montessori teacher and I am there now so would not want to have to start over with a different plane of development.
  • Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear? I need to get this edTPA finished and that will be a huge mental relief!

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions? This week I looked over all my first graders' and intervention students math follow-ups and made lists of task force lessons that they needed. I grouped who I could into small groups and then worked with these students to make sure they understood what they were practicing.
• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers? I would say to stay prepared and very organized. I have a lan for each day and try to check off as much as I can each day,

• NC Teacher Candidate Standards (Be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer.)
• • Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 1a. Teachers lead in their classrooms. Teachers demonstrate leadership by taking responsibility for the progress of all students. By analyzing my students' work and making groups of students that needed task force lessons I was showing leadership in my classroom. 
  • Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 2b. Teachers embrace diversity in the school community and in the world. I was able to embrace diversity and teach global awareness to my students during an Italian art lesson. This lesson taught the students the contributions to the art technique of Fresco painting by Da Vinci. 
  • Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 3c. Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines. Montessori lessons naturally integrate standards. My Parts of the River lesson naturally integrated literacy, writing, and cultural all in one lesson this week. 
  • Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 4a. Teachers know the ways in which learning takes place, and they know the appropriate levels of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of their students. I know how my students learn and where they learn best. I was able to take our art lesson outdoors into our patio and also my book club retell lesson outside this week. I am very thankful we have outdoor extensions to our classrooms that are for outdoor learning. I knew my students needed a break from the indoor lessons and some fresh air. 
  • Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 5c. Teachers function effectively in a complex, dynamic environment. Montessori in itself is a research-based curriculum. This week I did use some research-based phonics lessons that address specific skills my students need to improve. 
• Other:
• What components of your edTPA and portfolio have you started to complete? Task 3, None
• What support does your Clinical Educator need from your University Supervisor? None
• What support do you need from your University Supervisor? None

Week 5

 

• Rate and explain your overall experience of the week: 1 - Very difficult to 5 - Great week- I would give this week a 5. Even though it seemed long and many days Ui had to stay late it was not a bad week. We had outdoor recess every day and Thursday and Friday were beautiful! I reviewed expectations this week such as how to gather materials needed for independent work, washing hands without splashing, and the expectations of the work cycle. It was difficult to stay on top of the expectations and reminders, but they needed it and my students had much better work cycles. My lessons went well except for one where one of my behavior students had to be excused from the lesson because of a lack of self-control.  This student had such wonderful work ethic during my Italy Pompeii mosaic lesson on Friday. They even asked to have a picture taken with me and their project. I believe the success of that lesson was being completely prepared, having the steps broken down into very small pieces, and modeling before they did each step. So this week I did accomplish completing a global awareness lesson and had my second observation completed. I always love to share the Montessori Curriculum! 
  
  "Cave Canem" means "Beware of the Dog in Latin". Homes in Pompeii had these in Mosaics on their homes because many had dogs as pets. 
  
  
• Response to these questions to end your week:
• Observe: What pleasant surprises/accomplishments did I achieve this week? I made it through the week not as exhausted as last week and I had my second observation. We made a new work plan for students which I am vert excited about since this will cut down on the afternoon work!
• Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week? We had a meeting about our Fundaments of Montessori goals and what we need to do to improve on those specific goals. Going back to the basics when the students are not meeting their expectations is something that needs to happen in community more often. I reviewed and modeled this week and the students were able to revert back to meeting those expectations. 
• Focus: How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?
• Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing? My short-term goals are to finish this semester and the edTPA. This aligns with my long-term goal of continuing to work in my classroom. 
• Have Courage: How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do? I was not courageous enough to not do something I already had said I didn't have time to do. I ended up doing it anyway and then had to stay late on Friday afternoon. 
• Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear? I need to continue to be prepared and organized. If I can ever just finish the edTPA that will be a huge mental declutter!
• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions? I analyzed student work and made a list for conferences with these students or have them on the list for a review list. I have 2 2nd grade students that are not understanding Magic 0 abstractly after receiving the lesson this week so I will review it and have them practice more with the Golden Bead material. I was able to analyze students' dictation and closed-syllable lessons. I am closely monitoring 2 students that are continuing to mix the short i and short e sounds. I also analyzed the work plans we were using and have made adjustments that will create more independence for the students. 
• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?
• NC Teacher Candidate Standards (Be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer.)
• Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 1e. Teachers demonstrate high ethical standards. I strive to model the correct voice levels, offering grace, and careful movements since these are what is expected of my students.  I have set high ethical standards for myself and my students. By me displaying respect towards my students and offering a positive learning environment, my students know they are expected to have mutual respect as well. 
• Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 2e. Teachers work collaboratively with the families and significant adults in the lives of their students. I send home a Monday letter every Monday that details the important dates and events coming up. It also updates the parents on classroom activities. This Monday newsletter is emailed to the parents as well. We have some wonderful room parents that organize a seasonal activity and snack each season. They are planning a Valentine's Day snack for next week. 
• Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 3d. Teachers make instruction relevant to students. By conferencing with a student that was not doing their best work, I was helping this student with their accountability. This student had some guidance with organizing their work area and work. It was apparent that this student needed help with some math so they received a Stamp game addition review lesson. Being held accountable and helping this student with personal responsibility and self-direction align with this NC teaching standard element. 
• Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 4b. Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students. I have my Montessori degree and have many years of experience in a Montessori classroom. Maria Montessori said that it takes 4 years for a Montessori teacher to fully develop into a teacher. I understand how my curriculum naturally aligns with the NC Teacher Standards and also how it is aligned to the standards. I plan my instruction based on our scope and sequence as well as the needs of my students. 
• Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element. 5b. Teachers link professional growth to their professional goals. My professional goals are to continue to grow as a Montessori teacher. I am currently enrolled in a Montessori Foundation course. I also am enrolled in an ASL course from Oklahoma school for the deaf. 
• Other:
• What components of your edTPA and portfolio have you started to complete? Task 2 and none
• What support does your Clinical Educator need from your University Supervisor? None
• What support do you need from your University Supervisor? None

Week 4

 

• Rate and explain your overall experience of the week: 1 - Very difficult to 5 - Great week

         This week was a 4. I was able to get in a lot of lessons and then even able to do all my make-up lessons for students that were absent today! I incorporated a very fun activity for layers of the soil on Thursday and it was really a fun activity for everyone! The bonus was it was edible! My students worked hard this week with their follow-up independent work. The lesson plans seemed to come a bit easier to write this week which was nice. I still would like to have them finished earlier in the week so I can try to actually get ahead with them. I am not sure though that is possible.

• Response to these questions to end your week:
• • Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week? I was very surprised when my student with behavior made a very good choice today when he needed something. This was a big achievement for the student! Hopefully, there will be more appropriate choices in the future.
  • Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week? This week taught me that it is ok to leave work at work. I drove my daughter to dance class instead of having my parents do it like normal. They usually do that so I can stay longer at work. It was nice to just go take her and not worry about the never-ending list of things to do.
  • Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned? I am working hard this semester so I can be finished which is my long-term goal. I will be so relieved to be able to just parent and work without having to do school work too!
  • Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing? I did a lot this week, but I am not finding the time to work on the edTPA. I need to find time to get that finished. I am hoping to really work on that Sunday after church.
  • Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do? I can not think of anything at the moment that I was apprehensive about. I just tell myself to be brave even if I don't feel confident and do my best.
  • Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear? I need to let go of the fact that sometimes others don't appreciate my work or take credit for things that are suggested by me.

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions? I finished analyzing the MAPS fluency data and was able to start my new groups for book clubs.
• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers? I would say to be organized, prepared, and work hard. I use a planner and then have a daily printable to remind me of different things like what to address in the community, interventions, and what to prep for the next day.

• NC Teacher Candidate Standards (Be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer.)
• • Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
• 1d. Teachers advocate for schools and students. Teachers advocate for positive change in policies and practices affecting student learning. They participate in the implementation of initiatives to improve the education of students.
• This week I brought up the fact that the students could use another recess time. I suggested that maybe we could take turns and have 1 extra recess each week and have it during the encore time on a day we don't have an encore. The other teachers thought it was a great idea and we are thinking about seeing if this will be possible by asking our administration after bringing it up at a level meeting.  Extra recess has been shown to benefit students improving focus, grades, higher test scores, and increased self-esteem. I would love to see 1 hour a day every day, but I know that is not possible now. 
• Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
• 2a. Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults. Teachers provide an environment for student learning that is inviting, respectful, supportive, inclusive, and flexible
• This week I tried to spend some extra time with a student that has some behaviors. The one-on-one lesson was successful and the student was very focused. The student also seemed to respond when I placed my hand on their back when they were making noise choices that were too loud. I was very positive and explicit in the modeling of appropriate behavior which seems to help. 
• • Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
• 3a. Teachers align their instruction with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study
• The lessons I taught for my lesson plans this week were aligned with the standards. 
• Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
• 4c. Teachers use a variety of instructional methods.
• This week we did a hands-on activity that builds a snack cup to represent the layers of the soil. Each element of the snack was a layer of soil. The students followed directions (4 scoops of chocolate/buttercup chips) when they added each layer to the cup they marked and labeled that layer. It would be easy to align to a math standard as well since you are using measurement and fractions. Mark 1/2 of the pudding and use 1/2 the cup etc.
• Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
• 5a. Teachers analyze student learning.
• I was able to analyze data from MAPS and then work on observations. I made note of who needed a refresher lesson on the Stamp Game and helped that student with the work and how to exchange. I noticed a student that was avoiding their reading work and I made a special time for them to catch up on their work with me.
• Other:
• What components of your edTPA and portfolio have you started to complete? Only Task 1 and videotaping. I am working on Task 2 commentary Sunday.
• What support does your Clinical Educator need from your University Supervisor? None
• What support do you need from your University Supervisor? Is there a standard that aligns to read-aloud/ think aloud or do you always have to have a literacy follow-up activity to link the standard to the lesson? I incorporate a read/ aloud into all the cultural lessons. Thank you for the timeline for the portfolio. That helps me stay on track!