THE LAST BLOG... Thank goodness

• Rate your overall experience of the week: 2
• • Observe: What pleasant surprises / accomplishments did I achieve this week?
    
    
    This week was very long and not fun at all. Starting the week with the Reading Foundations test, doing three days of observations in a row and ending it (on my birthday) with the recruitment day and literacy event, my week wasn't the best. Not to mention that having a hard time trying to get all of my last minute portfolio things completed and submitted. I am surprised and feel accomplished that I made it out alive. I am glad to be done.
    
    
  • Reflect: What lessons did my work/experiences teach me that I will build upon next week?
    
    
    My work and experiences from this week taught me to keep pushing and to finish strong. I will build upon this for next week because the end is near and I have to make it 3 more days, present my portfolio and I'M DONE!
    
    
  • Focus:  How are my short-term efforts and my long-term goals still aligned?
    
    
    My short term efforts are to finish all of my portfolio requirements and present it. This aligns to my long term goal of passing and graduating.
    
    
  • Be Productive: What could I have spent more or less time doing?
    
    
    I feel that I have been productive this week by working on all of my portfolio things. However, I wish I would've spent more time with my students and not driving all over the world just to observe.
    
    
  • Have Courage:  How did apprehension and indecision impact what I did and didn’t do?
    
    
    Well this week has been okay. I am just wanting to get this portfolio over with so I can graduate.
    
    
  • Begin Anew: What is the first logical step(s) for next week? What mental clutter can I clear?
    
    
    The next steps for next week are to get ready to present my portfolio.
     

• What were some data you analyzed this week and how did it help inform your instructional decisions?
  
  
  The data that I analyzed this week was during my observations of other schools. I compared the different schools on what they did similar and things they did differently. It's good to see things that I would like to work for or not work for.
  
  
• What is one piece of advice you can share with other student teachers?

           

            Way to go guys! We made it and I am so proud of you all!

• NC Teacher Candidate Standards (be sure to reference activities from your lesson plans to solidify your answer)
  
  
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    Pick an element from standard one of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
    Leadership in the schools: This week I attended a grade level meeting with the teachers and the technology source lady. We sat down and talked about guided reading groups and how to improve students reading skills.
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    Pick an element from standard two of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
     I feel like I focused on treating students as individuals this week. I think that it is very important to maintain high expectations for every student and keep a positive attitude.
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    Pick an element from standard three of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
    Aligning the NC Common Core Standards to instruction is the number one thing that I have done every single day. It's super important to include the standard to each lesson plan so I know what to teach and students are learning the information that the state requires.
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    Pick an element from standard four of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
    Asking questions and allowing students to work in groups to develop critical thinking and collaboration with one another. It's great for students to be able to the critically and work with others.
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    Pick an element from standard five of the evaluation tool and explain some activities/strategies you implemented this week to increase your rating for the element.
    Blogging is a great way for me to reflect on my practice. Reading through these questions allows me to look back through the week and remember what all I did this week and how I can improve to make my teaching better next week. Also, reflecting on my lessons once I have printed them out. It's a great thing to go back through and see what didn't work and what did. 
    
    
  Other:
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  • What components of your portfolio have you started to complete?
    All of it
    What support does your clinical educator need from your university supervisor?
    None 
  • What support do you need from your university supervisor?
  None