1 Teacher Work Sample: Reflection and Self Evaluation

Reflection and Self-Evaluation:

Throughout the lessons of this unit for my Teacher Work Sample, I have been a culturally
responsive teacher. I am aware of my diverse students and their needs. I have accommodated by
building on the background for my students so that they are able to begin learning on the topics
presented. For example I connected these topics to our everyday lives using scenarios that they
too can relate. I also used techniques that will help my lower level students by combining
gestures and pictures to help terms and processes stick. The results of my formative and
summative assessments tell me that these accommodations and my awareness have helped them
to be successful.
Within all of my lessons I have used a PowerPoint on an interactive smart board. The
PowerPoint is full of pictures, videos, songs, diagrams, activities, and review games to help
promote learning. This allowed my students to see and hear the information I have taught
through video or song. The songs definitely helped my students to remember the stages of the
water cycle. The diagrams were made to help my visual learners throughout the lesson. I
included pictures and questioning along the way to help build the background and enrich the
learning for my high level students. The results of my post assessment show that the support
from this technology helped the students to better understand the objectives.
I am assured that the students were consistently engaged throughout the lessons of this
unit. I used a variety of techniques that kept the students moving and participating. I used buddy
talk in every lesson. This allows my students to show me what they know and help one another,
rather than me standing in the front of the room lecturing. I used gestures to represent the
vocabulary used and the processes of the water cycle. This kept the students attention as well.

2 Teacher Work Sample: Reflection and Self Evaluation

The experiment and hands on activities also motivated the students to participate and better
understand the concept being taught. I know that the engagement from my students while
teaching supported the success of their post assessment results.
While teaching I am striving to maintain an environment for my students that promotes
learning. I maintain a balance between love and discipline. I am aware of my students that do
need an extra reminder or an accommodation in order to feel ready to learn. My seating
arrangement is placed according to their specific needs. I moved the seating arrangement many
times throughout this unit. I also grouped my students according to whom they work well with
and levels. I use a system that all the students are aware of the expectations and consequences. I
start by a look that does not embarrass the student. If this does not work I use zone of proximity.
If that does not work I prompt or ask them to clip down quietly. I try to avoid bringing attention
to the students bad behavior. I also use the technique of praising the students that are on task
(they get to clip up). I have many signal phrases that help the students to focus or stop what they
are doing. I also use phrases that reward them. This gives them a chance to give themselves an
oh yeah! for being on task. I know that without this management and community learning
cannot take place.
From the data I collected from the pre and post assessment I can see the growth of all of
my students. I only had two students that received less than 70%on the post. One of the students
was absent for most of the unit and the other is pulled out frequently for special Ed. For both of
these students I have retaught the concepts in small group and I re gave them the test. They both
have passed now. Questions were missed; I would not have been able to see who needed some
extra support. Without taking the time to analyze the results and determine why I can see that
with a unit and lessons that are well designed, aligned, and include all of the necessary

3 Teacher Work Sample: Reflection and Self Evaluation

components, every student can be successful. The students loved this unit. I have created review
games for this unit for us to refer to before science testing at the end of this month. Using data to
help me reflect on the learning of my students will allow me to grow as a teacher as well, and
make the changes I need to for them to be successful.
During this teaching experience I learned how to reflect on my teaching. I had many
colleagues watch me teach, my mentor, my supervisor, and even asking my students what they
liked and didnt like. I am able to take in their advice and make changes for next time. I was able
to reflect after each lesson and determine what was successful and what wasnt. I learned so
much about how to use assessment data to guide my teaching. I feel more confident in my ability
to be in charge of the class and the management that is taking place.
I have very much enjoyed working at this school. This school is title one but because it is,
I feel that I have gained so much more experience that has prepared me for my future teaching. I
have built so many relationships with colleagues, the students, and parents. I have taken the time
to ask my students how they are doing throughout the day so that they know I care. I am inviting
to the parents to join us in the class room! We have had many go on field trips and read in our
room. I know that I can ask my colleagues questions and receive help if I need it. I love being a
teacher and feeling a part of something greater. I am caring, qualified, and competent. I am a
teacher.