Domain Four Reflection: Professional Responsibilities
Professionalism
is an area that is extremely important in the teaching field. Not only
is it important that a teacher look professional, but that he or she
acts accordingly as well. Regardless of personal opinions, a good
teacher must model professional behavior to students in order pass along
the importance of maintaining positive behavior at all times.
Being moved up from 7th to 8th grade has given me the opportunity to teach a new curriculum, thus expanding my experience, however, with that comes a lot of preparation. I also keep accurate records as another part of my professional responsibilities. I take accurate attendance at the beginning of class on a daily basis. Another aspect of keeping accurate records is the maintenance of my grade book. I grade, and return assignments and quizzes in a timely fashion giving students a chance to In retrospect, I feel that one of the ways that I uphold my professional responsibilities is by preparing myself before I teach my students. As a professional, I owe it to my students to put in the extra time outside of school to ensure that they are getting the best educational experience as possible. Not only do I take time to educate myself before teaching a new lesson, but I also prepare thoughtful lessons that include handouts, and technology to appeal to the 21st Century Learners that fill my classroom each period.
Outside of general pedagogical responsibilities, I show professionalism by being open to communication with both my students and their parents. In order to model communication as a professional, I update my e-board almost daily, and keep it structured in a way that is easy for parents and students to navigate around. On my e-board, students and parents can access and view homework, which is organized by the quarter, material that is covered in class, and upcoming quiz and exam dates. I also have a tab specifically for parents with a letter introducing myself in which I invite conversation if ever they feel concerned about their child. In the folder for parents I attached a link to the NYS Common Core Standards in education as well as a helpful link to how we can work together as a team to ensure that their children successfully make the shift to the new standards. I also have tabs for helpful writing and grammar links for students who may be struggling in either or both areas. One final way that I keep parents and students informed is by updating my students’ grades on Infinite Campus regularly so parents and students are aware of the grades that are being received in class.
Additional ways that I exhibit professional responsibility is by meeting once a week with my grade level department. Unfortunately, with the changes that have occurred at West Hollow, we are unable to meet more, but in embracing change, we make it work to the best of our ability. I love meeting with a group of teachers that are so proactive and passionate about teaching. Not only do we collaborate and share wonderful ideas, but also we all have an excellent working relationship. I am very thankful to be working with each of my grade level colleagues, as I will walk away this year with an increased insight on my own career in education. They provide excellent feedback about lessons and how to handle certain classroom situations. Another way that I show professionalism is by arriving to work early each morning in order to prepare for the day. I also arrive on time to my assigned hall duty. Lastly, I make myself available to take on additional class coverage’s after I have fulfilled my required yearly amount of days in an effort to help my fellow staff members.
Being moved up from 7th to 8th grade has given me the opportunity to teach a new curriculum, thus expanding my experience, however, with that comes a lot of preparation. I also keep accurate records as another part of my professional responsibilities. I take accurate attendance at the beginning of class on a daily basis. Another aspect of keeping accurate records is the maintenance of my grade book. I grade, and return assignments and quizzes in a timely fashion giving students a chance to In retrospect, I feel that one of the ways that I uphold my professional responsibilities is by preparing myself before I teach my students. As a professional, I owe it to my students to put in the extra time outside of school to ensure that they are getting the best educational experience as possible. Not only do I take time to educate myself before teaching a new lesson, but I also prepare thoughtful lessons that include handouts, and technology to appeal to the 21st Century Learners that fill my classroom each period.
Outside of general pedagogical responsibilities, I show professionalism by being open to communication with both my students and their parents. In order to model communication as a professional, I update my e-board almost daily, and keep it structured in a way that is easy for parents and students to navigate around. On my e-board, students and parents can access and view homework, which is organized by the quarter, material that is covered in class, and upcoming quiz and exam dates. I also have a tab specifically for parents with a letter introducing myself in which I invite conversation if ever they feel concerned about their child. In the folder for parents I attached a link to the NYS Common Core Standards in education as well as a helpful link to how we can work together as a team to ensure that their children successfully make the shift to the new standards. I also have tabs for helpful writing and grammar links for students who may be struggling in either or both areas. One final way that I keep parents and students informed is by updating my students’ grades on Infinite Campus regularly so parents and students are aware of the grades that are being received in class.
Additional ways that I exhibit professional responsibility is by meeting once a week with my grade level department. Unfortunately, with the changes that have occurred at West Hollow, we are unable to meet more, but in embracing change, we make it work to the best of our ability. I love meeting with a group of teachers that are so proactive and passionate about teaching. Not only do we collaborate and share wonderful ideas, but also we all have an excellent working relationship. I am very thankful to be working with each of my grade level colleagues, as I will walk away this year with an increased insight on my own career in education. They provide excellent feedback about lessons and how to handle certain classroom situations. Another way that I show professionalism is by arriving to work early each morning in order to prepare for the day. I also arrive on time to my assigned hall duty. Lastly, I make myself available to take on additional class coverage’s after I have fulfilled my required yearly amount of days in an effort to help my fellow staff members.
Domain Four Artifacts
Below are screenshots from my district e-board.
Attached is a thoughtful letter from a student upon returning from my FMLA.