Showcase: Artifact 1

1. Identify at least two elements of TPE Standard 6 (Developing as a Professional Educator) that are relevant to the assignment/artifact that you have chosen.

TPE 6:  Developing as a Professional Educator / Element 2.  Recognize their own values and implicit and explicit biases, the ways in which these values and implicit and explicit biases may positively and negatively affect teaching and learning, and work to mitigate any negative impact on the teaching and learning of students.  They exhibit positive dispositions of caring, support, acceptance, and fairness toward all students and families, as well as toward their colleagues.

Explicit and implicit biases influence our day to day lives.  An example that comes to mind while teaching last year were two boys who were equally disruptive in class.  Boy 1 most always came to school looking as if he rolled out of bed.  His hair was not fixed, he had holes in his clothes, sometimes dirty arms and legs, and shoes a size to small.  He was angry most of the time, acted out aggressively, and hurt other children daily (by accident or on purpose).  Boy 2 dressed nice every single day.  He not once had a bad hair day. He had a huge smile and laughed often.  He had a fun spirit and full of life.  As mentioned above both were equally disruptive in class.  But, in life I believe Boy 2 will get away with more, because of the way his outer appearance and personality is versus Boy 1.  I explained this to my mentor and she liked how I was aware of the situation and kept discipline fair.

TPE 6:  Developing as a Professional Educator / Element 3.  Establish professional learning goals and make progress to improve their practice by routinely engaging in communication and inquiry with colleagues.

            My Professional learning goals are to attend Professional Development Days for my grade level.  This will provide me with interaction with other TK teachers as well as learning from the presenters.  When I have questions, I will continue to ask questions and work with my colleagues.

2. Discuss how your experience in creating the assignment/artifact influenced your development and provides evidence of your growth as a professional educator.

            I have not written a college paper with correct APA formatting and minimum three reference sources in over 20 years.  The assignment has influenced my development as an educator, because it requires me to learn a new writing style. 

3. Provide an analysis of that growth.

            My first assignment was the Learner Autobiography and Philosophy of Education.  I was docked 2 points, because of the APA formatting and references.  I was very disappointed in myself.  On the second assignment I “thought” I improved the APA formatting and references, but once again I was docked 2 points.  Therefore, I have not had growth in the aspect of writing a correct APA formatting assignment.  But, that does not mean I will stop researching and learning.

4. Develop a Growth Plan- recommendations (actions) for how you plan to continually improve the elements you identified from TPE Standard 6.

            I feel that all TPE Standard 6 Elements are important and I will review them often in order not to forget the importance of the standards and elements, which include Elements 2 and 3 that I identified with.

5. How does your assignment/artifact relate to the concept of being an Inspired teacher?

            My assignment related the concept of being an inspired teacher, because the teachers who inspired me were the ones who made a positive impact on my life.  I feel the two-go hand in hand.  These educators inspire me today to be like them.  To be a caring, fun, loving educator, who is also strict with rules to follow. 

6. When you think about inspiring your own students, what are two beliefs and/or values that will guide your decisions?

To be an inspiring teacher I need to have a positive attitude inside the classroom.  I will leave my personal problems at the door when I step into the classroom. I will greet each of my students with a smile and uplifting tone.  All my students will feel welcomed and have a sense of belonging.  Every student is praised and encouraged to do their best.  I personally believe when you provide a positive environment along with respect then every student will do their best in performing for you.