InTASC Standard #1 - Artifact Justification

Standard #1: Learner Development: The teacher understands how learners grow
and develop, recognizing that pattern of learning and development vary individually
within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and
designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning
experiences.
Artifact Description
In this essay, which was taken from a series of weekly assignments that students
were required to respond to and discuss in the conference section of our school site,
I discuss 3 things: How literacy is a right, The teacher's role in a culturally diverse
classroom, how "seeing to learn" fits into the teacher's role, and whether I share the
vision of teaching beyond boundaries.
How does this artifact demonstrate achievement of the standard?
In this post, I present an in-depth exploration of learners, and how a teacher must
work with each individual based on their own growth and development. I discuss
how it is ultimately my responsibility as the teacher to understand that individuals
develop differently based on a variety of reasons, and that I must understand these
reasons and approach each student holistically so that I can help each student
reach his or her potential and facilitate learning in the best way possible.
How has creation of this artifact affected my understanding of the standard? How
will it contribute to effective teaching and learning in the future?
By creating this artifact, I've deeply explored my role and responsibilities as a
teacher, and my obligation to every learner in my classroom. Going forward, I will
work to constantly be aware of my students as complete individuals who can rise to
any occasion given the proper encouragement and tools.
What are my perceived strengths related to the standard?
Related to this standard, my strengths are:

My willingness and desire to help each student achieve greatness

An ability to think creatively and differentiate content where necessary
The awareness that it is my job to reach every learner in the classroom and
make learning content accessible to all

What can I improve upon to better embody the selected standard?

To better embody this standard, I will:

Continue to gain teaching experience and work with my Mentor Teacher and
University Supervisor to improve skills
Continually make an effort to learn about my students and how to best
deliver learning content to them
Keep myself abreast of new teaching innovations, as well as tried and true
techniques

Maintain a flexible approach when teaching in order to innovate and improve

as I teach my lessons.