Using both in the classroom integrated into every subject creates a more engaging learning environment for both the teacher and the learner.
1.
Describe your two strongest personal attributes. Give examples of how these attributes have helped you in your teaching practice.
One of my strongest attributes is my flexibility. My student teaching internship really put this to the test. My internship taught me that in an elementary school anything can happen. Teachers must be willing to change their lesson plans or daily schedule on a moment’s notice. Teachers have a responsibility to be as flexible as possible so that these sudden changes effect students minimally. Teachers also have the responsibility to be flexible in their lessons, or to accommodate the class when a lesson is veering a different direction than intended.
My other strong attribute is my determination. I take on any task given to me, no matter how big or small. I put my whole heart and effort into completing the task and do what I need to in order to finish my goals. I was confronted with many fears during my internship, but never once turned down an opportunity or task because of them. Determination doesn’t come with time limits, I stick to a task until it is completed. This has helped me be a successful teacher because my determination to have all lesson plans done by Friday allowed me to be prepared every week, even if it meant staying late on …show more content…
Fridays.
2.
Describe a difficult situation with a parent that you experienced. How did you resolve the situation?
I have not personally been in a difficult situation with a parent yet, but throughout my teaching internship I did have to make some tough phone calls to parents.
First, I had a student with difficult behavior problems. One day, during my lesson, this student was yelling out. When I handed out the assignment I went quietly over to this student’s desk to talk about why that was inappropriate behavior. While I was crouched down next to the student’s desk they pushed me over, I had to send the student to the principal’s office and had to make a hard phone call home. We had just had parent-teacher conferences and had discussed behavior improvements so this was a hard phone call home to make.
The second hard phone call I had to make was again due to student’s behavior. This student was caught stealing winter gear out of other student’s cubbies. We were aware this student did not have any snow gear for recess. We had called home prior and snow gear was not in their budget at this time. This was a particularly hard phone call because of the hard situation, but parents still need to be made aware.
My mentor teacher and I ended up getting some appropriate clothing
together.
3. What is your background with respect to the arts, either performing or visual?
The arts have always interested me, especially in the classroom. From my first photography class in the eighth grade to my elementary arts methods course in college, the arts have always been around me. Granted I wouldn’t call myself talented or skilled by any means but I’ve always found fun and relaxation in doing something that no one else can judge. I believe that arts are a great way for students to raise their self-esteem, gain confidence, expand their creativeness, engage them in their learning in order to increase comprehension, and relax anxious minds.
During my student teaching internship, I was responsible for creating art lessons for Fridays, they weren’t educational art lessons more just for fun. I do have a complete portfolio filled with educational art lessons that I can bring upon request.