Professional Growth Plan

Professional Growth Plan for November 15 to December 16 Name: Cristina Vila Dyler

Inquiry Question: To what extent can I incorporate Indigenous perspectives into a lesson?
Goal: To teach a lesson that incorporates Indigenous ways of knowing.
Importance: Incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing is important for the students as it
allows them to gain an appreciation, understanding, respect, and compassion for the lived and
living experiences of Indigenous peoples. In addition, it is important for myself to incorporate
Indigenous voices into my lesson as it challenges me to continually learn more about
Indigenous perspectives.
Teaching Quality Standard Reference: #5 Applying Foundational Knowledge about First
Nations, Metis, and Inuit
Strategies Timeline Resources
Observe my TA and ask her about what she does Nov 15- TA
to incorporate Indigenous voices into the early Dec
classroom

Meet the Indigenous School Liaison and ask her Nov 15- School Liaison
questions about my role, what resources I can use, early Dec
etc.
CSM Library
Search the schools’ library for resources I can use Nov 15-
early Dec
Curriculum Lab
Search the curriculum lab for resources Nov 15-
early Dec
Using all resources
Create/ teach a lesson that includes Indigenous Mid mentioned above
ways of knowing December

© 2006 The Alberta Teachers’ Association

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Indicators of Success:

 I learn more ways about how I can integrate Indigenous ways of knowing into the
classroom
 I create a lesson that incorporates Indigenous perspectives

Reflection on Indicator of Success (end of Year)

a) How successful have I been in meeting my goal?

I feel as though I have been pretty successful. I have talked with my TA and the school liason.
I also looked at Indigenous resources that the school has as well as the curriculum lab. I found
most resources that both places had was limited in terms of Inuit voices, so for my lesson I
also turned to the books to build on website from UofC. Using these resources, I created a
lesson that is meaningful and respects Indigenous people.

b) How has my professional practice improved?

I feel more confident in applying Indigenous knowledge and perspectives. Through this process,
I have found many resources I can consult so that I can incorporate Indigenous perspectives in a
meaningful and respectful way.

c) How has student learning improved?

During the KWL chart I debunked some common myths students had about the Inuit peoples.
When completing the what we know part of the KWL chart, students had some misconceptions
about the Inuit peoples. As we read the book, I made sure to address those misconceptions, so
that students would be better informed. Students come from all different backgrounds and biases,
and addressing myths and misconceptions is necessary in order for stereotypes to not be
perpetuated in society.

© 2006 The Alberta Teachers’ Association

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