KSA #1
Teachers make reasoned decisions about teaching and learning based on their ongoing analysis of contextual variables
Artifact - English 10-1 "Highlighter" website
Catholic Central High School operates on the quarter system which sees students study two subjects every quarter for three-hour blocks. If students miss a single class, they miss the equivalent of three traditional classes. I created a class website where all missed materials could be accessed. Also, some formative assessments asked students to post their work online so I could track the understanding of the students and students could review past work in preparation for summative assignments.
I also re-arranged the desks for our Shakespeare units in ELA 10-1 and 20-1. Having the desks in a circle where students face one another, instead of in rows, helped students more fully participate in Socratic seminars.
Teachers make reasoned decisions about teaching and learning based on their ongoing analysis of contextual variables
Artifact - English 10-1 "Highlighter" website
Catholic Central High School operates on the quarter system which sees students study two subjects every quarter for three-hour blocks. If students miss a single class, they miss the equivalent of three traditional classes. I created a class website where all missed materials could be accessed. Also, some formative assessments asked students to post their work online so I could track the understanding of the students and students could review past work in preparation for summative assignments.
I also re-arranged the desks for our Shakespeare units in ELA 10-1 and 20-1. Having the desks in a circle where students face one another, instead of in rows, helped students more fully participate in Socratic seminars.
KSA #2
Teachers understand the legislated, moral and ethical framework within which they work
Artifact - English 10-1 Course Outline
My working knowledge of the education system comes from using it throughout my practicum experiences as a student teacher. I understand my professional expectations and obligations. I also understand the different streams in Alberta high schools and what they mean for students.
Teachers understand the legislated, moral and ethical framework within which they work
Artifact - English 10-1 Course Outline
My working knowledge of the education system comes from using it throughout my practicum experiences as a student teacher. I understand my professional expectations and obligations. I also understand the different streams in Alberta high schools and what they mean for students.
KSA #3
Teachers use the program of study to inform and direct planning instruction and assessment
Artifact - Introduction to Macbeth Activity
In this activity, I translated the specific learning outcome 2.1.3.b (assess personal expectations for texts to be studied in light of prior experiences with and observations about similar contexts, content and text forms) into an engaging and meaningful activity. The lesson plan features backward design using the Alberta Education program of studies as my resource.
Teachers use the program of study to inform and direct planning instruction and assessment
Artifact - Introduction to Macbeth Activity
In this activity, I translated the specific learning outcome 2.1.3.b (assess personal expectations for texts to be studied in light of prior experiences with and observations about similar contexts, content and text forms) into an engaging and meaningful activity. The lesson plan features backward design using the Alberta Education program of studies as my resource.
KSA #4
Teachers demonstrate knowledge of the content they teach.
Artifact - Introduction to Macbeth Activity
I created a lesson that required critical thinking skills, involved scaffolding, and put Shakespeare's themes in a real life context that is relatable to students. My BA (English) and BEd completed in May 2016 majored in English Language Arts, and minored in Social Studies and CTS/CTF: Community Health Focus. My professional teaching semesters, and curriculum and instruction classes involved in-depth looks into the ELA, Social Studies, and CTS/CTF Programs of Study.
Teachers demonstrate knowledge of the content they teach.
Artifact - Introduction to Macbeth Activity
I created a lesson that required critical thinking skills, involved scaffolding, and put Shakespeare's themes in a real life context that is relatable to students. My BA (English) and BEd completed in May 2016 majored in English Language Arts, and minored in Social Studies and CTS/CTF: Community Health Focus. My professional teaching semesters, and curriculum and instruction classes involved in-depth looks into the ELA, Social Studies, and CTS/CTF Programs of Study.
KSA #5
Teachers identify and respond to learner difference.
Artifact - Speed Dating Review
The students in my English 20-1 class had a variety of learning styles. I read all IPPs and kept anecdotal notes for each student. I also had conversations about students with admin and colleagues in an effort to help me meet their diverse needs. A few students were kinesthetic learners and had trouble sitting for long periods of time, so as a brain break for all students, I incorporated a speed dating review of Act 1 of Macbeth.
Teachers identify and respond to learner difference.
Artifact - Speed Dating Review
The students in my English 20-1 class had a variety of learning styles. I read all IPPs and kept anecdotal notes for each student. I also had conversations about students with admin and colleagues in an effort to help me meet their diverse needs. A few students were kinesthetic learners and had trouble sitting for long periods of time, so as a brain break for all students, I incorporated a speed dating review of Act 1 of Macbeth.
KSA #6
Teachers plan for instruction, translating curriculum and outcomes into meaningful learning activities.
Artifact - Introduction to Macbeth Activity
This group activity served as an introduction to Macbeth. I asked students to discuss two case studies and put the themes of Shakespeare's play in a real life context that is relatable to students.
Teachers plan for instruction, translating curriculum and outcomes into meaningful learning activities.
Artifact - Introduction to Macbeth Activity
This group activity served as an introduction to Macbeth. I asked students to discuss two case studies and put the themes of Shakespeare's play in a real life context that is relatable to students.
KSA #7
Teachers create and maintain environments that are conducive to student learning and understanding student needs for physical, social, cultural and psychological security.
Teachers create and maintain environments that are conducive to student learning and understanding student needs for physical, social, cultural and psychological security.
Artifact - Meme Wall
Instead of a traditional class rules poster, I used humorous memes to communicate my classroom expectations of things students should re-meme-ber. Students were invited to submit their own memes, and the wall became a sort of watercooler with students not enrolled in ELA coming in to check out the latest additions to the bulletin board. These expectations were communicated to students on the first day of class and were included in the course outline for future reference. The artifact is an image of the Meme Wall.
As part of my Professional Inquiry Project on Building Classroom Community, students participated in activities throughout the quarter with the aim of helping create a relaxed environment where students share ideas more freely, and participate more fully in the course.
Instead of a traditional class rules poster, I used humorous memes to communicate my classroom expectations of things students should re-meme-ber. Students were invited to submit their own memes, and the wall became a sort of watercooler with students not enrolled in ELA coming in to check out the latest additions to the bulletin board. These expectations were communicated to students on the first day of class and were included in the course outline for future reference. The artifact is an image of the Meme Wall.
As part of my Professional Inquiry Project on Building Classroom Community, students participated in activities throughout the quarter with the aim of helping create a relaxed environment where students share ideas more freely, and participate more fully in the course.
KSA #8
Establishes relationships with students that respect human dignity.
Artifact - Exit Slips & Student Course Evaluation
Throughout the quarter, I asked students to write exit slips where they could share two things that they thought were going well in English 10-1 and one thing they wish to change about the course. This helped me inform my future instruction and gave students a voice in the classroom.
At the end of Quarter 3 and conclusion of English 10-1, I asked students to complete an anonymous questionnaire to inform my teaching heading into English 20-1. The artifact is the course evaluation student questionnaire.
Establishes relationships with students that respect human dignity.
Artifact - Exit Slips & Student Course Evaluation
Throughout the quarter, I asked students to write exit slips where they could share two things that they thought were going well in English 10-1 and one thing they wish to change about the course. This helped me inform my future instruction and gave students a voice in the classroom.
At the end of Quarter 3 and conclusion of English 10-1, I asked students to complete an anonymous questionnaire to inform my teaching heading into English 20-1. The artifact is the course evaluation student questionnaire.
KSA #9
Teachers use a broad range of instructional strategies.
Artifact - Subject-Verb Agreement Writers' Workshop Lesson
This activity demonstrated my ability to teach an outcome in three different ways: Direct instruction, illustrated video, and hands-on learning of identifying and correcting the subject-verb agreement errors in a popular song.
Teachers use a broad range of instructional strategies.
Artifact - Subject-Verb Agreement Writers' Workshop Lesson
This activity demonstrated my ability to teach an outcome in three different ways: Direct instruction, illustrated video, and hands-on learning of identifying and correcting the subject-verb agreement errors in a popular song.
KSA #10
Teachers apply a variety of technologies to meet students' learning needs.
Artifact - English 10-1 Website
This artifact showcases my ability to use technology to maximize student learning. Students posted their "quotation explications" on the class website page so I could formatively assess them, we could peer review them as a class, and students could refer to them prior to the unit test.
The course outline also featured a QR code so students could use their cellphones to scan the QR code and be taken straight to the class website.
Teachers apply a variety of technologies to meet students' learning needs.
Artifact - English 10-1 Website
This artifact showcases my ability to use technology to maximize student learning. Students posted their "quotation explications" on the class website page so I could formatively assess them, we could peer review them as a class, and students could refer to them prior to the unit test.
The course outline also featured a QR code so students could use their cellphones to scan the QR code and be taken straight to the class website.
KSA #11
Teachers gather and use information about students' learning needs and progress and assess the range of learning objectives.
Artifact - English 10-1 Website
The English 10-1 website I created allowed me to assess students on a deeper level. I could view students' posted work for formative assessment. Students could refer to the posted work as review prior to writing their own allusions for summative assessment.
Teachers gather and use information about students' learning needs and progress and assess the range of learning objectives.
Artifact - English 10-1 Website
The English 10-1 website I created allowed me to assess students on a deeper level. I could view students' posted work for formative assessment. Students could refer to the posted work as review prior to writing their own allusions for summative assessment.
KSA #12
The importance of engaging parents/caregivers, purposefully and meaningfully, in all aspects of teaching and learning.
Artifact - Introductory Letter
This artifact demonstrates one way I communicated with parents early in the year. I also emailed and telephoned parents throughout the quarters.
Parents were invited to join the English 10-1 Remind site so that they, too, could receive reminders about upcoming assignments and tests.
The importance of engaging parents/caregivers, purposefully and meaningfully, in all aspects of teaching and learning.
Artifact - Introductory Letter
This artifact demonstrates one way I communicated with parents early in the year. I also emailed and telephoned parents throughout the quarters.
Parents were invited to join the English 10-1 Remind site so that they, too, could receive reminders about upcoming assignments and tests.
KSA #13
Teachers identify and use relevant learning resources.
Artifact - Why Shakespeare Loved Iambic Pentameter video
YouTube and TEDEd offer plenty of relevant resources that teachers and students can use to learn the material. For the 10-1 Romeo & Juliet and 20-1 Macbeth units, I used this animated video early in the units to give a quick peek into how the rhythm of Shakespeare's words reveals a poet deeply rooted in the way people spoke in his time — and still speak today. Why do Shakespeare’s words have such staying power? In this artifact that I used in a lesson, David T. Freeman and Gregory Taylor uncover the power of iambic pentameter.
I also acknowledge that I am not an expert. I believe that tapping into community experts allows students to experience a variety of perspectives and explore future career possibilities. For example, during a Grade 4 newspaper unit, I invited a photojournalist to speak to our class.
Teachers identify and use relevant learning resources.
Artifact - Why Shakespeare Loved Iambic Pentameter video
YouTube and TEDEd offer plenty of relevant resources that teachers and students can use to learn the material. For the 10-1 Romeo & Juliet and 20-1 Macbeth units, I used this animated video early in the units to give a quick peek into how the rhythm of Shakespeare's words reveals a poet deeply rooted in the way people spoke in his time — and still speak today. Why do Shakespeare’s words have such staying power? In this artifact that I used in a lesson, David T. Freeman and Gregory Taylor uncover the power of iambic pentameter.
I also acknowledge that I am not an expert. I believe that tapping into community experts allows students to experience a variety of perspectives and explore future career possibilities. For example, during a Grade 4 newspaper unit, I invited a photojournalist to speak to our class.
KSA #14
The importance of contributing, independently and collegially, to the quality of your school.
Artifact - Thank You Card
This artifact demonstrates my willingness to supervise a successful school dance. I also helped backstage in the girls' dressing room during the run of the school's musical, and volunteered at the free-breakfast table for the Wellness Club.
The importance of contributing, independently and collegially, to the quality of your school.
Artifact - Thank You Card
This artifact demonstrates my willingness to supervise a successful school dance. I also helped backstage in the girls' dressing room during the run of the school's musical, and volunteered at the free-breakfast table for the Wellness Club.
KSA #15
Teachers engage in assessing the quality of their teaching.
Artifact - Short Story Test Review
This artifact demonstrates my critical thinking skills during reflections, and ability to adjust my teaching based on my lesson reflections.
I believe in embracing continuous learning and growth through regular professional development and self-reflection to help me excel in my profession. One of my hopes as an educator is to instill a love of learning in my students, as I share with them my own love for learning.
Teachers engage in assessing the quality of their teaching.
Artifact - Short Story Test Review
This artifact demonstrates my critical thinking skills during reflections, and ability to adjust my teaching based on my lesson reflections.
I believe in embracing continuous learning and growth through regular professional development and self-reflection to help me excel in my profession. One of my hopes as an educator is to instill a love of learning in my students, as I share with them my own love for learning.
KSA #16
Teachers are able to communicate a personal vision of their own teaching.
Artifact - Philosophy Statement
This artifact displays my ability to create a philosophy and plan according to that philosophy.
Teachers are able to communicate a personal vision of their own teaching.
Artifact - Philosophy Statement
This artifact displays my ability to create a philosophy and plan according to that philosophy.