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Since accomplishing this major goal of mine, I would like present my acceptance speech. Yes, it is necessary. I'm smiling as I type this:
I want to thank Dr. P. for being patient with me and always answering my 50 billion questions because I'm overly thorough. This process would not have been nearly as smooth without your guidance. You rock!
I also want to thank my husband for making sure we ate something this week when I could've been cooking dinner but spent two more hours "just getting one more thing done". I also am appreciative that you still love me and had faith that one day I would actually detach myself from the computer and regain my sanity. I love you, dear.
Lastly, I want thank my grumpy cat, Shake, for being so supportive throughout this entire process. Your rhythmic purring did not go unappreciated when you rested your little fluffy face on my laptop. Maybe you aren't so bad after all. Also, I'm sorry I tripped over you last week. I hope your fat isn't too sore.
On a more serious note, I found that while working this past week, I could not help but to analyze my ability to meet the CEBS dispositions as I went through all of my evidences and reflected on my experiences over the past two years.
Professional Development and involvement. References and makes use of professional organizations or publications. Willingly participates in professional activities or events that promote professional development.
Since recently joining AASL, ALA, and KLA, I have found myself caught up in the emails they regularly send me. Now that I am on the brink of being able to actually begin my career, I find many of the articles and resources relevant, as well as intriguing. Being "up" on the imminent challenges as well as the course of action to take if approached, I feel more confident in my ability to handle such situations. In the future, I hope to one day become more active in such organizations.
Values collaboration:
Actively seeks out and incorporates ideas of others. Takes leadership in working with others to improve the overall environment. Regularly shares information and ideas.
As one project after another continues to roll out at JTA, I grow to understand the importance of environment more and more. Not only have Ms. Allen and I managed to improve the physical environment of the library media center, but as a result, have also seen an increase in positive attitudes by both students and staff. It has been both exciting and rewarding to see the smiles and enthusiastic discussions spurred by artworks and various displays that have slowly been transforming the LMC. One of our personal favorites was in response to the paper crane installation hanging from the LMC ceiling. Upon walking into the library, we watched as one student stopped, and looking up at the cranes, said, "These are magical!" How perfect. We are still in awe ourselves.
Values diversity:
Willingly works with others from different ability, race, gender, or ethnic groups. Welcomes feedback and interaction with others. Listens carefully to others and respects the views of those perceived as different from self.
Possibly stemming from the change in environment as previously mentioned, or perhaps at the constant urging of Ms. Allen herself, it seems that more and more teachers are visiting the library with their students. The mobile labs are being booked daily and more teachers are scheduling times to bring their classes into the library. One of Ms. Allen's greatest successes has come in the form of one particular math teacher. Working at our school for close to 15 years, Mr. B had never brought a class to the library. This semester, Ms. Allen and I have celebrated as Mr. B and his students have made an appearance twice already. While this may seem like nothing new or exciting to an outsider, someone who knows Ms. Allen understands that this is only because of her willingness to work with any and all that show interest. When first arriving at JTA, she laughs and tells about how she used to make cookies and cupcakes to lure the teachers in and try to persuade them to use her as a resource as well as the LMC. After so many years, it seems her plan has been successful. She genuinely is a great example of this CEBS disposition, and I can only hope to one day do the same.
Values Professionalism:
Possibly stemming from the change in environment as previously mentioned, or perhaps at the constant urging of Ms. Allen herself, it seems that more and more teachers are visiting the library with their students. The mobile labs are being booked daily and more teachers are scheduling times to bring their classes into the library. One of Ms. Allen's greatest successes has come in the form of one particular math teacher. Working at our school for close to 15 years, Mr. B had never brought a class to the library. This semester, Ms. Allen and I have celebrated as Mr. B and his students have made an appearance twice already. While this may seem like nothing new or exciting to an outsider, someone who knows Ms. Allen understands that this is only because of her willingness to work with any and all that show interest. When first arriving at JTA, she laughs and tells about how she used to make cookies and cupcakes to lure the teachers in and try to persuade them to use her as a resource as well as the LMC. After so many years, it seems her plan has been successful. She genuinely is a great example of this CEBS disposition, and I can only hope to one day do the same.
Values Professionalism:
Respect for school rules, policies, and norms. Knows school rules and policies. Follows them consistently. Understands the purpose of regulations and respects their intent. Accepts responsibility for personally following them in patterns of dress, behavior, etc. EPSB Code of Ethics
I can't help it. This one is still strange to me when first reading it- as in, it is a given. However, upon second thought, it does make me think of one thing that I feel is very important and I would have never thought of until my practicum experience. The one thing that comes to mind is the consistency of procedures and rules in the library. The reason this one seems important to me is because I often see students come into the library and act worse than they would in the classroom. I think a large part of this issue is that they are just in a different setting so they think the norms do not apply to them anymore. As a LMC, I must be proactive in teaching my students these things early, and then staying consistent with their enforcement. Ms. Allen does a good job of this, but I think the teachers coming in do not always play the role they should in supporting the rules and procedures. In the future, I hope to address this early in the year as well- everyone must be on the same page!
Lastly, the best examples of this disposition can be found both in this blog, as well as my Personal Educational Statement. First approaching the PES paper, I felt like it was simply another paper to write. Within one paragraph, I found that I rather enjoyed writing it. After five pages in, I found it to be truly telling of my story and my hopes for my future journey as an LMS. As I have mentioned in a previous post, reflection has always been one of my strengths. I grew up being told I was too hard on myself. It's true; I can not deny the fact that it even drives me crazy at times. But I also know that it is how I learn, how I improve myself, and how I make sense of the world around me. When writing this blog, sometimes I think I should keep it strictly professional, not including any of the personal happenings along the way. However, upon reading over previous posts, I strongly feel as though my reader would not be getting my true experience, as I would not be truly reflecting. In some ways, it is important to keep our personal and professional lives separate. On the other hand, I think that when we are really involved and are truly passionate about what we do, it becomes an involuntary act that the two are combined. I have found many times in the classroom that by using my own life experiences when teaching, I have provided not only foundations for positive relationships with my students, but also a lesson that suddenly becomes real and relevant to them. Without reflection, growth can not exist. Without growth, I not only hinder my opportunity for success, but also the success of my students.
I can't help it. This one is still strange to me when first reading it- as in, it is a given. However, upon second thought, it does make me think of one thing that I feel is very important and I would have never thought of until my practicum experience. The one thing that comes to mind is the consistency of procedures and rules in the library. The reason this one seems important to me is because I often see students come into the library and act worse than they would in the classroom. I think a large part of this issue is that they are just in a different setting so they think the norms do not apply to them anymore. As a LMC, I must be proactive in teaching my students these things early, and then staying consistent with their enforcement. Ms. Allen does a good job of this, but I think the teachers coming in do not always play the role they should in supporting the rules and procedures. In the future, I hope to address this early in the year as well- everyone must be on the same page!
Values Professionalism:
Professional responsibility. Accepts responsibility for own actions and for helping all students learning and actively seeks self-improvement. Consistently holds high expectations for the success of all students. Consistently looks to explain and remedy student lack of success by factors within the control of self.
Looking over my artifacts this week again, one thing that I made mental note of was assessment. In the educational world, it seems that often times, test scores are the only way to prove our validity as educators. Although sad, I know that I must continue to keep all assessments and assignments as evidence that I, in fact, am having an effect on student learning. I also must be sure to use my own form of assessment to determine the effectiveness of my lessons and activities. While we discuss this often in this program, I do know that I tend to dread that part. In the future, I must remember that assessments do not need to be lengthy or elaborate to fully gain insight into student learning. But not only do assessments tell about student learning, but even more about the teaching on the educator's part. By looking for trends and patterns, I will better be able to assess the effectiveness of my teaching and find areas where I can grow and improve.
Values Professionalism:
Commitment to self-reflection and growth. Recognizes personal limitations and strengths and uses them to best professional advantage. Actively seeks suggestions and constructive criticism. Regularly practices critical thinking. Regularly engages in learning through self-reflection.
Looking over my artifacts this week again, one thing that I made mental note of was assessment. In the educational world, it seems that often times, test scores are the only way to prove our validity as educators. Although sad, I know that I must continue to keep all assessments and assignments as evidence that I, in fact, am having an effect on student learning. I also must be sure to use my own form of assessment to determine the effectiveness of my lessons and activities. While we discuss this often in this program, I do know that I tend to dread that part. In the future, I must remember that assessments do not need to be lengthy or elaborate to fully gain insight into student learning. But not only do assessments tell about student learning, but even more about the teaching on the educator's part. By looking for trends and patterns, I will better be able to assess the effectiveness of my teaching and find areas where I can grow and improve.
Values Professionalism:
Commitment to self-reflection and growth. Recognizes personal limitations and strengths and uses them to best professional advantage. Actively seeks suggestions and constructive criticism. Regularly practices critical thinking. Regularly engages in learning through self-reflection.
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