Engage in professional learning
I believe I am just as much a learner as my students are. That is why I am always working to better myself and further my knowledge on what makes a great teacher. In my teaching practicums I an always reflecting on my teaching, and seek feedback from my mentors on how I can better my lessons.
‘Throughout her placement, Amanda continuously reflected on her teaching practices and, as a result of this, was able to make appropriate changes to her lessons to better suit her students’ (Kaitlyn Wait, Glen Waverley South P.S, semester 1, 2015)
‘She also reflected well after all lessons, and always made an effort to use these experiences to improve her teaching practices for the next lesson’ (Kaitlyn Wait, Glen Waverley South P.S, semester 1, 2015)
‘She was open for criticism and worked to improve on it.’ (Katrin Gasser, P.S of Alpnach, semester 2, 2014)
‘Amanda would seek and act on advice given to her and was particularly keen to advance her behaviour management skills’ (Kate Tierney, Glendal P.S, semester 1, 2014)
I recently had the opportunity to engage in Professional Learning by attending a Grade 5/6 camp. On this camp I was required to assist in facilitating the students and coordinating activities, as well as working professionally with my colleagues. This was a great experience that allowed me to put into practice the skills I have built as a teacher in regards to engaging with students and colleagues, and is an example of my continued efforts to broaden my teaching experience.
Throughout my teaching experiences so far I have also shown evidence of the ability to work effectively with my colleagues by assisting my level team with the planning of units for literacy, numeracy and integrated studies for the upcoming term. I have also participated in the weekly planning meetings to ensure I am collaborating with my colleagues and we can share ideas for lessons. Additionally, I attend all staff meetings to ensure I am an active participant of the staff community, where I contribute ideas and also work with smaller groups to assist with various happenings within the school community.
I believe that working in collaboration with my colleagues, particularly in the profession of teaching, is so important. I believe everyone brings something different to the table, and perceive my colleagues to be valuable assets of the education team. I learn so much from the teachers that surround me, and I am constantly learning new ideas that can add value to my teaching practice. I also see myself as a valuable asset and am always willing to contribute thoughts and ideas to any discussion. I see the relationship with my colleagues as being as important as the relationship with my students. If I cannot effectively collaborate with my colleagues, the environment I work in is not safe and supportive, just as I advocate for my students. I look up to the teachers who I have worked with and appreciate the experience and wisdom they have. I am always polite, friendly, approachable, understanding, and participative with my colleagues, and I believe I express qualities that are valuable in any staff.
As I mentioned, I am and always will be a learner. I do not believe that learning starts at the beginning of the school day and ends when the students go home. This is why I feel it is important for me to participate in any learning possible, both within the school community and in the wider community, so that I can build on my skills as a teacher, and transfer this into the classroom so that my students are getting the best education possible. My hope is that my passion for learning transfers onto my students, so that they become learners who are curious, who question, and who too are inspired to become lifelong learners.
I believe that working in collaboration with my colleagues, particularly in the profession of teaching, is so important. I believe everyone brings something different to the table, and perceive my colleagues to be valuable assets of the education team. I learn so much from the teachers that surround me, and I am constantly learning new ideas that can add value to my teaching practice. I also see myself as a valuable asset and am always willing to contribute thoughts and ideas to any discussion. I see the relationship with my colleagues as being as important as the relationship with my students. If I cannot effectively collaborate with my colleagues, the environment I work in is not safe and supportive, just as I advocate for my students. I look up to the teachers who I have worked with and appreciate the experience and wisdom they have. I am always polite, friendly, approachable, understanding, and participative with my colleagues, and I believe I express qualities that are valuable in any staff.
As I mentioned, I am and always will be a learner. I do not believe that learning starts at the beginning of the school day and ends when the students go home. This is why I feel it is important for me to participate in any learning possible, both within the school community and in the wider community, so that I can build on my skills as a teacher, and transfer this into the classroom so that my students are getting the best education possible. My hope is that my passion for learning transfers onto my students, so that they become learners who are curious, who question, and who too are inspired to become lifelong learners.