Section Five:

Teacher Candidate Reflection Guidelines

Introduction

In this section of the portfolio I will be reflecting on my experiences while composing this

portfolio, what I have learned from classroom observations, and my education that I have acquired

from Medaille college. The Master of Science in Education Teaching Degree (MSED) program has has

prepared me with the knowledge to become an effective and competent educator.

Throughout this section of the portfolio, I will be making connections to the Department of

Education (DOE) claims and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)

Standards. These claims demonstrate that I know the subject matter, that I meet the needs of diverse

learners through effective pedagogy and best teaching practices, and that I am a caring educator.

Portfolio Project/Teacher Education Learning Experiences

Reflection is an essential part of teaching practice. By creating this portfolio, I have been

able to reflect on what I have learned throughout my journey of becoming a teacher. This portfolio has

been a valuable learning experience, and emphasized the knowledge that I have gained while attending

Medaille College. Some of the concepts that stood out to me throughout the MSED program include:

educational philosophers and their contributions to current practice, research in education, culturally

responsive pedagogy, foundations in special education, technology in the classroom, developing lesson

plans, and assessment and evaluation in literacy.

Throughout my portfolio I have made connections to theorists and how they have

contributed to the teaching profession today. It is important to acknowledge the works of educational

theorists as they provide a basis to understand how people learn and a way to explain, describe,

explore, and predict learning. I have learned about the importance of a research-based approach when

developing my practice, which will expand my existing knowledge in pedagogy and can be used to

improve my teaching and student outcomes. Providing a classroom that is culturally responsive is
important to ensure that I am making connections with my student’s cultures, languages, and life

experiences with what they will be learning in school (TEAC Claim 2: Pedagogy, Best Teaching

Practices for Diverse Learners). Building relationships is important to earn student trust, and show that

I care about each student not only inside the classroom, but as an individual within the community

(TEAC Claim 3: Caring Educator). Learning about student disabilities and Individualized Education

Plans is essential as students with learning disabilities will often be included in the regular classroom.

Learning about the different disabilities helped me to realize the type of supports these children will

require in the classroom. It has also taught me to be aware that we need to advocate for our students

when they need additional support and resources. Student learning needs to be accessible regardless of

academic abilities, social and economic status, religious affiliations, and ethnic background (TEAC

Claim 2: Pedagogy, Best Teaching Practices for Diverse Learners).

My portfolio also demonstrates my knowledge of the curriculum and professional standards

and my ability to create lesson plans, ensuring that the standards are being met (TEAC Claim 1:

Subject Matter). The MSED program helped me to become aware of the literacy, mathematics, science,

and social studies standards that need to be reflected in my lessons, as well as how to utilize technology

in the classroom, such as web pages, Screen-o-matic, Nearpods, and powerpoint presentations.

Instruction needs to be organized, engaging, prepared in advance, and classroom time needs to be

managed effectively. The assessment and evaluation in literacy taught me about the importance of

literacy instruction, and how to conduct a Response to Intervention (RTI) in order to identify struggling

students early and advocate for the supports that they need to succeed (TEAC Claim 2: Pedagogy, Best

Teaching Practices for Diverse Learners). Literacy begins in elementary school and is the foundation

for many years of learning ahead (TEAC Claim 1: Subject Matter).

The graduate program also allowed me to take part in in-class observations, where I gained

valuable insight into how students learn. I was able to observe teaching methods that are used that

reflect best practice, and I was able to observe classroom management strategies, as well as techniques
for student engagement. Medaille College has prepared me to be an effective, caring and competent

teacher.

Readiness to Become a Teacher

I feel that I have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to be an effective teacher. I

am able to provide a classroom environment that is safe, trusting, and inclusive for all students. I will

educate my students about the Dignity for All Students Act so that they are aware that discrimination

and harassment will not be tolerated (TEAC Claim 2: Pedagogy, Best Teaching Practices for Diverse

Learners). I am able to create effective lesson plans and provide differentiated instruction to meet the

needs of all of my students (TEAC Claim 1: Subject Matter). Each lesson and instructional plan will be

culturally responsive, and I will get to know my students and learn about their hobbies in order to

design lessons that meet their interests. I have spent a significant amount of time learning how to

interpret the Ontario and New York State curriculum standards in order to ensure that my lessons are

meeting the required content areas (TEAC Claim 1: Subject Matter). I have witnessed a wide range of

classroom management skills and understand the importance of setting expectations at the beginning of

the school year. If students understand what behaviours are appropriate and what are not, it will result

in a positive learning environment where optimal learning can take place.

My favourite part of teaching is getting to know my students. I will spend time at the

beginning and throughout the school year showing an interest in my students (TEAC Claim 3: Caring

Educator). I believe building relationships is the most important aspect of having a positive classroom

environment. This also includes building relationships with parents, community members, school staff

and administrators.

I have practiced modelling and instructional scaffolding, where I build on my student’s

experiences and knowledge as they are learning new skills. I ensure my lessons are taught through

explicit instruction and gradually release responsibility of learning to my students. I have used a variety

of formative and summative assessment techniques to assess student learning and reflect on my
instruction, making changes to ensure my teaching is effective (TEAC Claim 2: Pedagogy, Best

Teaching Practices for Diverse Learners). I will continue to take part in professional development as

learning is a life long process, and classroom instruction must reflect best practice and current

evidence-based research.

The MSED program has taught me how to integrate technology into the classroom to

provide effective and engaging instruction. Technology will not only be used to provide instruction, but

will allow all of my students with different abilities to take part in all learning opportunities.

Each year I will have a new group of students with different backgrounds and experiences

that they will bring to the classroom. I will learn from my students and work with them to empower

them, to encourage a growth mindset, and to advocate for their learning needs.

Conclusion

I want to be the teacher that students remember years later. I want to be the teacher that

students build relationships with, that students trust, and that makes learning fun and engaging. I want

my students to observe my love of teaching, and learning. I will encourage my students to have a

growth mindset and tell them that I believe in them, that they can accomplish the goals that they set out

to achieve.

The MSED program has provided me with many valuable experiences that have contributed to

my future role as an educator. This portfolio has taught me to reflect on my skills, myself as a person,

and as a future teacher. It brings together my work that I have put time and effort into along this

journey to becoming an educator. Lastly, I am passionate about teaching, and this portfolio showcases

my abilities, skills and knowledge as they pertain to the field of education. Following this section, I will

include a mock interview where I will make connections to my portfolio artifacts, standards, teaching

skills, strategies, and professional dispositions.