Teacher Professional Growth Plan

Name: Deanne Nielsen School: JA Williams School School Year: 2014/15

Date Completed: Dependent on Goal, most completed at semester end (January 29
th
2015) or end of
year (June 26
th
2015)
Goal 1: To work collaboratively on developing the science 9 and math 9 teaching program
Rationale: This is important to me because I have not taught both courses before and I am new to
teaching math. The opportunity to work with my colleagues to create a foundation for myself to work
with is important so the students are able to learn their best. I have also the opportunity to teach with a
colleague who has the same assignment as I do, which provides an opportunity to plan and collaborate
throughout the year.
Strategy 1: Collect resources to look through and use (August/September)
Strategy 2: Discuss planning for courses with team-teaching colleague to create an collective planning
outline (August)
Strategy 3: Plan in prep blocks with team-teaching colleague to create collaborative assessments and to
discuss teaching methods (September June)
Strategy 4: Plan for activities where both classes can also collaborate, such as a field trip to the
Alexander Hamilton Trout Pond, the Telus World of Science presentation groups, WISEST Meet a Mentor
Program (October April)
Strategy 5: Plan for class periods in math where students are able to seek help based on their expertise
on the topic. This would involve opening the wall between the classes.
Resources: Math Makes Sense Teachers Resource, LearnAlberta T4T Courses, Science in Action 9
Textbook, Borrowed resources from Colleagues at BCHS and JAWS along with friends from University,
EdQuest,
Indicators of Achievement: I will have a foundation for the math and science 9 programs developed
where I feel confident to use for next year. I will also be able to see within the students that they are
satisfied with the program by having marks that are acceptable to the students and me. The students
will also have an enjoyable experience by having opportunities to work with their peers outside of the
class.




Goal 2: To continue my professional development in Outdoor and Environmental Education by working
with colleagues, professionals and to broaden my qualifications.
Rationale: Teaching Outdoor and Environmental education is a passion of mine, and I finally have the
opportunity where I can teach the course on my own. For success in these programs, I feel that having a
variety of industry recommended qualifications is not only important for me, but it is important for the
students. The students would benefit by having the opportunity to learn new practices and do activities
that require specific experience and certifications.
Strategy 1: Create a plan for both Environmental Science and Outdoor Living to see which types of
activities require certain certifications or where professionals can come to the class (August)
Strategy 2: Contact local professionals to network and see what the community needs are for both an
Outdoor Living and Environmental Science Program. If possible, schedule with programs to see if they
are able to play a role with the classes. (August May)
Al Bertschi - Lead Instructor of the College Program
Bradley Peter - Living Lakes Northern Alberta
Environmental Stewardship Advisory Council
Lakeland Archery Association
Teachers within the division who teach similar courses (Keith Eagles)
Corey Baker for Oil Pipeline visit (Power Engineering Program)
Alberta Parks Lakeland Staff (Dixie Coltier)
Inside Education Professionals
Junior Forest Wardens Program Cold Lake
Strategy 3: Complete the listed certifications to allow for more opportunities with programming
National Archery in Schools Program October 18
th
in Altario
Courses available with Boreal Forest Guides
o Advanced Wilderness First Aid (40 Hour Course)
Paddle Alberta Waterfront Canoe Instructor Haskin Canoe in Edmonton, AB April/May
2015
University of Calgary Outdoor Centre Advanced Wilderness First Aid (40 hour course)
February June 2015
Resources: NASP Alberta Instructor, Boreal Forest Guides, Paddle Alberta, the networking professionals
listed, planning resources indicated in Course Planning
Indicators of Achievement: I will have completed a variety of certifications that would support the
programming. I also would have a network of professionals that are willing to work with me to create a
program base that can be developed for years to come.
Goal 3: I plan to improve my classroom management for delivering my lessons by making sure the
students are learning their best in the classroom time provided
Rationale: I had noticed so far that I would often start a lesson and then students will be playing with
pens and rulers or were not paying attention. The students are new to high school and I am still
establishing my personal expectations and routines so students are aware.
Strategy 1: Outline expectations from the beginning in regards to items being put away for instruction,
and remove distracting items if students continue to use them. (Week 1 September October [continue
through term if needed)
Strategy 2: Develop and follow the bumps system and continue to create a within class system and a
long term system *this depends on the severity of the offense* (September-June)
Within Class The Bumps Walk near students who are interrupting the silent reminder,
remind student to be following along quietly, if student becomes a behavior issue, ask student to step
out and wait for a discussion, and if student continues to be disruptive, send to the PBS Room
Long Term The Bumps If student is asked to step out, state it is a warning, next offense will be
a call home, and then a class period at the PBS Room
Strategy 3: Follow through with expectations outlined and remind students that they have expectations
throughout so students understand (Throughout year)
Strategy 4: State expectations around the classroom so students can easily refer to expectations.
(September onward)
Strategy 5: Create a routine in class so students know when their attention is expected (Throughout
Year)
Agenda so students are aware of what is coming up next
Homework Section so students know what to complete beyond class
Question of the Day
Bands of the Week listen to music for first couple of minutes to refocus group
World of Science Wednesday Current events in Science class
For Outdoor Living Establish activity for first 30 minutes so students are focused to learn
Resources: Harry Wongs First days of School text and the Science Literacy text, feedback from
observations from Admin and previous experiences
Indicators of Achievement: I would have a routine for my lessons where all items that are distracting will
be away. I would have feedback from my evaluations when watching specifically this in my lessons. This
will be achieved when students follow through with rules and expectations found on the board for each
lesson (example: grab a pencil and your books for todays class)

Goal 4: To establish a Remark system within the school and complete an analysis based on outcomes for
multiple choice questions and numeric responses
Rationale: While working at BCHS, I had the opportunity to become familiar with the Remark program.
The program allowed for analysis of multiple choice questions and created an analysis of student
learning through tests. My coworker has recently shown me the full potential of the program, where it
can report based on outcomes that the students were able to demonstrate.
Strategy 1: Familiarize myself with the Remark Program (October)
Strategy 2: Implement the program with the staff for basic analysis (October)
Strategy 3: Meet with Greg King to be able to discuss how to complete the full student analysis based on
outcomes (November-January)
Resources: Greg King, Remark Software
Indicators of Achievement: I can create an analysis of student learning through summative assessment
using the programs analysis resources. The staff will begin to implement the program in their
assessment to complete the analysis.