Discussion #2

Discussion #2:

Expert teachers demonstrate professionalism in both service to students as well as to the profession. Teaching at the highest level of performance in this component is student focused, putting students first. In the context of UTVA's Focus School designation, discuss: How can you act with integrity and honesty? How can you put students first? How can you support your students' best interests, even in the face of traditional practices or beliefs?

As a teacher I try to be very selfless, students come from all walks of life and being able to recognize their differences is one way of putting them first. Some of these ways could include that all students learn differently. Some do better on the phone, others do better with constant communication via kmail, and some are independent and don't need that constant attention. I know this last semester I had a student who because of her religion her sabbath was on Friday so we postponed her due dates until Saturday. She was very appreciative that I respected her beliefs.

In health there is a lot of personal topics that are brought up during class, monitoring the chat and making sure no one every leaves feeling offended or hurt is very important to me. I always try and let everyones voice be heard but my students know that our class is a safe zone and that any comments that would be taken offensively aren't welcome. I feel as though this is integrity on my part and the students. Them having to take action or check their thoughts before vocalizing is teaching them how to have mature and effective communication.

I also try to be complely upfront with my students, especially in regards to their work. If something is lacking or I think they could have tried harder I would say so in the comments on their assignments. I think as long as their best is put forth then they should be proud and be rewarded for their efforts.

Discussion #1

The purpose of this discussion is to go into a little more depth about the
importance of colleague interaction in regards to students overall
achievement. I feel like the best
way to learn is to collaborate. Everyone has great ideas and unless they are
brought to the table no one knows about them. Sometimes in this virtual world we
lose each other but I feel like our weekly staff meetings and monthly
professional developments are a few excellent ways of regrouping.


With this being my first year I have hundreds of questions and want input from every
single teacher on how they do certain things. I also love to talk to other
teachers about the progress or concerns I have for individual students. I send
emails or IM teachers regarding these things. We are all separate teachers with
one end goal in mind-to help students become the best they can and to help them
graduate. We also hope to give them good study habits, learn communication, and
enlighten them to the power of learning.

I would love to take courses through the state and districts on how to improve my
teaching. Being involved in many aspects of teaching will only strengthen my
goals for becoming a better and teacher and give me the tools to do so.

Our school is centered on academic achievement and through that push them to be
better communicators. We discussed effective communication at length in my
health class. I think it is very important for students to know how to
communicate with peers, teachers, and adults. I would love to further my
knowledge of effective communication and how to better implement that in my
teaching.

Me:

A little about me: I graduated from the University of Utah in May 2009 with my bachelors in Health Promotion and Education. This degree allowed me to follow a "track" and I chose teaching. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. I met my husband while at school and we have now been married over 6 years. We have two adorable children, Afton age 3 and Porter age 1.
As a first year teacher I am learning the ropes of how to help my students excel, at UTVA it is a little different than my experience I had student teaching. UTVA gives such flexibility to the students and a wonderful opportunity to become responsible young adults