Section Five
Section Five
Section Five
Introduction
artifacts that express my abilities and my qualities as a teacher throughout this MSED portfolio
project has been a great experience. The professors at Medaille College not only taught us about
the content and the pedagogy of the teaching profession but also left us with many philosophies,
reflections and meaningful outlooks on becoming an educator for the future. One theory I will
take away from a professor who went out of his way to not only teach us concepts but to make us
realize how building a relationship with our students can go a long way in their learning and
educational experience. I feel fortunate that I had the opportunity in accomplishing my Master of
Education through Medaille College and that I am more than prepared to move forward as a
accomplished teacher.
This section will exhibit the relations between my portfolio and the professional
standards of the TEAC/CAEP Claims. Claim 1: Subject Matter, Claim 2: Pedagogy and Best
When I began this journey I remember being nervous, overwhelmed at times and unsure
what to expect. But as I met the professors at Medaille, began relationships with my amazing
cohort and started my first class I knew I was where I needed to be. Learning and growing as a
teacher, realizing and achieving my goals to become a teacher and simply appreciating what I
have been taught by everyone who has been part of this experience will define me as an educator
Starting with the professors at Medaille, I can truly say that each one of them has taught
an educator. They have shown the utmost respect, compassion and desire for success for me and
everyone in this program. I feel they are the core of this program and I am lucky to have had
They have so much to offer with their own personal experiences and knowledge of education but
also understanding where we are as student and future teachers. (Claim # 1, #2, #3)
During my first semester I was fortunate enough to learn so much about the theories,
knowledgeable about how to relate my teachings, have classroom management and recognize the
multiple ways children learn. We have continued to use these theories, theorist and philosophies
in all of our courses and how to incorporate them into our lesson plans, essays and as
Having courses that teach the diversity of our society and understanding the multiple
aspects that come into play when creating a welcoming and culturally accepting environment
was a new concept for many of us. Culturally Responsive Teaching has to be at the fore front of
your thinking and preparation of lesson planning and everyday teachings. Being aware and
including these teachings to educators as they begin their teaching career is a very important part
of today societys and respecting the uniqueness and exceptional children we will have in our
classroom. I also made connections with CRT when it came to students prior knowledge and
how they learn within their experiences and background. I have incorporated this awareness into
my lesson plans as well as into my mock lesson presentations in front of the classroom. The
professors have allowed me to understand the importance to include CRT into the classroom and
with the students that I will have the privilege to enrich. (Claim #1 & #2)
While developing my abilities to incorporate CRT into lesson plans at the time seemed to
be challenging at times but it wasnt till we had a variety of courses that taught us the ins and
outs of lesson planning, the details and how to relate them to all the necessary factors of a perfect
and seamless lesson. We have had a diverse group of professors who have had all a unique and
personal touch to teach lesson plans. (Claim#1) But having them continue to help us succeed and
perfect a lesson plan took a lot of patience and instruction. Looking back I remember how
confused and overwhelmed I felt but now I can confidently say I know I have the skills to create
a lesson plan that will help my students meet their goals and objectives set for them as well as
hitting the standards of the curriculum. The capability to produce unit plans, lesson plans and
assessments has become easier, quicker and something that is a natural part of my teaching
Progressing through each semester and continuing my life-long learning has made me
realize my potential and made me appreciate a variety of teachings that might have made me a
little apprehensive to apply in the classroom or with the students. However having amazing and
approachable professors made it a lot easier to learn and know how integrate them into lessons
and benefit the students. For example, technology; I have never been tech savvy or comfortable
using technology personally or for teaching. I was nervous when I saw we had a tech course to
take. But having a professor that was not only knowledgeable but friendly, easy to talk to made
things fun to learn made the tech class so much easier to appreciate and be able to use in my
As I prepare to become a teacher, educate the children of the future and create a
welcoming and positive classroom environment I strongly feel I am ready and confident to start
my career and lifelong dream. However I do believe that my readiness to become a teacher is not
only based on the above but also building relationships and trust with the students is imperative
to be a competent and accomplished teacher. The DASA training and School Violence
Prevention and Intervention / Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment
Certification has also been an important factor in the completion and preparedness of a teacher.
I have shown my many abilities to incorporate the important and relevant aspects of
creating lesson plans, unit plans and CRT with my artifacts. (Claim #1) CRT has been the
bibliography and my Pecha Kucha Special Education presentation. (Claim #2) Within the
artifacts that I have used to prove my capabilities and the rest of my portfolio reflecting my
eagerness to educate I feel that there is nothing but positive and enthusiasm towards the next
steps to my exciting journey. I cannot wait to stand in front of children, guide them and watch
them grow and develop into amazing, accomplished and well-rounded students. (Claim #3)
Including the TEAC claims as we summarize and reflect our portfolio project was an
ideal way to ensure that the Medaille College expectations are being met and that we truly value
them as part of our teachings and education. Each claim; Claim 1: Subject Matter, Claim 2:
Pedagogy and Best Teaching Practices and Claim 3: Caring Educator is a reflection and
This collaboration and concept of this project have been both a learning and insightful
and enrich, my want to develop minds and characters, my capacity to care and acquire
relationships for each student I have the pleasure to cross paths with not only in my classroom
The connections that were made throughout the portfolio to illustrate my knowledge and
Furthermore what I am reminded of when I think about the importance of these connections are
how I will accurately demonstrate to the students the contents of the curriculum and how to
utilize the various teaching methods to effectively teach the diversity of the students. I have the
resources and techniques to utilize what I have been taught to communicate back positive
feedback to the students to enhance their learning and understanding. I believe that my
experiences and in class education will promote a welcoming, safe and healthy classroom
environment for all students to grow, learn and become the best they can be!
have become during this past year will exhibit a teacher that Medaille College would be proud to