Teacher Professional Growth Plan 2018

Emma Huff

 

 GOAL #1                                                                                  

To build meaningful relationships with students, parents or guardians

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Teaching Quality Standard Reference:  

1. A teacher builds positive and productive relationships with students, parents/guardians, peers and others in the school and local community to support student learning.​

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KSA reference:

H) The importance of respecting students’ human dignity. They know how to establish, with different students, professional relationships that are characterized by mutual respect, trust and harmony;

L)  The importance of engaging parents, purposefully and meaningfully, in all aspects of teaching and learning. They know how to develop and implement strategies that create and enhance partnerships among teachers, parents and students;

 

Rationale

I believe mutual trust, respect, and appreciation are foundational in students learning. I believe that when students feel comfortable in their environment they are more willing to take risks. They are not afraid to make mistakes because mistakes help them grow and develop deeper knowledge. When students feel their thoughts and ideas are being heard and respected their ability to learn flourishes. I believe building meaningful relationships with students is one of the most important factors to creating a positive learning environment. I think it is important to also build relationships with parents.  The most important people in a child’s life are their parents or guardians. If a child can see their parent or guardian has a relationship of trust and respect with the teacher, it will encourage their own trust and respect. Additionally, I believe it is important to build relationships with parents, so they feel comfortable discussing any strengths, weaknesses, successes and failures their children may have or experience both inside and outside of your classroom.

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Strategies: 

1. Be available to greet students and parents every morning outside of the classroom.

2. Find out student interests and hobbies

3. Engage with students both inside and outside of the classroom

 

Timeline:

Ongoing

 

Resources:

1.  Talk with students/parents, guardians and TM about what the student enjoys doing both inside and outside of the classroom.

2. Utilize “get to know me” activities at the beginning of the year to help initiate conversations with students.Have individual conversations with students when appropriate.

3. Engage with students outside during recess or at lunch hour.

4. Attend sporting events, plays, dance recitals etc. when available and appropriate.

 

GOAL #2:  

To effectively differentiate for the learning needs of my classroom

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Teaching Quality Standard Reference:  

3.  A teacher applies a current and comprehensive repertoire of effective planning, instruction, and assessment practices to meet the learning needs of every student.

4. A teacher establishes, promotes and sustains inclusive learning environments where diversity is embraced, and every student is welcomed, cared for, respected and safe.

 

KSA reference:

E) all students can learn, albeit at different rates and in different ways. They know how (including when and how to engage others) to identify students’ different learning styles and ways students learn. They understand the need to respond to differences by creating multiple paths to learning for individuals and groups of students, including students with special learning needs;

I)  There are many approaches to teaching and learning. They know a broad range of instructional strategies appropriate to their area of specialization and the subject discipline they teach, and know which strategies are appropriate to help different students achieve different outcomes;

 

Rationale

For each of my practicums I have had this as one of my goals for practicum. I have chosen to continue to use this goal because I truly believe it is important to hold myself accountable to an inclusive environment that is beneficial for every single student in my classroom. I believe in inclusive education, every student has individual needs. It is the responsibility of the teacher to get to know their individual students, and their respective learning style(s). I feel it is the duty of the teacher to reconstruct their teaching style and the curriculum to fit the needs of their students. I believe inclusion goes beyond simply sitting in a classroom. Each child has something special and unique to offer to the classroom and in return each child should take away new knowledge and abilities relevant to them. Inclusion is adapting the information for all students to engage in learning; whatever forms that learning may take. I believe in order for this goal to be achieved the teacher must be passionate about educating young minds and patient with each student and their individual needs.

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Strategies:

1. Discuss any know IPP/IEP plans with Teacher Mentor

2. Develop relationships with students to understand and assess strengths and weaknesses

3. Utilize professional resources to effectively differentiate for students of all needs and abilities within the classroom

4. Read "Quiet" By Susan Cain

Timeline:

1. Discuss IPP/IEP plans within the first month 

2. Assess strengths and weaknesses early but track for growth and development of skills. 

3. Utilize professional resources as needed 

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Resources:

1. Discussions with administration and Teacher Mentor

2. Credible online sources such as Edutopia

3. "Inclusion of Exceptional Learners in Canadian Schools" By Nancy Hutchinson 

4. "Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking" By Susan Cain