Ima Sample Professional Development It is incredibly important for teachers to have the opportunity to grow and learn simply because it mirrors what they are having their students do. Educators should constantly be evaluating the strategies that they are using and how effective their teaching styles are in order to create to optimum learning environment. At a staff meeting recently, the principal of our school discussed the importance of teachers learning from one another. She asked us to think about the wealth of knowledge that the entire staff held and how little they might access it by seeking one another out for help or advice. We then toured the building, going into each classroom just observing the different styles and ideas that were used in individual classrooms. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to take the time to learn from each teacher within the school. My cooperating teacher does a great job of looking at assessments and various information, seeing points where students are not achieving at the expected level, and then looking for a solution to the problem. She evaluates her teaching and then develops new strategies when some are not working for students. She often says, "I need to decide what needs to change". In this regard, she is constantly evaluating her own effectiveness within the classroom and is ready to modify her strategies when something is not working. I have attended several grade level meetings where teachers discussed specific students and strategies that were being used to accommodate them. The teachers use each other's knowledge and skill to benefit the students as a whole by working together to come to solutions. It is important to note that collaboration in education is needed at all levels, from the janitor, teachers, supporting staff, school board, parents to the community in which the school resides. I have found having good relationships with the staff can create a positive learning environment for my students: the janitor who keeps our room clean and listens to my student in the hall who is upset, a second grade teacher who shares reading games and fun books for my students to read, down to the Principal who comes into the room and listens to the my students as they tell her about their day. During student teaching, I have been included in collaborative efforts involved in the process of setting up standards and benchmarks for the school district. After a meeting to coordinate efforts and show examples of other standards and benchmarks, the teachers were teamed up by grade levels and subject matter. This way everyone served on a team, there would be a variety of grade levels on each team, and each team had a different subject to look at. As I have been working with Iowa City School Districts standards and benchmarks, I offered a copy of those to the teachers to assist their efforts in coming up with ones for Iowa Valley. My cooperating teacher said that the set I gave her came in handy. Over all I have learned how this district works together for the common goal of their students. From the staff to the parents and the community, they work like a puzzle. Each piece coming together to make the school one of the best I have been associated with. I am glad I had a chance to be a part of what goes on "behind the scenes". Now I feel confident about having my own classroom, knowing I can build relationships and support networks where ever I go.
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