As an educator, I have worked hard to keep improving in the classroom.  I always work hard to maintain a great relationship with my students, my peers, and my coordinators.  While I am still learning through practice, I can say I have been able to see many strengths in my own teaching. From the observations performed by Dr. Sefranek during my first two semesters, I can see others have been able to see strengths in my teaching as well.

 

I work hard to bring my students new ideas (be it my own or adapted from peers and from outside sources).

• Laura adopts various strategies in any given class to engage her students with content across a variety of modalities and to vary the flow of the lesson, as well as students’ engagement. In the 3201 class I observed, for example, students had prepared posters to help them visualize and develop their argumentative essays.

 

 I take into consideration my student’s needs and take any steps needed for them to learn easiest. 

• Laura is very receptive to students’ feedback and incorporates it into future lessons. For example, based on feedback she received when she initially taught 3201, in 3202, she began to prepare more PowerPoint presentations to routinely provide students with a structured overview of aims and materials.

 

I engage with my students and keep them active in-class.

• Laura had students read directly from the text and hunt for evidence for plot and characterization. This is an ideal practice not only to ensure a more even participation in English of all students in the class – regardless of their ability levels in this language – but also to model standard academic practices that they will have to repeat throughout their academic trajectories and beyond.

 

I make sure they know how much time they have to perform activities and let them see the time to work with.

• In 3202, Laura managed time in the classroom exceedingly well, providing specific timeframes for the various activities in order to ensure that she met her aims for the day and that students were on-task.