Title: Praxis II Scores & Content Courses Date: Spring 2013

Description: During the spring of 2013 I took the Praxis II content test for becoming a teacher at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. However, I am pursuing a dual licensure of Agricultural Education and Technology Education. Due to becoming certified in these two areas, I was required to pass both the Praxis II for Agriculture, and the Praxis II for Technology. Attached is a copy of my passing scores for both Praxis II Tests. In the fall and spring semesters of 2012 and 2013 at University of Wisconsin-Platteville, I also took content related courses in which I succeeded in. Two of these classes for example would be Metals 1430, Introduction to Metal Processes, and Plant Soil Science 1240, The Plant-Soil Environment. These two classes are just examples of in-depth content related material that I took to understand central concepts such as soil permeability and metal heat treatment processes of which will be helpful information regarding my two areas of study. Attached are transcripts with the grades I received for the courses. After taking numerous courses in my two areas of content at the University of WisconsinPlatteville, I am further prepared to create learning experiences such as tree and plant identification that make aspects of Agriculture subject matter meaningful by relating real-world matter for my pupils. I am also prepared to form lesson procedures because of my education at the University of Wisconsin Platteville. One example of a lesson procedure I could prepare would be the constructing of a birdhouse out of wood through basic steps.

Alignment Wisconsin Teacher Standard Alignment: This artifact best aligns with Standard One: Content, of the Wisconsin Teacher Licensure Standards. Standard One states that the teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the disciplines she or he teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for pupils. My experience taking content related courses at University of Wisconsin-Platteville best aligns with Standard One of the Wisconsin Teacher Standards because through these courses I was taught in-depth content such as identification of genetically modified crops and proper welding processes. Learning, discussing, and studying in these content areas has ultimately prepared me with breaking grounds of knowledge that has ultimately given me a sold structure to build off of in my knowledge relating to my content area of study. I have demonstrated and understanding of central concepts through my grades in content related courses as well as my scores from the Praxis II. I am now able to apply knowledge such as metal characteristics and behavior, to a welding class I might teach. For example, my class would never weld galvanized steel because the fumes/gases given off from the weld are poisonous. Instead we would wear proper PPE and weld on a clean slab of iron with correct temperatures to make solid welds with good

penetration. Applying the skills and knowledge I have established through my coursework at the University of Wisconsin Platteville I could properly and confidently demonstrate how to weld properly. As a result of my experience taking these content related courses at University of Wisconsin Platteville, I am now further prepared to achieve and accomplish my tasks and obligations through my education, practice and skills I have acquired.

UW-Platteville School of Education Knowledge, Skill, and Disposition Statement Alignment: This experience best aligns with KSD1.a of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville School of Education Knowledge, Skill, and Disposition statements which states: The candidate displays extensive content knowledge of his/her subject areas and demonstrates a continuing search for new content knowledge, resources, and best instructional practices, while understanding student diversity and student misconceptions and misunderstandings as a key to the teaching process. During my educational experience at University of Wisconsin-Platteville, I interacted with many of my peers and professors as well as mentors through e-mail, phone, and in person meetings to answer questions I had. These interactions were purposeful to me because it helped me learn and grow through my Agricultural and Technology content that at times was challenging. I learned through this experience that as an educator, I must know my content well because it is very difficult to teach something you dont know much about . It is also difficult to answer questions about particular content when you dont know it well. Now I also understand that knowing material related to the content isnt enough, but rather teaching the material, is really knowing the material.

Secondary KSDs: KSD1.e: Designing Coherent Instruction KSD4.e: Growing and Developing Professionally

Personal Reflection: What I learned about teaching/learning from this experience. I learned that teaching content is not always and easy task. Teaching is a way of transferring skills and knowledge. By this I mean that teaching is sharing information to your student(s), and showing them how to use and analyze that information so that it can be used as working knowledge. I also learned from this experience that teachers really need to know their content before teaching. However, teaching is a learning experience. The greatest teachers are the teachers who never stop learning and share information in the most efficient method possible.

What I learned about myself as a prospective educator as a result of this experience.

As a prospective educator, I learned through this experience that hard work such as studying pays off. Taking the extra step to utilize learning opportunities is always worth it. Taking advantage of education opportunities can only benefit my grasp on content, which ultimately will help me portray knowledge to my students. The more knowledge I am able to bring to light to them, is beneficial for both the students, and myself as a prospective educator.