Platform

Scan of critical understanding

Understands and accommodates diverse needs of learners

Strengths

I understand how second languages are acquired and apply this knowledge with my ESL students.

I have many ESL special education students and I accommodate their needs by modifying lessons.

I use WIDA standards to drive instruction and assessment for second language learners because I know that ESL students cannot be successful if instruction is not matched to their English proficiency. I also understand how second language students learn, and I use multiple intelligences whenever I can to teach the content.

Weaknesses

I have some non-verbal ESL students with special needs and I am not up-to-date on their developmental and instructional needs.

While I know the importance of multiple intelligences, I do not incorporate these intelligences into my lessons as often as I should.

I do not use data enough to understand the interworkings of my students, even though this should ultimately determine students' needs and the proper way to accomodate each of them.

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Makes instructional decisions that effectively support the learning process

Strengths

I closely plan my instruction bases on the needs of my students.

I collaborate more often with teachers to align the ESL curriculum to the classroom curriculum. I realize there are skill sets my ESL students need to learn, but I always try to align my instruction to the learner statements from District 15.

Weaknesses

I have many resources in my classroom, but I have not taken advantage of all these materials.

I rarely have summative assessments for my students. I usually only use standardized tests to guide my instruction.

I do not align ESL curriculum with my students' IEPs and there are still so many aspects of second language acquasition that I still need to be familar with in order to be a better teacher.

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Understands pertinent academic content

Strengths

I understand best practices in ESL.

I understand the academic content I teach in my classroom.

I have better understanding of the Harcourt series, which is the main reading curriculum in my district. When I do teach content I familiarize myself with the concepts I need to teach and I make sure it is taught in a meaningful and engaging manner.

Weaknesses

I often am not informed of the specific content knowledge my students have outside of the ESL classroom. When they come to me for help, I am often unaware of classroom procedures and knowledge.

I rarely have enough time to review classroom tests, so I find myself modifying tests without full knowledge of what is being assessed.

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Integrates theory and practice by conducting inquiry

Strengths

I strive to make learning meaningful and engaging for all students.

I reflect often to assure my theories align with my practice. I am always thinking about the content I teach and frequently questioning my effectiveness to ensure that instruction is meaningful to all of my students.

Weaknesses

I do not utilize my students' feedback enough to help me reflect on my practice.

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Critically reflects and articulates professional beliefs in relation to practice

Strengths

I often reflect on my teaching.

I strive to grow professionally.

I understand education is an important profession.

I provide professional second language advice to my colleagues and I frequently communicate to my students' families. I am always thinking of ways I can grow professionally and I know I will continue to seek opportunities that will make me a better teacher.

Weaknesses

I do not have any leadership roles in my school.

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Collaborates with others productively

Strengths

I realize the importance of the school within the community.

I collaborate often with the regular education teachers to discuss my ESL students.

I have created a learning environment that promotes positive social interactions.

I am collaborating more with special ed teachers to be a more effective teacher and I collaborate with my new principal often to bring about change with the second language population. Also, I have met with many of my students' parents to talk about their progress, and for parents who I have not met, I sent home information to explain the ESL program.

Weaknesses

I do not feel my behavior management plan provides enough intrinsic motivation. I also feel that it could use some revision.

While I meet with teachers, there are many long term plans I need to work on with my colleagues for next year.

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Advocates for productive change

Strengths

I advocate for my ESL students whenever I can. I usually talk with the classroom teachers to help them understand second language acquisition and best practices in ESL, which benefits my students.

As a member of the Intervention Team, I have helped to create some interventions that will help many students within the school. I am also also working with the bilingual/ESL teachers at my school to change the misconceptions many teachers have of second language learners.

Weaknesses

I do not have enough understanding of my district, school, or the educational system to advocate for change within a larger context.

Narratives

Theories-in-use

Goals

Book Reviews

Field Exploration