Since finishing my practicum at Walnut Grove I have had a clear and conscious idea of my educational beliefs and goals. As I make my way into the profession, I have made every effort to reflect the idea that the students are the center of those beliefs and that what is best for the students is what is best for my classroom. I have solidified the idea that students differ significantly in ability, progression and learning preference. More important than teaching them “math” or “biology” is that I help them understand how they learn.                     

    With a sound paradigm, I have acted and displayed characteristics valued by the teaching profession, all in accordance to my educational goals. This includes the ability to be self-initiating, considering all possibilities of how to tackle a situation, and then choosing the most appropriate and critical to my students. I have displayed I am capable of problem-solving, deeming solutions to problems that arise and taking action to quickly terminate the situation, extending only to my school associate’s or administration if the problem is outside of my authority. Throughout my practicum I have been given report card deadlines and lesson tasks by both School Associates and proved that despite how busy I may be I can complete given tasks efficiently and reliably.

    Recognizing early  that I have teaching tendencies, I have be eager to glean from those more experienced and sought accountability and feedback from my School and Faculty Associates. I have demonstrated the capacity to reflect on lecture-based lessons, critically assess them and then put new, student-centered ideas and recommendations readily into practice. I have learnt as the students learnt, modeling what learning looks like and motivating students beyond report cards and marks, to allow them to see the value of lifelong learning.

    Along with seeking the advice of associates, I have also become aware that although teachers are to be self-sufficient, they are not to be independent of one another. I have benefited from the knowledge and experience of other teachers throughout the school. I have found that a professional relationship with a colleague is one that seeks to motivate, encourage and challenge one another.