My Professional Library
While working on my coursework for Teaching as a professional at Walden University. We were asked to reflect on the following item; Why teaching is your passion,How you see the role of the teacher in today’s learning environment, and How the NBPTS Five Core Propositions and RWRCOEL Professional Dispositions align (or do not align) with your passion for teaching and your view of the role of the teacher today. We then created a video which would be added to the Walden library for future teachers to explore.
“The evolving educational climate and learning environment is one where teachers must collaborate and share resources in order to promote P–12 student success and college and career readiness, and to support the diverse learning needs of all students. Communicating and collaborating with teacher-leaders—whether in your school setting, in your Walden cohort, or beyond—is just one way to continually refine your professional practice, transform your classroom into a 21st century learning environment, and connect with other teaching professionals.”
EDUC 6610: Teacher as Professional / Module 4
After working as a graphics designer for several years, I regretted not completing my education minor in college. In 2003, Ocean City High School, posted a position for a Photography and graphic design teacher. My father said I should apply. I thought he was crazy. I didn’t have a license, they wouldn’t hire me. I was Skeptical but applied anyway, and after two rounds of interviews I got the call. “We would like to offer you the position.” I went from shocked, to overly excited. To what did I just get myself into. I was excited and passionate about teaching the arts I love at Alma Mater OCHS. I would work with the teachers who inspired me as a teenager in the department which was my happy place during my 4 years at OCHS. Mrs. Mulford, my studio art teacher, always pushed me to be a better artist and be a part of the community. Mrs. D helped me find my passion for photography, while learning to teach it herself her first few years of teaching.. Mrs. Lentz found ways to help me relate to science even though it was not my favorite class to be in and Mrs. J found a different way to explain algebra to me that made sense and saved me from falling out of Mr. Carson Algebra class. The teachers who helped me to learn even though I was doodling in their classes would now be my co-workers. I couldn’t wait to begin working side by side with them so they could mold me into a passionate teacher like them. I too wanted to make an impact, to see the students aha moment, to be the person to help them learn and grow, to inspire the future OCHS students to create art.
Over the years I have learned a lot, it’s not that easy of a job, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Teaching has shifted over the years and incorporates a lot more technology. I am glad that I am techy, so the shift to online gradebook and class pages has been an easy jump. There is less lecturing and more project-based learning, which the art teacher in me loves. PBL is a student-centered and inquiry-based approach to instruction that can enhance student problem-solving skills, motivation, and conceptual knowledge (Morrison) Project-based learning is where I thrive, and most students who take my course do well in that environment too. I am the guide to their creative adventure. I have the skills and experience to lead them to wherever they dream. Along the way, I also show them how to be resourceful so they can explore and learn on their own. The internet is an amazing resource for the content I teach.
My teaching style aligns with The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership Professional Dispositions I believe teachers should be ethical, present a professional appearance, should always advocate for fairness, and be culturally responsive. We need to be self-aware, differentiate for all learners and create a safe learning environment (RWRCOEL). I also feel that my teaching style aligns with the National Board of Professional Teacher Standards (NBPTS). I commit to students and their learning. I show up every day ready to teach and handle whatever the day throws at me. I know the subjects I teach and how to teach those subjects to my students. I have 20+ years of experience using the Adobe Programs I teach and I am continually learning and improving my knowledge. I am responsible for managing and monitoring students’ learning. I communicate with my students daily and check in with them to make sure they are on task and being successful. I think systematically about my practice and learn from experience. I have a pacing guide and units that relate to one another and build upon previous lessons. I am a member of at least one professional learning community.
Resources
Morrison, J., Frost, J., Gotch, C., McDuffie, A. R., Austin, B., & French, B. (2021). Teachers’ Role in Students’ Learning at a Project-Based STEM High School: Implications for Teacher Education. International Journal of Science & Mathematics Education, 19(6), 1103–1123. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-020-10108-3
RWRCOEL Professional Dispositions PDF, Click to access 390c0924723dc502253f764a9c468bc3.pd, RWRCOEL Professional Disposition