Year Two
"If we were meant to stay in one place, we'd have roots instead of feet." - Rachel Wolchin
Please see my artifacts for each domain for my second year of teaching at Beaver! :)
Domain One!
I felt that this was a domain I really improved in throughout the year. From co-teaching with two of the best teachers to gaining more training and experience, I am proud of how far I have come in this area! Please see below for some highlights!
Domain Two!
2a. These students have made me feel like a superhero this year. They all showed respect and kindness this year, and even though we faced bumps in the road when I seemed like I was being "too hard" on them, they knew it was because they were capable and could do it. This picture shows a highlight of this year and last, the Compliments Project, where students wrote kind things about their classmates and myself to end the year knowing how loved we all are!
2b. Each Day F, students chose where they wanted to go in sixth grade based on their interests. Pam Learn and I created The Shop @ Sixth where students filled out a business plan for their potential companies, worked on budgeting, sold at events at DR, and even presented their work on our Remake Learning Day in May. We all had fun in the process of creating and selling!
2e. Welcome Home to all - I wanted this classroom to play the role of a safe, calm, reliable space for any student to feel at home. I used the color scheme of my actual house to make this boho/neutral theme come to life. As the year went on, the students and I grew together and created a family through classes, MTSS, Day F, and the countless lunch bunches we had in the room. I believe the space makes or breaks learning, so I wanted this to be a place where students knew they were loved beyond words and accepted even when it felt like it was out of reach for them. I am grateful for our little family and the home we had in sixth this year.
2d. Core Values and SEL skills - My students created core values at the beginning of the year that encouraged kindness, acceptance, and love. We followed those sometimes through social stories, feelings circles, or simple lunch bunch conversations. I am proud of how kind these kiddos are!
2c. Learning Targets, Day F, Schedule Changes, etc. - From setting learning targets for my MTSS groups (both ELA and Math), learning about ISTE standards and incorporating those into my Day F plans, and communicating with all the people my caseload worked with, we managed to make this year more intentional and effective for all involved!
Get Ready to Get Engaged!
Domain Three!
3a. (Top Left) Lunch Bunches & Conferencing - From communicating in and out of the classroom, I was very involved in the students' lives academically and personally. I had weekly lunch bunches with a multitude of different students, did mental health checks with many of them, and frequently communicated with them and their families!
3b. (Bottom Left) Questioning in Math - Every Friday, Melissa and I did centers with the kids, and I frequently got the concept checks and assignments where students had to problem solve. Through group conversations to help them with scavenger hunts, escape rooms, and more, we all grew and learned together!
3c. (Middle) The Joy of Learning - In every class, there were engaging activities that connected to the content, such as connecting a real building challenge with a SCOPE magazine article we read in class near the beginning of the year. Students got to engage in learning in such fun ways this year, and I am excited to see how these experiences shape the years to come for my instruction!
3d. (Top Right) TDAs and Writing Instruction - Through a scaffolded approach at TDAs, the ELA teachers and I incorporated TDA work and writing coaching to assess students. This was beneficial both for regular data collecting but also for progress monitoring IEP goals.
3e. (Bottom Right) Flexibility Example - As a special educator, I feel I am always adjusting and responding to students' needs or situations that arise. For example, during the science fair, one of my students had a project but forgot her supplies. We didn't have enough for her original project, so I made a new idea up for her on the spot to present. There are small moments all educators have where it feels like second nature to expect to need flexibility and adaptiveness, and I am grateful to already have so many great learning experiences in this area!
Domain Four!
Reflecting. Communicating. Growing.
4a.
I have spent the past two months reflecting on my sixth grade experience and all the things I have learned. As I transition into third grade, I am so grateful for my time in sixth with amazing people and students.
4b.
I kept up with IEP progress monitoring and goals along with keeping student records throughout the year. This is an example of a conference sheet I completed with a student this year. I took pictures of every one I completed and saved copies of them for my physical records.
4c.
If it's one thing I tried to keep up with this year, it's communicating with parents. I worked with parents to create projects and opportunities for my students and got to know many wonderful people in the process which helped students in the long run.
4d.
I got to brag about my awesome Day F students at the Remake Learning Day we had, but I have shared with professional communities about what we do at Beaver and will continue to find ways to stay involved!
4e.
FrED Camp was really eye opening for my educational career, especially since I got to brag about all my awesome teacher friends from all over Western PA. I am so thankful for all the support I have in my growth and learning as an educator and individual.
4f.
I got very close with my team this year and am so grateful for their wisdom and guidance as I close the door on one chapter to start the next in third!