Professional Attributes:

Develop a positive and encouraging environment

The classroom will act as a community where each member will be shown how to
take pride in their surroundings and in themselves.
There will be a positive behavior system in place. The system will encourage
students to make good choices.
Deliver a relevant and engaging curriculum
Curriculum will be based on standards while taking in account the culture and
background of students.
I will use many different types of assessment including both formative and
summative.
I will assess, analyze and take the appropriate action.
Design clear expectations
Asking students, What does it look, feel, and sound like?
Continuously getting feedback from students through observations and
conferencing.
Differentiate instruction
I will develop leveled guided reading groups.
The students will set individualized goals and track progress.
Cultivate positive relationships with students, parents and community members
Keep communication lines open with parents.
I will be active in the community. I am willing to coach or tutor students.
How would you differentiate instruction for the diverse ability levels in you room? What
experiences have you had with gifted and talented students and students with special needs?
Differentiate Instruction.
Implement many visual aids including visual schedules and picture word wall.
Assign group projects or have students work in pairs.
Promote a print rich environment.
Use of visual cues.
Utilize graphic organizers.
Using a variety of both audio and visual resources.
Extend the thinking of gifted students beyond their scope of mind.
Encourage metacognition in all students.
Prepare different forms of assessment based on level and ability.
I have had extensive experience with students that are gifted and talented as well as students
with special needs. I have tutored a gifted student in a professional setting. I started by assessing
and analyzing the data to further decide what activities or lessons to teach next. This gifted
student was well above grade level in reading, writing and math. I implemented many activities
that promoted both creative and critical thinking and problem solving.
I have also had experience with students with special needs. I have been a substitute in
multiple districts in resource rooms. I have managed many different learners and taken in
account their level and abilities. I have had a field placement where I was placed in our inner city
district and in a special education resource room. I was responsible for creating lessons and
instructing students at all levels. The students had a variety of special needs including English
Language Learners, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Emotional and Behavior Disorders. I have
also taken an exceptional learners course. I learned about many different learning abilities and
created an exceptional learners resource book.
Along with differentiation I would build personal relationships with students so I am aware of
their needs and abilities. I will also use observation, data and assessments to ensure that the
curriculum reaches every students level. I will also use many different instructional strategies to
include all learning styles.
Describe the skills or attributes you believe are necessary to be an outstanding teacher.
1. Leader
Classroom management requires strong leadership skills. I set clear and consistent
expectations for students. I hold students to these expectations. As an elementary
teacher I understand the importance of classroom management to the learning
environment. I understand that smooth transitions and behavior modification need to
be present throughout the day.
Leaders consistently think steps ahead and can plan proficiently for different
outcomes. As an effective teacher I hold the ability to see steps ahead of my students.
I am also able to plan for different outcomes to situations that arise. I am a forward
thinker and am able to plan proficiently.
Leaders are confident. I am confident in my abilities as an effective teacher. I am also
open to constructive criticism. I am confident in who I am as a person and am able to
model confidence for my students.
Leaders are committed to their work and are always looking for ways to evolve and
change. I am a loyal and committed individual this shows through in my work.
I was the president of the teacher prep club at Baker College. I lead meetings and
community involvement activities as well as fundraisers for Big Brother Big Sister
and Relay for Life.
2. Innovative
As an outstanding teacher I am open to taking risks. Risk taking is part of the
growth process. I am able to take a risk, learn from that risk and improve for next
time.
I am always looking for ways to incorporate new materials and technology into
my lessons. I believe that technology skills are imperative to career and college
preparation. I incorporate technology into many lessons, activities and
assessments.
As an innovative teacher I recognize the importance of cultivating a risk taking
environment for students. My classroom will be a safe place where students are
encouraged to take academic risks.
I have knowledge of technology and how to incorporate it into my lessons,
assessments and activities. I currently use Animoto, Socrative, Edmodo, Weebly
etc.

3. Analytical Thinker
As an outstanding teacher I analyze and interpret data to build curriculum.
Analyzing and interpreting data are imperative to differentiating instruction.
As an analytical thinker I will ensure that lessons and materials are relevant to
student learning and needs.
Effective teachers are always reflecting on their work and changing to make it
better.
To help students build critical thinking skills my lessons will ensure that students
are always questioning themselves and one another. I will build assessments,
activities and lessons around the need for intellectual engagement.
As an outstanding educator I know the importance of building analytical thinking
skills and helping students use them in the classroom and in everyday life.
I have analyzed and interpreted data. I was part of regular data meetings and
discussions with colleagues and administrators. I used DRAs and AIMSweb data
to help build and differentiate reading instruction.
4. Strong communication
As an effective teacher I will build lasting relationships with students, parents,
colleagues and the community.
Parent involvement is key to student success. My strong communication and open
relationship with parents will ensure that parents are held accountable and
understand what is happening in my classroom.
I will have clear developed lessons and clear delivery.
Clear written communication with colleagues, administration and parents.
I have used many forms of communication with parents. I have had parent-teacher
conferences and had input on curriculum committees. I also built relationships in
the community through my active community involvement.
5. Collaboration
Collaboration with colleagues is imperative to school and student success.
I have participated on curriculum committees.
Effective teachers are team players. I am a team player and understand the
importance of collaboration in the teaching profession.
I was able to collaborate with both 1st grade team teachers while planning
curriculum and assessments. I also collaborated with colleagues to help plan our
March is Reading Month activities where I contacted the Lugnuts and had tickets
donated to reading winners.
6. Overall Health
Taking care of myself is important to me and will ensure that I do not get worn
out.
I am aware that in order to be successful I need to be available to my students.
Eating healthy and being active is important for an outstanding teacher. Overall
health leads to less sick days and shows students how to be fit and active.
I am an active competitive runner, long distance cyclist and triathlete.