Self-Evaluation Reflection of Readiness

I had an interview last week that really resonated with me. I walked in
and there were 7 people sitting down in a cold conference room. The principal
motioned for me to sit at the head of the table. I took a deep breath to remain
composed as I took my seat, after introducing myself of course. We went
through rounds and rounds of each of the group of 7 firing away their
questions. One by one I answered with passionate and thoughtful responses.
My biggest strength is creating a positive learning environment for each
student I encounter. My biggest weakness is taking things personally. In the
interview, when asked my biggest weakness I elaborate more by explaining
how I am working on it by accepting constructive criticism by those who also
value students as much as I do. Ultimately, I was offered the job. The
question I remember most vividly was what 5 adjectives best describe myself.
My answer to that question was bubbly, dedicated, differentiated, creative
and loving. When thinking back to this question, I believe these 5 adjectives I
use to describe myself connect directly to my strengths and weakness on the
Intern Keys.
Weaknesses:
Academically Challenging Environment
With my special education background, I feel this is the opposite end of
the spectrum (in my opinion) compared to differentiation which we generally
direct towards our lower level students in the current educational system.
Ive never taken a class on how to teach the gifted. I myself am not that
smart. I remember early on how the smart gifted kids would get to leave out
of my class as a student and I felt dumb for not being part of that group. Im
great at inspiring learning, but I feel like not all students can be self-directed
learners in all subjects across the board. As a teacher, I know it is important
to make myself vulnerable and express my weaknesses to get help in these
specific areas. I do try to incorporate a lot of student inquiry based lessons,
but I struggle with challenging the higher levels.
Instructional Planning

I feel our educational system is failing with common core. That being
said, I definitely try to tie in a few standards from the Georgia Standards of
Excellence to each lesson I create to make sure I am meeting requirements in
Georgia. As a new educator, Im lacking in resources to create the most
meaningful lessons for my kids. Im working on that by talking with my
current mentor teacher and collecting great resources I see effectively used
in her classroom.
Professional Knowledge
Im working on learning content in different subject areas more
thoroughly to get prepared for the teaching world. I seem to lack fluidity in
content and I do not want that to be a hindrance as I become a full-time
teacher. Im being proactive now and studying hard.
Strengths:
Professionalism
My professional ethics are something that I value and keep along with
my moral code day in and day out. Ive been in very difficult situations and
maintained composure when most others would have lost it. Ive seen
administration break the law and make unethical decisions. When this
happened I stood up for my students, always keeping them first. I am always
committed to professional growth and seeking knowledge as a new educator.
I want to continually better myself to help support students more effectively.
Communication
This semester I have built relationships with both staff and students.
These relationships are most valued because they help enhance student
learning and create an environment of community. For example, Ive even had
the opportunity to communicate with parents within my practicum classroom
to get their approval for my group to participate in a research study I am
currently executing.
Positive Learning Environment
I make the learning environment not only safe, but fun. I am dedicated to
instilling confidence in all students and increase their love of community and

respect for all. I believe learning should be an enjoyable experience. I

continually engage my students in collaborative learning activities and allow
them the opportunity to inquire more in depth than the basis of which most
standards entail. I am always seeking creative ways to reach my students and
encourage their learning.
Assessment Uses
I am constantly assessing my students to help reach their specific
needs. I keep data to measure my student progress because I believe that is
very important. It also helps me know if my instructional content and delivery
methods are being successful or if I need to pause and reevaluate how I am
doing things. I love giving students the option for their assessment. For
example, in one of my lessons I gave my students the option to complete a
constructive writing response or a quiz on a chapter book we were reading at
the time.
Instructional Strategies
I use several research-based instructional strategies to help my students
make connections in the academic careers. For example, I specifically used
several ideas from Blooms Taxonomy to encourage higher-order thinking
skills in a recent lesson during reading. This is seen on my lesson plan posted
on the exhibition website I have created. Not only do I see my students
acquiring key skills laid out in Common Core, but I am now seeing them
going deeper, seeking more knowledge.
Assessment Strategies
Not only do I use a variety of assessment strategies, I have incorporated
student choice into that. This has allowed me to determine student
understanding and monitor academic progress while letting my students
thrive in areas they find skillful at by letting me know they have acquired
specific information. For example, I give students a choice board with various
options of activities they can complete and the only requirement is for them
to complete and turn in one. Each activity has a different way of showing me
they have understood the lesson.
Biggest Improvement:

Differentiated Instruction
This semester I have seen the most growth in myself in the area of
differentiation. Differentiation is something I have always talked about and
valued, but I think it has taken time to learn how to effectively differentiate
for my students. For example, I have given students the freedom to research
information they did not know during a social studies lesson to add on to their
individual knowledge bases. Another example of this is having different
assignments to address individual needs and that help each and every student
develop skills. I am dedicated to making sure I address different knowledge
bases and facilitate opportunities to learn through engaging critical and
creative thinking activities for all.
In closing, I am excited to be embarking on my student teaching journey.
The past few years have had great influence over my ethical stances in the
field of education, my teaching philosophy and most importantly, how I plan to
reach all of my students. The Intern Keys are a huge indicator of what I need
to focus on in order to achieve this. I am ready. Let me thrive.