Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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
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
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
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
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.