Teacher Professional Growth Plan 2019-2020

PS1 Student Name: Santana Gaudet School: Park Meadows Elementary School

Professional Goal # 1

Cultivate effective classroom management skills by communicating and reinforcing classroom expectations.

Rationale:

Multiple students in my practicum placement struggle with appropriate behavioral regulation during class time. From what I
have observed on my orientation day, my TA is effective at managing the different personalities in her class. I aim to uphold
similar standards of classroom management so that the students can remain on task and capitalize on learning opportunities.

Teacher Quality Standard:

Establishing Inclusive Learning Environments 4.

A teacher establishes, promotes and sustains inclusive learning environments where diversity is embraced and every student
is welcomed, cared for, respected and safe.

Strategy(s) Timeline Resource(s) Indicator(s) of Success

- Enforce a no hands up - Popsicle - TA approval

classroom Progressive stick pull - Chit chat between and during lessons
- Freeze at the sound of the improvement - Door bell will be reduced or eliminated
doorbell over 5 weeks - TA
- Handclaps suggestions
Reflection:
Over my 5-week internship, I was able achieve my classroom management goal in many ways. After observing my TA and how
she manages her classroom, I decided it would be best not to make waves in the classroom by changing attention getters and
various other cues. In the classroom I was placed in, we used a consistent vocal melody that the students would need respond
to, so they knew when to stop what they were doing and listen. While I may not have used any of the suggested tools above to
help with classroom management, I learned how to use traditional methods in an effective way such as “hands-up”, wait time,
reminders, privileged seating vs. a seating plan, and using my teacher voice.

PS1 Student Name: Santana Gaudet School: Park Meadows Elementary School

Professional Goal # 2

Explain concepts and instruction in a pace that is consistent and comfortable for the students.

Rationale:

Students gain a lot from teachers who are patient and thorough with instruction. I like to think I can be a confident teacher but
I have moments where I lose my train of thought or get nervous. It’s during those moments where I sometimes fall short with
explanation and instruction.

Teacher Quality Standard:

Demonstrating a Professional Body of Knowledge 3.

A teacher applies a current and comprehensive repertoire of effective planning, instruction, and assessment practices to meet
the learning needs of every student.
Strategy(s) Timeline Resource(s) Indicator(s) of Success

- Maintaining good quality - TA feedback - I will begin to feel comfortable and

lesson plans Progressive capable of providing a lesson to
- Include a lot of prompts in improvement young children
my lesson plans over 5 weeks - TA approval
- Give myself time to think - Less constructive feedback from TA
- Don’t blurt out a response to and UC
a students’ question without
thinking it through.
- Continuously
creating
effective lesson
plans

Reflection:

I tried my best to focus on this goal the most over the process of my PS1 internship. Providing students with a solid lesson is
challenging. There are many academic differences throughout the classroom and it’s necessary to simplify instructions so that
every student can understand what is being taught or asked of them. Over the 5-weeks, I made a conscious effort to check for
understanding often by asking for thumbs up or down and calling on students who appear to not be paying attention. I also
made sure to review before and after every lesson, bold important topics on my lesson plans, and indulge in rich classroom
discussions. I started to learn really quickly that sometimes it’s okay to have drawn out conversations about topics that spark
interest in students. It shows that they’re understanding, curious, and willing to learn. I gained a lot of respect from my
students when I acknowledged their ideas and thoughts.
PS1 Student Name: Santana Gaudet School: Park Meadows Elementary School

Professional Goal # 3

Plan to teach content and activities that meet the learning objectives and remains within its allotted time.

Rationale:

Teaching the appropriate content to your student’s is a crucial part of being an educator. Specific learner outcomes are what
drives the education system and it’s our responsibility as teachers to ensure that students are learning the appropriate topics
stated in the Alberta Education Program of Studies.
Teacher Quality Standard:

Demonstrating a Professional Body of Knowledge 3.

A teacher applies a current and comprehensive repertoire of effective planning, instruction, and assessment practices to meet
the learning needs of every student.

Strategy(s) Timeline Resource(s) Indicator(s) of Success

- Study - Currlab - If the content of the lessons and

- Pick the activities wisely Within the first - Research activities are up to standard, then
- Take risks (original ideas) week of activities feedback about lesson content will
teaching - continuously be low.
creating lesson
plans and
becoming
efficient at it

Reflection:

This goal was by far the most challenging for me. I eventually got the hang of it but I was repeatedly checking the clock and
rushing certain activities to ensure that I could get the lesson finished in a timely manner. Over time I realized that sometimes
it’s just not possible to get every activity completed in the time allotted. Students work at different paces and they enjoy some
activities more than others. If a lesson needs to carry over into the next that’s fine as long as there is a structured introduction
and closure. For the most part, I was able to complete my lessons on time, but some carried over into the next days lesson. I
also learned how important closures are for formative assessment. If the students are responding to the questions asked, then
it’s good evidence that they are learning the content being taught.