Standard #13
Continue to develop professionally as reflective practitioners who are committed to an on-going scholarly inquiry.
In order to suffice standard #13, I will attempt to disclose my pursuit to remain an active professional, and reflective practitioner who is committed to an on-giong scholars inquiry. As an English educator, it is essential to undergo a continuous development among professionally accredited programs, and memberships. Since we live in a world that is ever-changing, so must we. We cannot simply "teach" to the test, or undergo an "old-fashioned" way of educating anymore. It simply will not do.
Moreover, it is imperative for educators to keep up-to-date with each, and every standard, as well as the techniques, and practices we must adhere to. During the year 2013 many areas of the English education field are changing, and it is happening quickly. Alongside these amendments, our technological worlds are also increasing, and becoming more readily available to all members of society. Our students live in a world of instant-gratification, whereas, anything they want, need, or would like to know can be done with the click of a smart phone, kindle, iPad, iPod, or the touch of a computer, or laptop. Therefore, educators must keep up with the world's, and societies surrounding us.
By doing so we will be able to effectively accommodate, intrigue, and engage our students. Using technology to teach is something every educator will need to know at this point in time, or else we might lose our student's interest. During my student teaching placements, especially while in Locust Valley, I had multiple professional development/ workshop opportunities. I learned a lot about differentiation, and how to incorporate effective practices into the classroom. In addition, I also learned about ways to enhance teaching styles by incorporating enticing lesson ideas, or activities.
In order to be an effective educator during the 21st century, we must stay highly connected to the professional world of education, as well as striving to remain reflective practitioners in an on-going scholars inquiry.
During the year 2010, I became a member of NCTE, and will attempt to renew my membership yearly in order to stay in touch with the concepts, and practices that will effect me as an educator. I also have had an online Blog in the past, where I wrote about important, and relevant educational concepts, theories, and effective ways to improve my teaching. We must continue to develop and build our scholars vocabularies, minds, and hearts.
Another membership that I am affiliated with is Sigma Tau Delta, which is a membership for English majors demonstrating academic excellence and honor. I was inducted into this membership last spring by Dr. Stearns. Sigma Tau Delta, an International English Honor Society aims to "confer distinction upon students of the English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies." The organization has given me the opportunity to become a part of something greater than simply being a SUNY Cortland English major. Now, I can say I am a part of a committee, or society that aims to give members the ability to stay connected, meanwhile, conferring distinction.
Since I decided to keep a journal while student teaching, I was able to "systematically and intentionally study my practices as I taught" (Lytle and Cochran-Smith, 1992) because I could monitor my progress, refer back to certain lessons and recall what worked well, or what fell short. I was able to see how I evolved from day one through my very last day. My lessons became more involved and specific. As an educator, I became much more confident in myself, thus trying new techniques. Additionally, I was able to confidently and competently discuss the significance of the word "nigger" with an entirely Black and Hispanic class. At first, I was not sure I would be able to properly foster a discussion around this word, since it is not language I have ever used with friends, or anyone at all. But, the result were remarkable and I gained new insight into the personal lives of my students.
Phi Beta Delta: Honor Society for International Scholars
Sigma Tau Delta: English Honor Society Membership
NCTE
NCTE: Up-to-date membership
Moreover, it is imperative for educators to keep up-to-date with each, and every standard, as well as the techniques, and practices we must adhere to. During the year 2013 many areas of the English education field are changing, and it is happening quickly. Alongside these amendments, our technological worlds are also increasing, and becoming more readily available to all members of society. Our students live in a world of instant-gratification, whereas, anything they want, need, or would like to know can be done with the click of a smart phone, kindle, iPad, iPod, or the touch of a computer, or laptop. Therefore, educators must keep up with the world's, and societies surrounding us.
By doing so we will be able to effectively accommodate, intrigue, and engage our students. Using technology to teach is something every educator will need to know at this point in time, or else we might lose our student's interest. During my student teaching placements, especially while in Locust Valley, I had multiple professional development/ workshop opportunities. I learned a lot about differentiation, and how to incorporate effective practices into the classroom. In addition, I also learned about ways to enhance teaching styles by incorporating enticing lesson ideas, or activities.
In order to be an effective educator during the 21st century, we must stay highly connected to the professional world of education, as well as striving to remain reflective practitioners in an on-going scholars inquiry.
During the year 2010, I became a member of NCTE, and will attempt to renew my membership yearly in order to stay in touch with the concepts, and practices that will effect me as an educator. I also have had an online Blog in the past, where I wrote about important, and relevant educational concepts, theories, and effective ways to improve my teaching. We must continue to develop and build our scholars vocabularies, minds, and hearts.
Another membership that I am affiliated with is Sigma Tau Delta, which is a membership for English majors demonstrating academic excellence and honor. I was inducted into this membership last spring by Dr. Stearns. Sigma Tau Delta, an International English Honor Society aims to "confer distinction upon students of the English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies." The organization has given me the opportunity to become a part of something greater than simply being a SUNY Cortland English major. Now, I can say I am a part of a committee, or society that aims to give members the ability to stay connected, meanwhile, conferring distinction.
Since I decided to keep a journal while student teaching, I was able to "systematically and intentionally study my practices as I taught" (Lytle and Cochran-Smith, 1992) because I could monitor my progress, refer back to certain lessons and recall what worked well, or what fell short. I was able to see how I evolved from day one through my very last day. My lessons became more involved and specific. As an educator, I became much more confident in myself, thus trying new techniques. Additionally, I was able to confidently and competently discuss the significance of the word "nigger" with an entirely Black and Hispanic class. At first, I was not sure I would be able to properly foster a discussion around this word, since it is not language I have ever used with friends, or anyone at all. But, the result were remarkable and I gained new insight into the personal lives of my students.
Phi Beta Delta: Honor Society for International Scholars
Sigma Tau Delta: English Honor Society Membership
NCTE
NCTE: Up-to-date membership