Showcase Rationale
Compiled here is a showcase of the work I completed during my Master of Arts in Education (MAED) program at Michigan State University.
I have organized my work into three categories that emphasize the meaning behind my work and highlight important features within my teaching philosophy.
Curriculum & Pedagogy: My knowledge gained and my career development are highlighted in this category. In addition, this category features work related to differentiation, special education, and various teaching strategies and techniques.
Classroom Environment & Culture: As an educator, relationships are a vital part of my career. The work concerns my understanding of classroom management philosophies in this category and heavily connects to social-emotional learning.
Passion Projects: This category relishes in work that was developed through various passion projects. Included are things such as; literary reviews and writing pieces. As an educator, I always have to remind myself what my passions are; although teaching is my first passion, reading and writing follow close behind.
I have organized my work into three categories that emphasize the meaning behind my work and highlight important features within my teaching philosophy.
Curriculum & Pedagogy: My knowledge gained and my career development are highlighted in this category. In addition, this category features work related to differentiation, special education, and various teaching strategies and techniques.
Classroom Environment & Culture: As an educator, relationships are a vital part of my career. The work concerns my understanding of classroom management philosophies in this category and heavily connects to social-emotional learning.
Passion Projects: This category relishes in work that was developed through various passion projects. Included are things such as; literary reviews and writing pieces. As an educator, I always have to remind myself what my passions are; although teaching is my first passion, reading and writing follow close behind.
Curriculum and Pedagogy
AWARD WINNING?
"After unveiling some of the most notable literary awards, such as the Newbery and the Caldecott, I have stumbled upon several quandaries." It all started when a question swirled in my head; How does a book get chosen as an award winner? In this piece, I challenge the reasoning behind some beloved classics as I reconsider the influence of "award-winning"; demonstrating critical reasoning skills as I embark on a journey through literary history. SUPPORTING LITERACY LEARNERS
"Differentiated instruction means to meet the student where they are and provide a tailored learning experience, not a one-size-fits-all approach." Providing differentiated instruction is my passion; using data and analyzing results to best support a student is where my heart soars the most. In this writing, I deep-dive into Eli (pseudonym), a second-grader who struggles with literacy. Along the way, surprises occur, and in the end, we find new ways to support. Highlighted here are my skills in analyzing student data, parent and staff communication, and unveils some of my pedagogical methods. |
WHAT A WRITER NEEDS REVIEW
"Teaching writing to preservice teachers is a topic that has been swept under the rug for years." However, after closely examining What a Writer Needs by Ralph Fetcher, I felt better equipped to teach writing in my classroom. A text filled with many applicable practices and ideologies left me clinging to the pages, not only for my students but also for myself. This piece highlights a change in my pedagogical methods for teaching writing. A RELFECTION ON COLLABOARTION
"Leave people happier than when you met them" A rule I instill in my students and myself each year. Collaboration is at the forefront of education; without it, we would be nothing. Principals, school-home coordinators, secretaries, teammates, service providers, special education teams, and parents require communication. In this experience, I examined my communication over five days and reflected on the conversations and how I can make them more effective in the future. Through this, I feature vital skills related to communication. |
Classroom Environment & Culture
"WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN" REVIEW
"Maybe I am a classic "participation award"-gen-z teacher, but I genuinely feel that everyone needs to be celebrated whenever possible." Some children have no cheerleaders in life; some would love to have their presence noticed. Rick Lavoie has repeatedly re-engineered my thinking. The piece examines new reasoning behind behaviors—a critical change in how I approach relationship building in my classroom. |
TRAUMA INFORMED SCHOOLS
"Each year, educators receive a class list filled with names. Behind each name is a face of a child and behind their faces are their stories. Some stories of hope, resilience, and even pure happiness, but this is not the case for all. Many children join teachers whose stories are so heartbreaking you are at a loss for words. The reality of their worlds beat them down daily." Our classrooms must become safe havens in a dark world filled with sad stories and unfortunate outcomes. Included in the multi-media informational website is the new foundation of my teaching philosophies. This expose unveils my understanding of student status and the importance of relationship building. |
Passion Projects
WRITE SOMETHING NEW
"You see, I am an educator for all, not just the rich kids, not just the Hallmark card families." Experimentation done from within; After years of having students write me assignments, I took to the paper and expressed various aspects of my life through poetry and letter writing. In this expressive and reflective piece, one can see my past, my understanding of teaching, and the parts I am still working on. |
WHO IS PETER PAN?
"We seem to be at the end of our flight with Peter, and what a journey it has been." Closely examining the classic Peter Pan by J. M Barrie paired with cinematic pieces and other works of art. Demonstrated are my passions for literacy and my ability to cross-examine stories. Reading and book conversations are my passion, and I believe this executes that passion well. |