Gianna Sicola

Professor Suk

EDUC 230-02 Education Field Experience

Fall 2021

Rationale Statement-Standard #5

Standard 5 Application of Content

The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learnings in

critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues

(New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers Alignment with InTASC, 2014, p. 6).

Artifact: Observation Discussion – Teaching High School Special Ed. Students in Small Groups in the

COVID Era

Date of Completion: November 2021

Course Completed in: EDUC 230-02 Education Field Experience

Rationale Statement:

This artifact is an observation report during my virtual education field placement. The

observation was a recording of an interview with Jeff Dunker, who is an educator in the Annex Program.

This artifact relates to standard 5.i.2 “the teacher engages learners in applying content knowledge to

real world problems through the lens of interdisciplinary rhemes (e.g., financial literacy, environmental

literacy.)” (New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers Alignment with InTASC, 2014, p. 7). In this
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artifact I respond to questions from the interview regarding Jeff’s profession, skill management, and also

his personal life. This artifact shows that Jeff is aware of current societal and world issues and is

appropriately bringing them up for discussion in the classroom.

Prior to creating the artifact, while watching the pre-recorded interview, I had written down

information from Jeff and some quotes that could help me answer questions or unveil answers.

However, while I was watching the interview, I was extremely amazed how Jeff had been having such

success when discussing controversial topics with students. While creating the artifact I was able to refer

back to my notes to retrieve direct information from Jeff that would help me answer the questions

listed. Throughout the process I asked myself why it was so important for students to be able to talk

about current issues in a manner where every aspect and side is considered. I was able to realize that

this type of learning is important for teen students, specifically in high school, because they are entering

the time in their life when they are more socially aware of things and it is extremely important for them

to be able to analyze and read into events or issues with more than just one topical microscope.

This observation will benefit me in the future because if the time comes when I choose to bring

or talk about current issues in a classroom setting, I will be able to do so in a respectful way; where the

goal isn’t to conclude who is right or wrong, but for students to learn why there are opposing

sides/opinions on such topics. In addition, it can also help me be able to appropriately talk about topics

and current events that will allow me to create an honest and inclusive classroom discussion for

everyone.
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References

New Jersey Professional Standards for Teachers alignment with InTASC. (2014, May 5). The

Official Web Site for The State of New Jersey. Retrieved October 4, 2021, from

https://www.state.nj.us/education/profdev/requirements/standards/docs/ProfStandardsfor

TeachersAlignmentwithInTASC.pdf