REFLECTION:

Discuss your strengths and weaknesses in your interactions with students

I think that my biggest strength when interacting with students is my ability to make connections
to them. I think that often because of my age they feel more comfortable with me, so when I ask
them to do something they feel like it is coming from a peer rather than an authority figure,
which often came in handy at Lincoln. When I was in front of the classroom, however, I was
respected as a teacher because they knew that I respected and cared about them. On the other
hand, this connection with the students was also a weakness because sometimes they saw me as
more of a peer than a teacher when I worked with them in small groups. They would often goof
around and I would have to tell them multiple times to get back to work. I think all around
though I had a great relationship with the students that operated on mutual respect and
understanding of our two roles in the school.

Discuss your plan to become a culturally responsive teacher

I think that one of the most beneficial aspects of working at Lincoln was the diversity in the
students. I came from a high school where almost everyone was white, and being in Fort Collins,
not much has changed. Lincolns population was majorly made up of minority students. I plan on
using what I learned at Lincoln to be a culturally responsive teacher. I want to ensure that all of
my students know that they are in a culturally inclusive classroom, so I will not tolerate any kind
of stereotypical or racist language or behavior. On top of the racial aspect of being culturally
aware, Lincoln taught me how to be aware of different socio economic cultures. A lot of students
came from poverty which shaped the way I view making education accessible for all. For
example, many students would come to class without a pencil. I learned that often students may
not be able to afford pencils and other necessary supplies, so I want to have a spot in my
classroom where students can borrow supplies that they need and dont have to be embarrassed
about needing it. I also will be aware of the technology gap in my classroom. I will make sure to
tell students about resources for technology that they can use if they dont have access to the
internet, computers, etc.

What do you need to work on in the next phase of your teaching?

In my next phase of teaching I need to work on my confidence in front of the classroom. When I
first came into Mr. Wilsons classroom, I did not know what my role was, I was shy and I did not
quite know how to react to the students. In my next phase of teaching I need to walk into the
classroom in a way that asserts that I should be there. I plan on asking my mentor teacher what
my role in the class should be and, now that Ive been at Lincoln, I will be able to adapt to any
kind of student. I need to deliver my lessons plans with confidence so that my students know that
I know what I am talking about and can trust that they are learning what they need to know.

What is your current classroom management plan? Discuss 4 characteristics: high level of
student involvement, clear student expectations, little wasted time or disruption, work
oriented by relaxed climate

In order to have a high level of student involvement, I plan on managing my classroom in a way
that shows students that they are respected and that any participation in the class is welcomed. I
want them to think of the classroom as a safe place where they can share their ideas. I also want
to have an interactive classroom where students are up and moving instead of listening to me
lecture.

In order to set clear student expectations I plan on creating a culture within my classroom that
students have a part in creating. I want the rules to be agreed upon by everyone in the class so
that they know what they are supposed to do, what behavior is acceptable, and what behavior is
not. I will also have them sign a contract containing the rules we agree on and have a copy
hanging in the classroom.

In order to manage the classroom so that it has little or no wasted time or interruptions, I plan on
taking what Mr. Stack did in his classroom and applying it to mine. I will set aside 40 minutes
per week of free time for the students. If there are any interruptions I will time them to see how
much it takes out of the lesson and double that number. Then I will take that much time out of
their free time. I expect that it will take a few weeks for this to become effective, but after that I
expect the students will start policing themselves so that they are able to have all of their free
time instead of wasting it on pointless disruptions.