The End of the Semester...

As I reflect back on the past semester, all I can think is WOW! I have grown so much in such little time. The acronym NCTCS, was once something I could barely remember the meaning of and now I can explore each standard with depth. My questions have changed from "What is that?" to "How should I incorporate that into my future classroom?". This class has put me into the perspective of a future teacher and makes me excited to learn more! Reflecting back on the standards I now see the importance each standard holds in a classroom.

Leadership: Not only should I show leadership to my students but I should show leadership in my community, in my school and among my colleagues. Taking initiative is a key aspect of this. I also should help my students develop these same qualities in themselves by allowing them to work cooperatively and collaboratively.

Diversity: This standard holds a much different definition now in 2015 than in would of in even the 1990's. Our culture is constantly changing so as teacher we should be adaptable to that change. Students are Students and the goal is ultimately to learn no matter the differences among students. Everyone is unique and in the idea of a race each student has different obstacles and pathways that lead to the same end goals.

Content Knowledge: The teacher must know the content she is going to teach. I must be able to make connections to student's interests to keep their attention. In order to do this I must know every aspect of the content. Students will ask and and every question about the lesson and I must prevent a gap by being as prepared as possible to answer those questions.

Facilitate Learning: This goes much further than teaching a planned lesson plan. Much thought should go behind the How? and Why? of each aspect of a six point lesson plan. Constantly making sure your students understand and comprehend what you are teaching while also entertaining their interests can be daunting, but must be done. Students also have unique learning styles and attempting to highlight each of these so each student can reach their full potential is also very important.

Reflection: Constantly reflect on EVERYTHING. Also teach your students that it is important to reflect back on their work so they can see mistakes and learn from them. I want my students to understand mistakes are okay every now and then as long as they can grow from reflecting on those mistakes. My classroom will not be perfect, I will not be perfect, therefore I will not expect my kids to be perfect. I will however expect my classroom to be successful, expect success from myself and from students. The goal once again is growth and learning to prepare them for their future lives and dreams.

I still have a lot to learn but I'm very excited to be on the Journey of a Future Teacher!