St. 5 - Relationship to School

Responsibilities and Relationships to the School, Classroom, and Student

Systematic reflection to organize and improve teaching and develop effective relationships, including the ability to:

5.1

Uphold the State of Michigan Professional Code of Ethics and engage in meaningful self-evaluation;

5.2

Identify and use current research to reflect on and improve one’s own practice related to content, technology, pedagogy, and other factors that impact student achievement;

5.3

Develop positive relationships with other teachers, parents/guardians, students, administrators, counselors, and other personnel to benefit students and to influence one’s own professional growth;

5.4

Analyze the effects of teacher dispositions, decisions, and actions upon others (e.g., families, other personnel, and all students, including those with disabilities) and adjust interactions accordingly;

5.5

Embrace and model teaching as a lifelong learning process and continue efforts to develop professionally;

5.6

Involve and work effectively with parents/guardians and implement school-wide parent involvement plans to maximize opportunities for student achievement and success;

5.7

Interact with parents/guardians using best practices for personal and technology-based communication, to maximize student learning at school, home, and in the local community;

5.8

Participate in the development of individualized plans for students with disabilities (Individual Education Plan (IEP)).

5.3.

I have been able to sub for several of the teachers in the building while student teaching at Mather Elementary.  On October 17, 2013 I was in the middle of a Reading lesson when the building principal came into my room and requested that I go upstairs into a 5th grade classroom as the teacher had become to ill to continue teaching.  I immediately switched gears from Kindergarten to 5th grade and had a great day.  I have also had the opportunity to sub in 1st grade for the building principal’s wife.  I feel that being there for other staff members in a pinch builds trust and a team spirit to the school.  This is standard is illustrated in artifact 5.3, Positive Relationships.

5.5

While student teaching at Mather Elementary I attended their Professional Development Day in Marquette, Mi.  The day was full of break out sessions that you could choose.  One in particular, that I chose, was about addressing death within the school and family.  It provided great information on how to relate to students and how to be there for them during sensitive emotional times in their lives. 

I also sought out other opportunities to learn and grow as a professional and attended SPEAKS Education and Michigan Family Voices seminars.  SPEAKS Education focused on the importance of Early On and Michigan Voices focused on parent empowerment throughout their child's education.  These learning opportunities illustrate standard 5.5.