Section One: Teacher Candidate Introduction to the Elementary Portfolio Project

Introduction

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it

today” (Malcom X, 1964). Throughout the last year I have learned the power that education has

and the role a well-rounded educator must play in order to provide quality and effective

education to future generations. Throughout my ongoing experience at Medaille College I've

learned the importance that empathy holds in running a successful classroom. Teachers are more

than robots reciting standards and curriculum. I've learned that it is important to be human,

vulnerable and personable because at the end of the day We could be the single most important

person to impact their life on a daily basis. I've learned that the importance of self-reflection, it is

vital that we continue to check in not only with our students but with ourselves in order to help

our professional growth. Going back to what Malcolm X had said, we are the distributors of

those educational passports that he is referring to. The students deserve the very best version of

their teacher. As educators we are responsible for their tomorrow and we must prepare them for

it in an adequate way.

Portfolio Overview and Rationale

This portfolio is a compilation of various works that I have devised over the entire

Masters in Elementary Education program. This work will be listed under the artifact section of

My Portfolio. It will contain 10 artifacts that I see to be my best work, and that show my

versatility, adaptability and they use of technology in my classroom. Over the last couple

months, our world has suffered in many ways. Because of this, educators were forced to teach

through a new lens. My Portfolio shows the diversity needed to be shown by a teacher in order to
be successful during times of crises. Not only does this portfolio show my dynamic use of

technology, it also will display my ability to plan, differentiate, assess and instruct in a variety of

different subjects and grade levels.

Portfolio Development

Throughout the course of this portfolio you will be introduced to a number of topics and

sections. The first section will layout the introduction of the portfolio. As I am currently

presenting, I will begin to introduce and develop each section moving forward. This introductory

section will also include connections to a variety of theorists as well as touching upon various

important teacher competencies needed for an educator.

The second section will talk about my background experiences and what has led me on

this road to be coming and educator. Through my extensive volunteer history at local church

programs and school, working as full time dance teacher, as well as the experience I have had in

my early field work classes through Medaille college, all have led me to where I am today. This

section will also include my personal philosophy of education, and what I believe should be

implemented and reinforced on a daily basis in the classroom

The third section of My Portfolio is composed of 10 artifacts. The artifacts presented in

My Portfolio were created to not only implement structure and standards but also to motivate the

learner. As teachers it is important to always remember the use of universal design for learning

in your classroom. You will see this incorporated throughout a couple specific artifacts that I

have included in My Portfolio. These will also show you various accommodations and

modifications that can be made if necessary, in order to benefit every student in your class. I will
also include tools that can be used for classroom management, which is an essential part of

running a smooth and well-integrated class.

The fourth section will describe how each artifact that I have described in the previous

section aligns to the curriculum and professional standards of the New York State New

Generation Learning Standards, Ontario Curriculum Expectations, New York State Code of

Ethics for Educators as well as the Ontario Ethical Standards.

The fifth section of My Portfolio it's called the teacher candidate reflection, it is my

personal reflection about the creation of this portfolio, as well as educational experiences that I

have taken part in during my program study with the Department of Education. The reflective

stage is very important to the growing process as an educator. As teachers we must always

continue to self-reflect and learn in order to grow and improve throughout our career. The

reflective process is essential in order to become an effective teacher.

The final section to My Portfolio is a mock teacher interview video that will showcase

my work as well Allow me to answer specific questions that could potentially be asked at a job

interview. I will also include my custom Weebly teacher website to show how I am able to

highlight my tech savvy abilities by implementing this resource for future students and parents

Theorists and Experts in the Field of Education

There are several theorists that have influenced my opinions on teaching theories as well

as influenced me and my philosophy of education, Specifically the works of Harry Wong, Lev

Vygotsky, and Benjamin Bloom.

“In an effective classroom, students should not only know what they are doing, they should

also know why and how” (Wong, 1991). Harry Wong and his theories of effective classroom
management have influenced me a great deal. His belief of classroom procedures has impacted

the way I see classroom management. Growing up, classroom procedures were a staple to every

new year. These procedures allowed the class to run smoothly, they taught responsibility, and

accountability. Some examples of procedures that I would love to implement in my own

classroom farm morning and goodbye greetings, morning procedures, dismissal procedures,

procedures relating to asking questions as well as absent procedures. While this list can seem

overwhelming, the first week of school is critical when teaching these procedures. This is what

teaches students responsibility as well as accountability for their actions and it is very important

in running a well-organized class.

The next theorist they had an impact on my view of education Lev Vygotsky. Vygotsky's

Social Constructivist theory is very influential to my philosophy of education. His theory

outlines adult guidance peer collaboration which is key to cognitive development. (Hua Liu &

Matthews, 2005, p. 393). Discourse through activities such as Think-Pair-Shares can boost the

cognitive development through social interaction. Such collaboration benefits the students in

numerous ways. When sharing ideas with classmates they will not only be given the opportunity

to share their point of view, but they will also be given the opportunity to see a variety of

different views to the same scenario.

Finally, the last theorist that I have chosen to include is doctor Benjamin bloom. Blooms

Taxonomy is one of the most known and iconic strategy in order to encourage students to reach

the highest order of thinking by building up from their lower order skills (TeachThought Staff,

2020). Bloom's taxonomy is based on three domains cognitive, affective, and psychomotor. The

six levels that correspond with blooms taxonomy that were first adopted in 1956 and then

improved in 2001 are the following: remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing,

implemented in lessons, tests, projects and or any summative or formative assignment. It can

challenge students to reach for that highest order of thinking and build their knowledge from the

ground up.

Conclusion

In conclusion teaching is a craft that requires knowledge, skill, passion and empathy. I

hope that I have provided you with a little bit of insight on what to expect when reading through.

I will continue to dive deep into my philosophy and pedagogy of education. Through the impact

of my past experiences as well as the influences That I have retained from expert theorists in the

field, I'm confident that I possess the knowledge skill , passion and empathy needed to become a

successful and effective teacher that is always there to support, motivate and educate her students

for years to come.