Laura Selinger EDU 650 Dr. Jackie Kyger, Ed.D. February 16, 2015

Laura Selinger Currently a third grade teacher Live in Marshall, MI Received Bachelor’s Degree from Olivet College in Olivet, MI Attending Ashford University in pursuit of Master’s Degree Apply for third grade lead teaching position

Philosophy of Education My goal as a teacher is to not only challenge students academically but to also make sure they are taught to be successful socially and emotionally. I believe that every student has the ability to succeed, it is my job as a teacher to give them the tools they need to make that happen. Parental involvement is an important element. “The earlier in a child’s educational process parent involvement begins, the more powerful the effects”(Michigan Department of Education, 2001, Para 3).

Classroom Management “Classroom management is the set of procedures and systems that are put into place to create an environment that focuses on student learning”(Newman, 2013, Para 3). Having a plan in place is important to ensure that a set of rules and procedures are in place on day one and are consistently followed each and everyday. There should be consequences but also rewards for when student are doing what is expected of them. Student input is also a key thing, if students feel they have a say they are more likely follow the expectations.

Different School Models “States began developing education standards to serve as guidepost for what students should learn in school”(Newman, 2013, Ch 6). Schools should focus on Common Core Standards, differentiated instruction, teaching to all learning styles, and 21 st century skills. Assessments should be used to form instruction and not to evaluate schools and teachers. Technology should also be prevalent in schools; without it, it is nearly impossible to prepare students for the global market.

Effective Lesson Planning and Design Effective lesson plans include three important elements An objective that includes what students will know at the end. Is able to be measured to show what the students have learned. How the desired results will be delivered and activities to reinforce.

Assessment Matters Formative and summative assessments play an important role in education. Formative assessments are given throughout a lesson to see if the students are understanding the lesson being taught and to let teachers know what can be changed to aid in student understanding. Summative assessments are given at the end of a unit, during benchmark times, and at the end of a school year. They are to assess what a students has learned and what they can do. Assessments are not “a distinct activity from teaching”(Yu, 2014, Para 3). Assessment data should be used to inform teachers on what the nest steps for students are, not to be used to evaluate schools and teachers.

Professional Learning Communities “Professional Learning Communities offer an infrastructure to connect individuals and a way of creating and organization that is dedicated to collaboration and continual learning”(Newman, 2013, Ch 13). PLC’s are important to continual learning for teachers. They are a place to evaluate data and share best practices.

References Michigan Department of Education. (2001). What Research Says About Parent Involvement in Children’s Education. Retrieved from nvolvement_Fact_Sheet_14732_7.pdf. Newman, R. (2013). Teaching and learning in the 21 st century: Connecting the dots. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Yu, Haishen. Theory And Practice In Language Studies Volume: 4 Issue: 4 ( ) p ISSN: