Presentation of Learning & Reflection

Post Presentation of Learning Reflection

1) What key messages or takeaways do you want your audience to understand about your development as an educator?

The key message I wanted the audience to take away was my stance on student relationships. In my teaching philosophy and the presentation of learning, I quoted the same statement from Urie Bronfenbrenner, which conveys that students need at least one person in their corner. In all the classes I have taken, each has highlighted the importance of relationships between students. Having the opportunity to work directly with students, it showed how effective supportive relationships could be. In my presentation (the picture of the student in my presentation was removed for privacy reasons), I discussed how my relationship with the student pictured helped adjust his own challenging behaviors in the classroom. Additionally, my Spotify playlist attached was meant to create a sense of community that could extend outside the walls. I have had teachers before do a similar collaborative playlist, and I feel like this could be a way to extend relationships to both my students and their families. 

2). What goals do you have for yourself as an educator as you move into your senior year?

One of my biggest goals as an educator going into my senior year is knowing that I belong. Before my last day at Shepardson Elementary, my mentor teacher pulled me aside for a conversation. On the verge of tears, she had told me how thankful she was to have had me in the classroom and how proud she was to see the relationships I was forming in the classroom. Just shy of three weeks, students were running to show off their work, look at my own work, share their experiences, and eagerly wanting to work alongside me and ask questions. She wanted me to know that she can see, without a doubt, the heart that I have for early childhood education. In the conversation, she noted that I often would ask her questions about how she wanted me to “grade” the in-class assignments. Her one piece of advice was to put myself out there and try. To be confident in my own skills and do what I think is best. Going into my senior year, I want to do just that. I want to push myself outside my comfort zone and rely on my own education. If I end up being wrong, it is a learning opportunity for me to grow and keep moving forward.