PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
AND WHERE I SEE MYSELF WITHIN THOSE STANDARDS


Column One
Professional
Standards
and
Substandards

Column Two
Artifacts and
Synthesis Papers

focusing on the
corresponding

Standards


I. Content and Curriculum

Teachers demonstrate a strong knowledge of content area(s) established by the National Committee for the Social Studies' National Standards for Social Studies Teachers

I-A     Culture and Cultural Diversity     

I-B     Time, Continuity, and Change

I-C     People, Places, and Environments

I-D     Individual Human Development and Identity

I-E     Individuals, Groups, and Institutions         

I-F     Power, Authority, and Governance           

I-G     Production, Distribution, and Consumption of Goods and Services 

I-H     Science and Technology                          

I-I      Global Connections and Interdependence    

I-J     Civic Ideals and Practices 
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  Artifact 1
shows
students using Guided notes which breaks down the subject area that is being covered and allows students to get a more focused view of the material.

Artifact 2

  shows the classes that I have taken at UGA.  The wide array of subjects allowed me to expand my perspective on the subjects that I will teach.


Synthesis Paper


II. Knowledge of Students and Their Learning

Teachers support the intellectual, social, physical, and personal development of all students

II-A       believes that all children can learn at high levels and holds high expectations for all         

II-B       understands how learning occurs in general and in the content areas (e.g., how diverse learners construct knowledge, acquire skills, and develop habits of mind).                               

II-C       is sensitive, alert, and responsive to all aspects of a child's well-being                          

II-D       understands how factors in environments inside and outside of school may influence students' lives and learning      

II-E       is informed about and adapt their work based on students' stages of development, multiple intelligences, learning styles, and areas of exceptionality                                            

II-F       establishes respectful and productive relationships with families and seeks to develop cooperative partnerships in support of student learning and well-being
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Artifact 1
shows students developing their own opinions on issues that are relevant to their lives.  Some students were unsure about what some of the issues were, but this exercise allowed students to learn more about current issues and then develop their own opinions of those issues


Artifact 2

shows examples of creative writing exercises that I used throughout my student teaching experience.  Students were able to imagine themselves in various roles and personalize the course content in more meaningful ways.

Synthesis Paper


III. Learning Environments

Teachers create learning environments that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation

III-A       creates a learning community in which students assume responsibility, participate in decision-making, and work both collaboratively and independently  

III-B        organizes, allocates, and manages time, space, activities, technology and other resources to provide active and equitable engagement of diverse students in productive tasks       

III-C        understands and implements effective classroom management         

III-D       recognizes the value of and uses knowledge about human motivation and behavior to develop strategies for organizing and supporting student learning

III-E       is sensitive to and uses knowledge of students' unique cultures, experiences, and communities to sustain a culturally responsive classroom   

III-F       accesses school, district, and community resources in order to foster students' learning and well-being                                                   

III-G        uses effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques
to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the class
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Artifact 1
is an example of students creating their own flow charts regarding how a bill gets passed.  Students took the information from a written document that focused on the legislative process that a bill goes through to become a law.


Artifact 2
was a chance for students to work together and brainstorm the similarities and differences between their own school experience and that of their parents and grandparents.
 
Synthesis Paper



IV. Assessment

Teachers understand and use a range of formal and
informal assessment stategies to evaluate and
ensure the continuous development of all learners.

IV-A     understands measurement theory and characteristics, uses, and issues of different types of assessment

IV-B     uses pre-assessment data to select or design clear, significant, varied and appropriate student learning goals

IV-C     chooses, develops, and uses classroom-based assessment methods appropriate for instructional decisions

IV-D     involves learners in self-assessment, helping them become aware of their strengths and needs and encouraging them to set personal goals for learning

IV-E     develops and uses valid, equitable grading procedures based on student learning

IV-F     uses assessment data to communicate student progress knowledgeably and responsibly to students, parents, and other school personnel

IV-G     uses resources, including available technology, to keep accurate and up-to-date records of student work, behavior, and accomplishments

IV-H     is committed to using assessment to identify student strengths and needs and promote student growth

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Artifact 1
shows student work on a class essay project in which students used primary and secondary sources to analyze President Truman's  decision at the end of World War II to use the Atomic Bombs on Japan.  Students offered a variety of levels of critical thinking skills, and most of the student work was insightful and well thought out



Artifact 2

illustrates an activity in which students read 6 letters written by different Presidents.  Students had to interpret the letters and determine which role they thought that the President was filling, and why they thought this.  This exercise allowed students to culminate all of their knowledge about presidential roles into one activity.
    

   
Synthesis Paper


V. Planning and Instruction

Teachers design and create instructional experiences
based on their knowledge of content and curriculum,
students, learning environments, and assessments.

V-A     articulates clear and defensible rationales for their choices of curriculum materials and instructional strategies

V-B     plans and carries out instruction based upon knowledge of content standards, curriculum, students, learning environments, and assessment

V-C     understands a variety of instructional strategies appropriately to maintain student engagement and support the learning of all students

V-D     monitors and adjusts strategies in response to learner feedback

V-E     varies his/her roles in the instructional process (e.g. instructor, facilitator, coach, audience) in relation to the content and purposes of instruction and the needs of students

V-F     uses appropriate resources, materials, and technology to enhance instruction for diverse learners

V-G     values and engages in planning as a collegial activity
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Artifact 1
is a class project in which students had to develop a presidential platform.  Students created policies to address a pertinent issue of today.

   

Artifact 2

shows 2 examples of student work in which students are required to answer critical thinking questions regarding their notes and reading on the Alamo and the Mexican War
            
    
   
Synthesis Paper


VI. Professionalism

Teachers recognize, participate in, and contribute to teaching as a profession.  

VI-A     continually examines and extends his/her knowledge of the history, ethics, politics, organization, and practices of education

VI-B     understands and implements laws related to rights and responsibilities of students, educators, and families

VI-C     follows established codes of professional conduct, including school and district policies

VI-D     systematically reflects on teaching and learning to improve his/her own practice

VI-E     seeks opportunities to learn based upon reflection, input from others, and career goals

VI-F     advocates for curriculum, instruction, learning environments, and opportunities that support the diverse needs of and high expectations for all students

VI-G     assumes leadership and support roles as part of a school team

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Artifact 1
as evidence of meeting the standard



Artifact 2

is a copy of my GRE scores.  This artifact clearly illustrates my interest in pursuing a graduate degree in Social Science Education in order to improve my own practice as a teacher
            
 
      
Synthesis Paper

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