What does it mean to be an
Inspired Teacher?
ITL 530 Growth as an Inspired Teacher
Intra- From the intra perspective, I learned that i can focus too much on classroom discipline instead of focusing on creating a positive classroom environment that prevents the discipline in the first place. Positive reinforcement and engaging students tends to work better than telling students what they are doing wrong all the time.
Inter- From the inter perspective, I learned that suspending students has limited pros and cons. While sometimes necessary, restorative justice can be a better approach that focuses on building a relationship with the student and getting him back on track.
ITL 518 Growth as an Inspired Teacher
Intra- From the intra perspective, I learned that students need optimal groups for effective learning and understanding. Being able to group students in a manner that is conducive to their needs is imperative. Every student matters.
Inter- From the inter perspective, I learned that I can focus too much on teaching one subject. Being able to integrate other subjects into the content will give students a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter that will engage them and optimize learning.
ITL 516 Growth as an Inspired Teacher
Intra perspective-
From the intra perspective, I’ve learned that I can focus to much on pedagogy and miss the thrust of the lesson. High expectations are critical, but expecting too much out your students can also be detrimental. Students need to be within the zone of proximal development. In the future, I’ll be sure to have high expectations but not too high. Students need to be able to complete the project. I think that I’ll be a more effective teacher by thinking about the expectations more and what my students are able to complete. A proper balance needs to be implemented for effective instruction.
Inter perspective-
From the inter perspective, I’ve learned that sometimes students need creative instruction they can relate to instead of a monologue from the teacher. Being proactive and being able to think critically through projects can increase learning. In the future, I’ll try to implement an integrative approach that implements projects into the lesson plan and addresses standards from other subjects.
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ITL 514 Growth as an Inspired Teacher
Intra perspective-
From the intra perspective, I’ve learned that teaching can be motivating even in the midst of student failure. Students can struggle with certain assessments and still do well. The key is to assess students properly and modify instruction based on critical data points. I’m now confident that my students will be able to learn more effectively with this valuable information in hand.
Inter perspective-
From the inter perspective, I learned that I need to be patient with students. Learning takes time and assessments are another piece of the puzzle that guarantees success. As teachers, we would like to see instant results. However, the real world doesn’t work like that. I’m excited to see the fruit of my labor as I conduct assessments and see tangible results.
ITL 512 Growth as an Inspired Teacher
Intra perspective-
From the intra perspective, I’m more excited to teach because I realize that there’s so much more room for improvement. I’m starting to learn my weaknesses and strengths. I think as a teacher, we need to see our strong and weak points to maximize effectiveness. Sometimes it can be discouraging if I only focus on my weak points. However, when I can see the whole picture and realize I’m doing many things right and some things wrong, my teaching is impacted in a positive light.
Inter perspective-
From the inter perspective, I learned that accepting criticism is important and having a humble mindset is imperative for effective teaching. As I continue teaching, I hope I can learn more ways in which I need work and ways in which I’m doing well. I’m more excited to teach in the future.
ITL 510 Growth as an Inspired Teacher
Intra perspective-
In ITL 510, I experienced reading to children. I am more motivated to teach because teaching is enjoyable. Seeing the expression on children’s faces, engagement in the material, and questions asked make teaching a rewarding experience. I’m more confident that teaching is the career path for me based on my experience reading to children in a public school. Passion drives motivation. Because I’m passionate about being a consistent model in the lives of children, I know that the work will be worth it.
Inter perspective-
ITL 510 challenged by beliefs and values. Before this class, I was used to teaching children in a Christian environment. I’m now more convinced that I can enjoy teaching children in any environment. Teaching is rewarding because it’s an investment in a cause to change lives. I want to be part of that.
ITL 608 Growth as an Inspired Teacher Reflection Document
Given the Inspire Perspectives of Intra (what inspires me as a teacher) and Inter (what has shaped my beliefs/values, practices, and professional knowledge), respond to the following prompts:
Intra:
- What is important to me as an inspired teacher? What are the important beliefs and values gained from this class that inspire me (Affect)?
I am inspired when my students are excited to learn. Seeing a productive class motivates me to teach.
Some important values gained from this class that inspire me include classroom management strategies that focus the consequence on the related misbehavior. I now have more confidence that I’ll be able to manage my class well.
2) What specific actions have I learned about from this class that I can take to remain inspired (Behavior)?
Some specific action from this class I can take to remain inspired are creating an effective lesson plan with time stamps so I know where direction is headed throughout the day. Being prepared and knowing where you are going is inspiring me because it means that I’ll be able to teach effectively and see students enthusiastically learn the material.
3) What are the important concepts, subjects, and/or knowledge gained from this class that have inspired me as a teacher (Knowledge)?
Important knowledge gained from this class includes how to write a lesson plan, classroom management skills, and assessing instruction well.
Inter:
- When I think about inspiring my PK12 learners, what are the beliefs and values that will guide my decisions and perspectives (Affect)?
Some beliefs and values that will guide my decisions and perspectives are that students need to be taught character and be rewarded for displaying attributes instead of single actions that may be temporary. We are trying to develop children to maintain character and attributes for a long time.
2) What are a few key teaching practices and/or strategies I plan to implement to inspire my learners/students (Behavior)?
Some key strategies I can implement to inspire my learners is using positive reinforcement more than negativity. Having a healthy 4-1 ratio of positive to negative consequences can improve the effectiveness of classroom management.
3) Considering what I have learned from this class, how will I know each learner is inspired to learn, wants to contribute positively to our learning community, and is thriving in my class (Cognitions)?
I will know each learner is inspired to learn and is thriving by assessing how much they want to engage and participate. I believe part of informally assessing includes gauging the interest level of the students. Reading body language and overall enthusiasm is key so that the teacher can keep doing what he is doing or change it so students are more receptive and engaged.
ITL 606 Growth as an Inspired Teacher
In ITL 606, I believe I’ve grown as an inspired teacher by learning more about the UDL framework. This has enabled me to think about how I will engage my students more with techniques based on models and methodologies. In addition, the signature assignment has given me the valuable skills of collecting data and implementing instruction. When a teacher is maximizing the abilities of their students, students will be inspired to learn.
ITL 604 Growth as an inspired teacher:
In ITL 604, I believe I have grown as an Inspired teacher in primarily 2 ways:
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Gaining the ability to have empathy and understand what students are going through-
Sometimes as a teacher, we don’t have the full story. We can make assumptions based on limited information. After taking ITL 604, I have a better understanding of what children go through at home and how it impacts learning. For example, traumatic situations, low SES, and nutrition are some factors that affect how much a student can potentially learn. I believe understanding the background of students will enable me to be an inspired teacher from the intra perspective because I’ll be more motivating. Spurring on students to success will come more naturally because of the enhanced understanding I now have.
2. Understanding tools to maintain an environment that encompasses a UDL framework
Differentiating instruction based on student needs will enable me to inspire the next generation of students. When a teacher truly understands what children need to succeed, the teacher will be able to inspire students from the inter perspective because they are succeeding. Small amounts of success will motivate students to be more successful in the future. Every small step of progress excites students to learn more and achieve their goals.
ITL 602 Growth as an Inspired Teacher
In ITL 602, I have developed immensely as a professional educator and inspired teacher. An inspired teacher is motivated, engages in learning, has higher order thinking, and has professional conduct. The TPE 6 assignments conspicuously details the outworking of engaging in learning for enhancing the intra and inter mindset. The TPE 6 page details my values as a professional educator. In addition, it outlines and visually demonstrates how culture affects my teaching style and impacts students. Lastly, my roles and factors that impact me are visible in the TPE page.
I believe I have grown as an inspired teacher from the Intra and Inter mindset in 2 ways:
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My values (Intra) have developed and changed as demonstrated by the TPE 6 assignments. The values that I am developing will inspire my students (Inter) to reach their maximum potential, believe they can do an amazing job, work independently, work as a group, and reflect the character traits that I will be modeling to them.
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My perspective of students have changed as demonstrated by the TPE 6 assignments (Intra). Because my perspectives have changed, I will be better equipped to inspire my future students. (Inter) Having a proper perspective of one’s students is essential for inspiring them because it motivates the professional teacher to teach in ways that weren’t possible before.
Values and Perspectives are 2 elements of an Inspired teacher that I believe I have grown in from the Intra and Inter Perspective.
Inspired Teacher PowerPoint
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