Standard 8- The teacher is a reflective practitioner who uses evidence to continually

evaluate and adapt practice to meet the needs of each learner.

Reflection is vital in becoming a successful teacher, because without reflection teachers
cannot grow from their errors and misconceptions. Reflection should constantly be happening
during and after lessons in the classroom because no one lesson is ever going to be perfect.
Reflecting on teaching practices, assessments, student responses and any preconceive notions
can help make a more equitable classroom, that works to benefit the students. During my student
teaching, I was constantly reflecting on my experience and teaching practices to better serve my
students. One way I did this was reflecting and taking notes after a family meeting with a student
returning to school from distance learning. The student’s family had thought the student had
been struggling with distance learning because of his diagnosed ADHD and a
neurodevelopmental delay. During and after this meeting I reflected of my own teaching
practices to see how I could better serve the student and help him reach his goals. These
reflection notes had new ideas and targets, that worked to meet the goals of both the student and
I as the teacher. These goals were based on reflections and discussions with the family and were
meant to improve my teaching practices and student performance.

In order to be a successful teacher I was constantly reflecting on my teaching methods

and practices, while also receiving feedback from my mentor teacher and administration. During
my reflections I used evidence I saw when teaching, talking with students, or looking at work to
influence future teaching practices. While reflecting on the meeting with a student’s family, I
used the evidence of his past assessments and doctor’s concerns to influence how to teach in the
future. I was able to develop a plan for the student when returning to school based off the
conversation with other staff and parents to better meet the needs of the student. As the teacher, I
worked with the student and their family to create a better classroom routine when the student
returns to the class, as well as a plan with the Special Education team to better support the
student. By reflecting on my own teaching practices and how to better teach my students, I was
able to come up with an effective plan to serve my students.

While I was student teaching, I was constantly reflecting on my teaching practices,

whether I took notes or not. These observations were critical in me being able to successfully
teach my students. Without my constant reflection, many learner misconceptions or errors would
not have been caught because they were not obvious or an issue for the student. While reflecting
after the meeting with a student and his family, I was able to make a connection between the
connections the student has made in the class, and how he is performing. While reflecting, I
noticed that when the student feels supported and is around friends in class, he is more confident
and performs better. This reflection was used when deciding the best way to teacher the student
moving forward. As I continue to teach, I want to continue reflecting on my teaching every
single day. Without reflection no growth can be made, and I want to continue to grow as a
teacher every day.