Characteristic #1: We believe that the novice teacher should have a commitment to and skills for life-long learning.
The Benedum Collaborative defines life-long learning as "a continuing search for knowledge and understanding." I believe that this characteristic is one of the most important for teachers. Society and ever-changing and people are continually learning new ways to teach our children. Educators should be committed to continuously learn and better themselves as a teacher to be more effective for their students.
My artifact for this characteristic would be a copy of my memberships to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and the West Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics (WVCTM). These are two organizations that our C&I instructor suggested that we join. By joining these organizations, I am able to go to conferences around the United States to learn new ways to teach mathematics. Also, journals, lesson plans, and research findings are readily available by becoming a member. I would also include a copy of a lesson plan that I created using NCTM content standards, rather than the WV CSOs.
I feel this artifact shows that I am planning to continuously learn more to become a better and more effective teacher.
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Stephanie, I think this artifact represents Characteristic #1 of a Novice Teacher perfectly. It's so easy as teachers to become accustomed to what we were taught and used to and forget that we too should learn to better ourselves as teachers. By being a member of the NCTM and WVCTM you are showing a deep committment to life-time learning so not only you are growing, but your students grow through you as well.
ReplyDeleteStephanie, becoming a member of a professional organization in your content area shows your commitment to life-long learning. Joining is one thing, but being active is what will actualize this commitment. I suppose that through subscription and contribution to journals, attendance and participation of conferences is your goal as a member of this organization. There is a lot to be learned. In Mathematics, new learning material (such as manipulatives) continue to be added and it is through conferences where you will keep abreast with their development. It is also at these fora where you can share any research or dilemma with peers in your field.
ReplyDeleteYour artifact is a true demonstration of CNT # 1