4 On-going Professional Learning

Resume 

Here is my resume which gives an overview of my educational and professional background.

Annual Learning Plan 

My annual learning plan was most recently created during before my Block C practicum in December 2024. My goal surrounded implementing documenting student learning while teaching. To see assessment strategies I implemented on my Block C placement, visit the assessment chapter of this book.

Goals for Future Growth

My goals for growing further as an educator include:

• Incorporating more culturally diverse lessons in my unit and integrating indigenous education
• Finding ways to connect with older (grades 7-8) students (examples include icebreakers, attention getters, tone of voice/engaging lessons, or reward systems for that age group.)
• Achieve formalized education in Applied Behaviour Analysis (example., a master’s in Applied Education or Disability Studies that focuses on this topic.)
• Getting my certification for teaching deaf students or students who use American Sign Language (and taking more ASL courses/becoming more fluent in the language.)

Alternative Settings Placement Reflection 

For my alternative settings placement, I was placed in a Special Education (Autism) classroom in London (Ontario) in the Spring of 2024. Here is my evaluation from my associate teacher in that classroom. The students in that classroom were all in Grades 7/8 so it was also my first experience in an intermediate classroom. I interacted with 7/8 students inside that classroom and outside. The school was in a community with more diverse needs. I learned about strategies teachers’ used to not engage in power struggles with these students by asking them questions instead of using firmer tones. I experimented with teaching social skills lessons in that class, observed IEP/transition meetings, and helped students integrate in mainstream classes. I learned about the paperwork that goes into Special Education, how students are placed in Special Education classrooms in that board, and what kinds of Special Education classes interest me. It solidified my interest in Special Education.  It was a valuable experience in a setting I have been very interested in teaching. I think ideally, I would still love to work in a behavioural classroom in London.

Feedback from Associate Teachers and Practicum Assessments 

Supporting Literacy Support Placement

In my supporting literacy placement, I worked was in Grade 3/4 classroom and came during their morning literacy block. I worked with two different small groups of students who were identified by the teacher as needing extra help in literacy and language instruction. During my time in this classroom, I read aloud picture books to the class, administered diagnostic reading assessments/tracked student progress in reading, and created various activities designed to fit my students’ needs and support them during this block.

Here is a  reference letter from my associate teacher during my supporting literacy placement.

Block B

In my Block B practicum, I was placed in a Grade 2 classroom and had two associate teachers. I came up with a visual art and science unit plan. The subjects I taught included Visual Art, Drama, Science, Gym, and Social Studies.

Block C

In my Block C practicum I was placed in SK/1 classroom. I taught 75% to 100% of the school day by the end of the week. The subjects I taught included Language, Math, Science, Gym, and Visual Art.

Here is my (mid-point) or formative assessment and my summative evaluation for my Block C practicum.

Certifications and Skills

Here are a list of some certifications and other skills that I have earned or achieved:

• French as a Second Language (DELF B1)
• American Sign Language (Completed ASL 101)
• Registered Behaviour Technician Training from the Autism Partnership Foundation
• Crisis Prevention and Intervention training
• First Aid and CPR (Level C)
• High Five (Principles of Healthy Child Development) which is a training for workers in child recreational settings
• Ophea Concussion Identification, Management, and Prevention in Schools
• Music skills- I have achieved a singing certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music (Grade 2 vocal intensive exam) and also took piano lessons (up to Grade 7 music skill.)