Teaching Quality Standards
& reflections
Teachers engage in career-long learning.
Challenging yourself intellectually does not end with university. Great teachers are always looking for the opportunity to expand their own knowledge in order to become a more efficient educator. Furthermore, this KSA also speaks to the ways in which we can grow and evolve through each new year of students.
Teachers demonstrate professional knowledge.
This KSA correlates with a teachers preparedness. I think that with efficient planning and preparation an educator is best able to convey material to their class. Building an in depth understanding of Alberta's curriculum is VIP to your effectiveness in the classroom.
Teachers foster effective relationships.
Without a foundation of trust and understanding between students and their teacher, students are not able to engage fully in challenging material. This KSA correlates closely with my teaching philosophy, which states that a sense of authenticity in teaching supplements a positive atmosphere in the classroom. See my "about me" section for more information.
Teachers establish inclusive learning environments.
Teachers in todays classrooms have many varying needs to cater to. Ensuring that all students are adequately challenged, and attended to can be a difficult task! However, with the support of others, such as an inclusion coach, EA's, and administration we can create a working inclusive classroom that all students can excel in.
Teachers integrate First Nations, Metis, and Inuit knowledge.
Integrating Canada's First Nations rich culture into the classroom is a very important aspect of the new KSA's. Throughout the last decade much has changed surrounding the stereotypes and basic understandings of these peoples and their history within our country. Integrating this knowledge in all subjects is an important step forward.
Teachers adhere to legal frameworks and policies.
As professionals within our communities we are sometimes held to a higher standard. Respecting this, and ensuring that we follow the values and ethics that are placed upon us is an important task, both outside and inside the classroom. Shaping young minds is a very important task that must be highly regarded.
My Classroom
Creating a homey, and inviting space was very important when planning and building my classroom. Again, I believe this helps to foster effective relationships, as students feel more comfortable in their learning environment.
Science 8
As science was not one of the subjects that I had focused on, or taught before this year has been an amazing learning experience in teaching a new subject. I loved teaching this subject and hope to teach science 8 again next year! This is a direct connection to the TQS standard of career-long learning.
Administration Observation Quotes for Science 8:
"Clear lesson plan focusing on intended outcomes. Slideshow was clear and concise for students to take notes." -Showing a connection back to the TQS standard of professional knowledge.
"Some students had comments about it being ‘gross’ she addressed this very well, “this is part of your natural digestive system and we need to be mature about it”, then she moved on to the Respiratory system."
"Lots of proactive checking as students took notes- moved around the room."
"Clear expectations"
Science Sample Assignments/Lesson Plans:
-The following video was used to proceed our microscope lab. This was meant to better equip students for the lab experience. It also gave them a better visual understanding of the parts of the microscope. |
|
|
|
-The documents above represent the standard grade 8 curriculum unit exam, and study guide. The documents below represent how I've adapted the curriculum for adapted students.
|
|
Examples of Student Feedback
Language Arts 9
Administration Observation Quotes for Language Arts 9:
-Clear expectations of students - student responded positively to her calm mannerism.
-Well organized booklet on narrative and the history of narrative - material presented clearly to students with meaningful discussion.
-Encouraging of reluctant writers and thoughtfully brainstormed ideas together.
-Effective use of writing prompts.
-Clearly organized PAT business letter study sheets for easy reference for students.
Language Arts Sample Assignments/Lesson Plans:
|
|
"Letter to my Future Self" - Grade 9 farewell projects, made by me! These documents will be a well used resource in future LA courses across a variety of age groups.
|
|
|
|
This study guide is one of the documents that I prepared for my LA 9's in order to prepare for part A, of the PAT.
Language Arts Student Work
Options - Mindfulness & Film Studies
What is Mindfulness?
This option course is focused on leaving stress behind and recharging your physical and mental self. Throughout the term we will be exploring what a healthy lifestyle looks and feels like, furthermore, we will survey various strategies to combat stressors and Jr. High challenges. This class is all about positively and learning better tactics to handle the sometimes uncomfortable situations that we find ourselves in throughout the academic year. These activities include: painting, drawing, guided meditation, and more! This option class hopes to invite community members who can share individual perspectives on balancing work life, school life and personal life in a healthy manner.
My student outcomes for this CTF course include:
-I can identify sources that have or could be a potential cause of stress in my life.
-I can identify more than one mindfulness tactic that helps me to deal with stress.
-I can understand what the practice of mindfulness is, and why it is beneficial to my overall health.
-I have actively participated in creating a more positive, and mindful school environment throughout this option class.
Below is a mindfulness strategy presentation from our semester.
What is Film Studies?
Film Studies is the study of the production, aesthetics and history of cinema. In this options class, we will be viewing and interpreting various films in order to understand how each of these individual parts of cinema come together in order to create deeper meaning. We will learn to read and analyze film as you would a novel, a poem, or a short story. In doing so we will be viewing many genres of film such as, short films, silent films, action movies, and some of our most beloved current movies. By the end of this term we will be putting our new found understanding of cinematic production into our own short film. This project can take many forms such as, stop motion/claymation, silent film, short film etc.
My student outcomes for this CTF course include:
-I can discuss how techniques, such as colour, shape and composition, are used to communicate meaning and enhance effects in film.
-I have enhanced my media literacies through the development of critical, analytical viewings of various genres of film.
-I have created my own film project that is backed by information learned from films, and secondary sources.
|
One of the stop motion videos that we studied together. Pes video's are a fantastic example of the complexity of stop motion animation. |