Objective 9
Demonstrate an understanding of the larger cultural, political and historical context of K-12 education and respond effectively to current challenges
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION:
All teachers need to be aware and up to date on the challenges facing education in America today; and that includes understanding the cultural and political changes that have shaped the history of K-12 education. Policy changes, like No Child Left Behind, have made dramatic alterations to our educational systems, and the newest challenge facing educators today, Common Core Standards, will make many more alterations over a period of several years. These changes become challenges for teachers and administrators, most of whom need to be taught new skills in order to stay on top of technological advances and new instructional strategies. Therefore, I believe it is our jobs, as teachers, to educate ourselves, staying up to date, and preparing ourselves and our students for success in the future.
ARTIFACTS:
I give a very brief history of education in America, because I believe it is important for educators to know and understand the history of their profession. Knowing the historical progression and advances in our educational system allows teachers to be better able to understand and accept the changes and advancements we are facing today. Also included below is an article review dealing with the Common Core Standards. These new standards are going to be a challenge for educators, and even though I am not currently teaching, I believe it is important to not only be well-informed and prepared, but also to begin building a new repertoire of resources that align with the new standards.
Demonstrate an understanding of the larger cultural, political and historical context of K-12 education and respond effectively to current challenges
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION:
All teachers need to be aware and up to date on the challenges facing education in America today; and that includes understanding the cultural and political changes that have shaped the history of K-12 education. Policy changes, like No Child Left Behind, have made dramatic alterations to our educational systems, and the newest challenge facing educators today, Common Core Standards, will make many more alterations over a period of several years. These changes become challenges for teachers and administrators, most of whom need to be taught new skills in order to stay on top of technological advances and new instructional strategies. Therefore, I believe it is our jobs, as teachers, to educate ourselves, staying up to date, and preparing ourselves and our students for success in the future.
ARTIFACTS:
I give a very brief history of education in America, because I believe it is important for educators to know and understand the history of their profession. Knowing the historical progression and advances in our educational system allows teachers to be better able to understand and accept the changes and advancements we are facing today. Also included below is an article review dealing with the Common Core Standards. These new standards are going to be a challenge for educators, and even though I am not currently teaching, I believe it is important to not only be well-informed and prepared, but also to begin building a new repertoire of resources that align with the new standards.
Objective 10
Present evidence of having achieved an advanced level of practice in teaching and learning
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION:
I have spent eight years dedicating myself to the education profession. Through my undergrad courses at Bowling Green State University and this master's program at Baldwin Wallace University I have become well versed in the practice of teaching and learning. I have spent one year (methods and student teaching) teaching two fourth grade classes social studies, language arts, and reading, as well as some experience as a substitute teacher for two school districts in grades one through twelve. Although I am not currently holding a teaching position I am constantly in a teaching role at my place of employment. I am a shift manager at the local Panera Bread, involved in training new and current employees every day. New employees (associates) need to be trained in the basic operation of the store and their job responsibilities, while current associates need to be updated on changes to policies and procedures, as well as changes (additions and deletions) to the menu. The training process we use at Panera Bread involves several teaching strategies that focus on different learning styles, while incorporating both collaborative learning and technology.
ARTIFACT:
I have included pieces of the Panera Bread Training Plan (with explanations) to illustrate the instructional processes involved in everyday operations of the store. Panera Bread also introduces new 'Celebrations' every three months, adding or deleting products from the menu. These 'Celebrations' require training of all associates, new and current, and uses a variety of strategies to introduce the new information. The managers hold a 'Bread Bash', which is a mandatory meeting for all associates and usually takes place at the store after closing. We start off by introducing new associates, recognizing certain associates for a job well done, and explaining new policies or procedures. Next we introduce new products, going over 'builds', product presentation and packaging, and pricing. We pass around samples of all the new items to the menu so that the associates can taste them and be able to give the customer an honest answer when they ask, "How's the new pasta? Which one do you recommend?" Sometimes included are demonstrations of 'builds', as well as hands-on practice by associates. Clicking on the Panera Bread Training Plan button below will bring you to a break down of the basic training plan with explanations for each section.
Present evidence of having achieved an advanced level of practice in teaching and learning
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION:
I have spent eight years dedicating myself to the education profession. Through my undergrad courses at Bowling Green State University and this master's program at Baldwin Wallace University I have become well versed in the practice of teaching and learning. I have spent one year (methods and student teaching) teaching two fourth grade classes social studies, language arts, and reading, as well as some experience as a substitute teacher for two school districts in grades one through twelve. Although I am not currently holding a teaching position I am constantly in a teaching role at my place of employment. I am a shift manager at the local Panera Bread, involved in training new and current employees every day. New employees (associates) need to be trained in the basic operation of the store and their job responsibilities, while current associates need to be updated on changes to policies and procedures, as well as changes (additions and deletions) to the menu. The training process we use at Panera Bread involves several teaching strategies that focus on different learning styles, while incorporating both collaborative learning and technology.
ARTIFACT:
I have included pieces of the Panera Bread Training Plan (with explanations) to illustrate the instructional processes involved in everyday operations of the store. Panera Bread also introduces new 'Celebrations' every three months, adding or deleting products from the menu. These 'Celebrations' require training of all associates, new and current, and uses a variety of strategies to introduce the new information. The managers hold a 'Bread Bash', which is a mandatory meeting for all associates and usually takes place at the store after closing. We start off by introducing new associates, recognizing certain associates for a job well done, and explaining new policies or procedures. Next we introduce new products, going over 'builds', product presentation and packaging, and pricing. We pass around samples of all the new items to the menu so that the associates can taste them and be able to give the customer an honest answer when they ask, "How's the new pasta? Which one do you recommend?" Sometimes included are demonstrations of 'builds', as well as hands-on practice by associates. Clicking on the Panera Bread Training Plan button below will bring you to a break down of the basic training plan with explanations for each section.