InTASC Standard #2 - Artifact Justification

Standard #2: Learning Differences - The teacher uses understanding of individual

differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning
environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
Artifact Description
In this essay, which was taken from a series of weekly assignments that students
were required to respond to and discuss in the conference section of our school site,
each student was required to participate in simulations that enabled us to
experience what it might be like to have a learning disability. We were required to
describe the experience, our reaction, and how it motivated us.
How does this artifact demonstrate achievement of the standard?
The assignment required me to put myself in the place of a student with learning
disabilities to have an implicit understanding of how a diverse base of students can
and will affect how my lessons and received and perceived.
How has creation of this artifact affected my understanding of the standard? How
will it contribute to effective teaching and learning in the future?
Through participation in this exercise, I was able to put myself in the place of
students who have learning disabilities. The experience helped me gain both
sympathy and empathy in these situation, and made me realize how learning
differences can affect my students, and the efficacy of my lessons.
What are my perceived strengths related to the standard?
Related to this standard, my strengths are:

My willingness and desire to help each student achieve greatness

An ability to think creatively and differentiate content where necessary
The awareness that it is my job to reach every learner in the classroom and
make learning content accessible to all

What can I improve upon to better embody the selected standard?

To better embody this standard, I will:

Continue to gain teaching experience and work with my Mentor Teacher and
University Supervisor to improve skills
Continually make an effort to learn about my students and how to best
deliver learning content to them
Keep myself abreast of new teaching innovations, as well as tried and true
techniques
Maintain a flexible approach when teaching in order to innovate and improve
as I teach my lessons.
Make sure I am aware of the learning needs of each of my students, and
make sure I am teaching with an eye to their needs.