Professional Growth Goal Reflection:
My goal set at the beginning of the school year was to use a variety of instructional strategies, resources, and technologies to meet the needs of my students, along with promoting critical thinking through inquiry, problem solving, and reflection. After a year of learning and trying different methods and strategies, I believe I have reached my goal. Of course, we all have the potential to continue learning, but for now, I know that I have given it my best effort to provide the best for my students. I have gone through many different trainings that provided us with many resources we could implement in the classroom. One training that I am practicing more in the classroom is TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling). It has been surprising how much easier its getting to teach using TPRS. I have heard about this in the past, but when I tried it in the classroom the first time, it felt like a complete failure. TPRS requires students to respond to short sentences in the target language, using the information provided. However, when I started it, I had no response. The classroom was completely silence. During the training, I was able to observe, practice, and be the student. Since I was able to get a full round experience, when I brought it back to the classroom, the response was different. I approached it in a more confident way and it has definitely been more fun in the classroom!
Initial and Final CSTP Self-Assessments
After reviewing my self-assessments, I realized that I became more confident in my teaching. In my initial CSTP assessment, I graded myself between threes and twos throughout the majority of the questions. In my final CSTP I gave myself mainly fours. I think this had a lot to do with the positivity and support my induction coach provided. He saw me develop into a better teacher and I definitely took his words to heart. Every day, I wanted to prove to myself and my students that I can give my best effort to them. I am constantly looking for ways to better my teaching. My teaching may not be the best yet. It may take YEARS to reach that point. But I am always willing to learn something new and bring it into the classroom for my students to benefit from it.
Professional Goals: Just keep learning...
Keep learning TPRS. This is my overall goal. I want to make sure that I have my students speaking in the target language as much as possible. The more they speak, the more they will learn. And teaching them now to speak using stories and real life scenarios is the best way. I have identified this as my interest because it is a different way of learning that does not simply have us following a chapter and grammar lesson. It gets the students and teacher engaged in everyday conversations. I will continue to learn and practice the best ways to teach using this strategy and I will assess student's listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. I will do this by using Flipgrids and in-class presentations. I will have one on one assessments and partner assessments. Having the motivation to master a skill and to constantly want to become better is motivation enough to remain a connected educator throughout my career.
Positive Strategies: Personal and Professional
Here are some positive strategies and thoughts that have helped me keep my motivation, passion, and energy alive during my difficult times:
- Always keep an open mind.
- Workout the STRESS: It helps me relieve my stress and come back ready to go!!
- Positive self talk and motivation: Yes, I literally tell myself I will be okay and keep going!
- Reflect: Reflect on what worked in the classroom and what did not.
- No matter how tough my day is, I always try to bring a positive attitude and smile to class EVERY DAY!
- Incorporate what you and your students like into the classroom. Make it homey.
Advice to Future Teachers:
My advice for new teachers is to always be open-minded and ready for change! The classroom is constantly changing and there are always new ways to teach or new strategies, methods, and technologies to bring to it. There are more fun ways of teaching and bringing excitement into the classroom. Students can tell when you put all your effort into the lesson or if you just want the day to end already. Always bring your best self into class. Positivity and understanding goes a long way. And make time for yourself. Keep a calendar/ planner and actually use it! And most importantly, HAVE FUN and enjoy the journey! :)