Standard 3 Diversity

Title: Pictures of Myself and Campers at Wisconsin Badger Camp, and Final Professional Evaluation Date: Summer 2012 Artifact Description: The following artifact is a word document that contains pictures of me interacting with campers at Wisconsin Badger Camp (WBC) during the summer of 2012. WBC is a summer camp for people of all ages with physical and developmental disabilities. I held the position of primitive coordinator. I was directly responsible for leading the development, supervision, and operation of the Primitive Program at camp, where 10-15 individuals with disabilities attended each week throughout the summer months. I was also responsible for the individuals participation in camp activities such as recreation, music, arts and crafts, camping, and fishing. I had the privilege of working with all the campers shown in the pictures of the artifact. The artifact also contains my final end-of-the summer evaluation regarding my job dispositions. ALIGNMENT - Wisconsin Teacher Standard Alignment: I believe this experience best aligns with standard three of the Wisconsin Teacher Development and Licensure Standards which states: The teacher understands how pupils differ in their approaches to learning and the barriers that impede learning and can adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of pupils, including those with disabilities and exceptionalities. This experience aligns with standard three because at WBC I provided adaptations for people with special physical and/or mental challenges. Every day brought new activities and I was constantly challenged to be able to assist my campers so they could properly participate in all the events. If the campers and I wrote postcards home, I broke down my instructions and assistance into concise information so each person could properly understand. Each camper had a unique disability and, therefore, a different learning style along with multiple intelligences and performance modes. Badger Camp allowed me to work with a diverse mixture of people with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. I made appropriate provisions and provided services to over 70 individuals with exceptional learning needs to ensure my campers enjoyed their stay at camp. UW- Platteville School of Education Knowledge, Skill, Disposition Statement Alignment: I believe this experience best aligns with KSD3.e. of the UW-Platteville School of Education Knowledge, Skill, and Disposition statement which states: The candidate has the ability to make appropriate adjustments to his/her instruction and accommodates students questions and interests while being aware of student differences and difficulties, and can use a wide range of resources and strategies to meet all students needs in the classroom. This experience aligns best with this standard because working at Badger Camp requires timely flexibility so the campers needs are met regularly. Those needs could be hand-over-hand assistance with writing or something as simple as transferring a person from a wheelchair into a bed. As a primitive coordinator, I was responsible for utilizing any resource necessary to adequately ensure safe accommodations for my campers.

Secondary Alignment:KSD3.e: Demonstrating Flexibility and Responsiveness KSD2.a: Creating an Environment of Respect and Rapport REFLECTION- What I learned about teaching/learning: At Badger Camp I learned the importance of making adjustments so my students may achieve maximum potential. Students are diverse and learn in a variety of ways. Badger Camp has helped me realize that it is important for teachers to identify an array of approaches to learning and to recognize an assortment of learning styles existing within the students. Teachers are successful when they utilize the students strengths as the basis for instruction and growth. My time spent at Badger Camp showed me how employing extensive resources in the classroom critically assists students in fostering understanding. What I learned about myself as a prospective educator: I learned it is necessary for me to be aware my students many learning styles. I will probably have students in my classroom with diverse needs and disabilities. It is important for me to be aware of those needs so I can work with my students to create a curriculum based on their individual strengths. I also need to revise instructional strategies to meet their needs so they can access the education I provide. As a teacher, it will be my job to present multiple sets of instructions and teaching techniques for my students. By promoting my students abilities rather than the negative connotations that sometimes follow their disabilities, I can create an inclusive environment in my future classroom. Maintaining flexibility at my school and with students is one of the best ways to develop a trustworthy relationship with parents, students, and fellow educators in the community.