You are on page 1of 2

Ali Hendrickson

St. Mary’s University


July 2, 2018
Personal Growth Reflection

I chose three Wisconsin Teaching Standards to guide me through the graduate courses at

St. Mary’s University. I feel that I demonstrate tremendous growth in all areas. One standard I

chose to focus on was WTS #4 Teachers know the subjects they are teaching. Through the St.

Mary’s program, I feel that I have stronger command for the subjects I teach. I have stayed

abreast of evolving trends and developments in elementary education. This is true for what I

teach (content) and how I teach it (pedagogical knowledge). One example of this would be

defined in EDUW 693 Instructional Assessment and Design when I researched, developed, and

implemented a consistent conferring schedule with my students during writer’s workshop and

understand the benefit of providing feedback to students. This can extend to my learning in

EDUW 692 and the importance and function of the fast-paced technology environment we live

in and how it impacts education today.

Another program goal I had focused on the WTS #3 Teachers understand that children

learn differently. I have further developed my skills in meeting the diverse needs of my students

including those with disabilities and exceptionalities. This skill was demonstrated in EDUW 691

Professional Skills as I researched effective ways to teach literacy through a hands-on

multisensory approach. I learned how to activate different lobes of the brain by involving

students in using their senses and engaging students in activities that cross the midline of their

body. The program I researched was Orton-Gillingham Multisensory Approach and has now

been adopted by our literacy department in Eau Claire School District in both the general

education environment and the special education setting.


Last, I focused my growth in WTS #4 Teachers know how to teach. All courses through

St. Mary’s led me to understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage

students’ development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills. This growth

is most evident in the course EDUW 692 Technology where I learned how to transform learning

experiences for my students. With technology infusion, students have access to an incredible

amount of new opportunities that lead to future 21st century career opportunities. Technology

empowers students to be more creative and connected. To promote learner engagement, I

created many assignments, quizzes, and games through use of many different digital platforms. I

have successfully implemented and changed the design and structure of my classroom to

incorporate more online interaction between classmates, instructors, and families and the content

we are learning.

Through St. Mary’s University Master of Education program, I have learned many new

strategies in becoming a successful teacher, colleague, and family member. To conclude, I will

share my goals to foster future growth as an educator. They include: finding time for more

reflective practice that supports my ongoing learning and to lead an active role in our first grade

Professional Learning Community (PLC); to connect with powerful teacher networks and

participate in organizations across the country; and to complete my National Board Certification.

The learning doesn’t stop here, I plan to inspire other teachers and to continue to seek

professional development opportunities that enhance the learning of all who enter my classroom.

You might also like