Standard five of Appalachian State University's Middle Grades Education standards states that, "middle grades teacher candidates understand the complexity of teaching young adolescents and engage in practices and behaviors that develop their competence as professionals and leaders in the field of middle grades education within a global community." By producing each artifact provided and described above, I have successfully demonstrated my ability to meet the expectations set out in standard five.

 

My Professional Development Log has been continuously growing throughout the last 2-3 years, however, it was increasingly added to and organized throughout the duration of student teaching. Appalachian State University strives to provide a plethora of opportunities for the sake of professional development for their students. The teacher preparation program has not only prepared me to be a first year educator, but it has also prepared me to continuously grow as a professional in the field. Professional development opportunities ensure that I am well rounded in my understanding of the complexity of teaching young adolescents effectively through practices that meet their developmental needs. Along with PD opportunities, my log contains opportunities for professional development that I attended to at the school, like 504 and grade-level team meetings. In order to educate students, it is essential to engage in meetings where their needs are discussed. Being involved provides growth as a professional as well as preparation to find strategies that meet the needs of all students. 

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My First Year of Teaching Goal was completed during the end of my student teaching experience. The goal was intended to be used as a reflection of my time as a student teacher to indicate an area I am passionate to work towards during my first year as an educator. By focusing in on one standard, which was standard two in this case, I created an attainable goal that I wish to challenge myself to meet during my first year. The goal provides a description of strategies and resources that I plan to utilize to be successful. This document demonstrates my desire to continuously challenge myself to meet personal goals in my professional career. With these goals comes my understanding that it is essential to utilize in-school resources for support in achieving the challenges set out for myself. As a first year teacher, I humbly understand that I am far from being at the same academic or skill level as master teachers around me. Therefore, it is essential to seek mentors and professional development opportunities within the school in order to grow and continue to set goals throughout my years as an educator. 

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The School Improvement Plan (SIP) was also completed during the end of my student teaching experience. The plan was intended to research SIPs to understand their purpose for schools. In addition to understanding SIPs, I also analyzed how I, as an educator, will be given responsibility to meet the expectations set out by my school's SIP. I am passionate towards being an active member of the school community, which means that I will hold myself to the high expectations set out by my schools SIP. Being a leader is a way to ensure the enforced measures set out in SIPs, which means collecting data, practicing appropriate measures, and keeping up to date with school data. Schools and their students are complex, yet I am sure that my drive, dedication, and hard work will lead to my engagement in practices and behaviors that develop my competence as a professional and leader in the field of middle grades education. 

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Student teaching provided opportunities of both professional and personal growth that built upon my confidence to soon have my first classroom. Each artifact provided demonstrates my dedication to becoming an educator that wants to make a true impact on the field of middle grades education. I will challenge myself to be a voice in my community that strives to advocate for the successful academic and social experiences of all students entering my classroom and the school at large. Holding myself to professional standards will also ensure my drive to be a continuous learner, which will be shown in my engagement in professional development and research opportunities. I am eager to impact middle grades education in my classroom, school, and beyond.