4a Reflecting on Teaching

This has been an especially important practice in the time of virtual teaching and learning --
something that neither me, nor my students, signed up for. I have spent a lot of time reflecting on
pacing, on what is engaging for students in this time, and on how to facilitate group work. By
observing the quality of work being produced, the difficulty I was having getting through my full
lesson design, and discussion with my mentor, I was able to rethink my lesson pacing. I spread
the lesson cycle across the week instead of trying to fit it into each day. Students began
producing more thoughtful work, and I was able to have more meaningful assessments. This
ongoing process of reflection is essential for my continued growth as an educator. It is also
essential as a way to model learning for the students.

4b Maintaining Accurate Records

Using google classroom has allowed me to keep clear records of grades that are accessible to
students and supporters, as well as clear feedback to help guide students in their revision and
growth. I also keep a contact log to make sure I am communicating with supporters for all of my
students and keeping everyone informed about what is going on, especially as we do distance
learning. I also meet regularly (bi-weekly) with the students in my advisory and keep a “progress
notes” log where students and I can follow the narrative of their learning over the course of the
year. This promotes goal setting, follow through, accountability, and reflection.

4c Communicating with Families

Communicating with families for students under the age of 18 has proven to be hugely
supportive in improving student attendance. Many students miss the routine of getting up and
going into the school building. By communicating with students and their families we have been
able to develop household morning routine plans so that students can establish a supportive
rhythm -- even during this distance learning.

4d Participating in a Professional Community

Through dialogue with colleagues, I have learned of new texts to incorporate into my upcoming
unit. We have also been able to make connections across disciplines. Teachers have offered
feedback on my practice to support me in adjusting my pacing, my use of online platforms, and
my resources. Through the community of English teachers I learned about the National
Association of Media Literacy Education, and got tips on how to incorporate some of their
resources into my teaching practice. Not only do we learn about resources from one another, but
also about what sort of content students are finding meaningful.

4e Growing and Developing Professionally

The #DisruptTexts movement has been a useful resource for my own professional development
as it introduces me to new ideas about what texts to use and how to use them in the classroom.
My practice of reflection also allows me to continue to be a learner. Action, reflection, and
dialogue will allow me to continue to grow and develop as a teacher.