Professional Educator Discussion and Reflection

Amber Spring

National University

ITL600: Becoming a Teacher

Running Head: Professional Educator Discussion and Reflection 2

Abstract

Prior to this assignment, I was able to have a conversation with a fellow student to discuss

several of the elements of Teacher Performance Expectations 6. I also read through all Teacher

Performance Expectations and thought about how these expectations tie into my current

philosophy and think about what I can do to meet these expectations, as well as question what

these expectation entail. This paper will outline some of my values and biases that will affect

my teaching practice, identify ways in which I can exhibit caring, acceptance, and fairness to

students, their families, and colleagues. And lastly, will identify some of my professional

learning goals.
Running Head: Professional Educator Discussion and Reflection 3

Professional Educator Discussion and Reflection

Collaborating and sharing ideas is something that I look forward to doing with my grade

level team when I become a teacher. This week I was able to do just that with a fellow

classmate, Nidia Barragan. We talked about elements 2 and 3 in TPE 6. We shared are past

experiences in education, our philosophies, goals, what we hope to be as teachers. Nidia shared

how she struggled with ADHD growing up, and that she was almost frowned upon, rather than

given learning tools to help her succeed. We talked about how this experience effects what she

will and will not do as a teacher. I shared with her some of my experiences engaging in

communication with some of my colleagues in the education field. Our conversation took place

over the phone, and Nidia was very kind and present in the conversation as well as helping

guide the discussion.

Teacher Performance Expectation 6 discusses the different elements to developing as a

professional educator. One of these elements, element 2, states that teachers should

“recognize their own values and implicit and explicit biases, the ways in which these values and

implicit and explicit biases may positively and negatively affect teaching and learning, and work

to mitigate any negative impact on the teaching and learning of students. They exhibit positive

dispositions of caring, support, acceptance, and fairness toward all students and families, as

well as toward their colleague” (California Teaching Performance Expectations: Commission on

Teacher Credentialing, 2016). In all honesty, identifying and reflecting on my biases was very

difficult. It would have much easier to identify some of my values and what positive effect they

will have on my teaching. It is difficult to admit that I have any biases. However, it is beneficial

that I acknowledge these biases so that they won’t negatively impact the learning environment
Running Head: Professional Educator Discussion and Reflection 4

or way that I treat a student, as I want all children to feel supported and accepted. I notice a

bias that I have is that I am naturally drawn to certain students. Some may call this “favoritism”.

These are the students that participate and volunteer on their own accord, they are helpful,

respectful, have neat writing, and are always on task. The plus side is that I am aware of this

bias. I am constantly putting myself in check in the classroom reminding myself to give the same

attention, time, support and encouragement to all students in the classroom. Another value I

have that will positively impact my teaching, is that I am hopeful. I am hopeful that all students

will succeed and that they all have potential. Some students may progress at a slower pace or

have different learning goals than their peers, but my hope is that they take something away

from my class. Whether that is knowledge, or confidence and self-esteem, I want to leave a

mark on every one of my students. I am hopeful that with my varied instructional strategies

paired with each students’ unique talents and strengths, they will each thrive. Another value I

have is that I am creative and resourceful. I think these two things will come in handy when

creating differentiated lessons and assessments to meet the learning styles of all students.

One way in which I will exhibit caring, support, acceptance, and fairness to all

students and families is to be mindful of their culture. “The professional educator endeavors to

understand and respect the values and traditions of the diverse cultures represented in the

community and in his or her classroom” (Association of American Educators, 2018). Some of

these students may be English language learners and need extra support and modifications in

the classroom. I plan to be aware of the students and family’s cultural orientation towards

things such as physical interactions, timeliness, attitudes towards education, and cooperation. I

can incorporate different aspects of these cultures into my classroom through different
Running Head: Professional Educator Discussion and Reflection 5

readings and activities. I plan to show support to colleagues by developing a trusting

relationship. I want my colleagues to feel safe in confiding in me or to seek advice. I want to

create a relationship where I empower them on their teaching journey, and that I receive the

same from them.

Teachers should always set goals for themselves, as there is always more to learn and

ways to grow. My number one learning goal is to strengthen my technology skills. I would love

to competently navigate through Google. I want to know how to use Google docs and drive,

Google Classroom, and other Google tools. I need to be well-versed in these programs to

communicate with my colleagues, parents, and students. I know a lot of teachers use Google

classroom to push out videos and slides to their students. Students can upload documents to

their student drive and send it to the teacher. I don’t know the first thing in directing my

students how to do this. It’s not just something I want to know, it’s something I need to know.

Technology is so prevalent in society and in the classroom. I’ve seen teachers do amazing things

with technology. I’d love to have a platform like seesaw or a website to keep parents informed

and up to date, or for my students to showcase their work. Another professional learning goal

would be to become proficient in a variety of instructional strategies that will promote student

success in the classroom.

Running Head: Professional Educator Discussion and Reflection 6

References

Association of American Educators. (2018). Code of Ethics for Educators. Retrieved

from https://www.aaeteachers.org/index.php/about-us/aae-code-of-ethics

California Teaching Performance Expectations: Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

(2016). California Teaching Performance Expectations. Retrieved from

https://www.ctc.ca.gov/docs/default-source/educator-prep/standards/adopted-tpes-

2016.pdf?sfvrsn=8cb2c410_0