Drexel University

Domain 4 Professional Responsibilities

EDUC 540
Professor Megan Giampietro
Abdulai Sesay
11/20/2017

This is a reflection to show evidence of my achievement in domain 4 Professional

Responsibility.
Domain 4 Reflection

Since I began my student teaching experience it has been difficult for me not to reflect on

my teaching. I find myself having daily conversations with my co-operating teacher on how the

lesson went, things that came up during the lesson, and suggestions on how she would handle

certain situations. After speaking with my co-operating teacher, I usually do a self-reflection in

my journal or at the bottom of my lesson plan. This is usually a couple sentences on how I felt

the lesson went, and what I need to work on. Later, on my drive home I usually self-evaluate and

think about how the day went, where I need to improve, and how I will improve in the future.

The last part of me reflecting on my teaching occurs when I get home. I usually speak to my wife

who has over ten years of experience in early childhood education, and is a major part of my

personal learning network. She often gives me several ideas on ways to do things. She informs

me of strategies that have worked for her in the past. I have applied many of her strategies in the

classroom. An example of this was when I was trying to get students quiet in the lunch line. I

whispered to a few students who were demonstrating the proper behavior. The other students

wanted to hear what I was saying to them so they began to quiet down. I quickly learned that I

needed several tools in my tool belt to manage behavior.

With regards to maintaining accurate records, I had the opportunity to sit in on a

professional development where the new grading system was explained. My co-operating teacher

has allowed me to grade tests, and homework, and enter the grades into the new system.

Informally I have seen my co-operating teacher keeping files on lateness, and records of

conversations with parents. Both of these are practices I intend to carry with me into my own

classroom. I will make sure to keep an organized folder for all the non-instructional information I

need. In our classroom, we recently dealt with picture money. A great example was set by Mrs.

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Domain 4 Reflection

Myers by collecting all envelopes, binding them together and locking them up, I will make sure

to follow the same procedure in the future.

I have seen my co-operating teacher communicate with many families during the year.

Class Dojo is the main form used when emails are being sent. A behavior chart is sent home

every day to be signed by a parent. The parent can write notes on the chart if they need to. The

behavior chart is great so there are no surprises when a phone call is placed to discuss poor

behavior. I have seen two parent conferences where we needed to speak to parents about

students behavior. This was very beneficial to me because I got to see how to deal with sensitive

subjects when discussing a student.

As a student teacher, I have been participating in the weekly K-2 curriculum planning

meeting where information like DRA levels, math strategies, individual students and several

other topics are discussed. In one meeting a first and second grade split was discussed which was

very interesting to me. It prompted me to do more research on the subject. I have sat in on the

monthly RTII meeting, and attended a professional development on the new district grade book.

It has also been brought to my attention how social media sites like twitter can help expand my

professional learning network. Reading blogs has also been beneficial to my professional growth.

Currently I am growing professionally through communication with my co-operating

teacher before and after lessons. I am also growing through my course work by reflecting on my

lessons. I learn something from every lesson I teach. Just today I learned that I need to be

organized even when handing out a treat. When planning lessons, I make sure to research ways I

can spice it up. One of my favorite things about this profession is the growth does not stop.

Even as a new teacher professionalism is one of my strongest characteristics. I do not

hesitate to ask questions when I need more of an explanation. I completely understand that

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Domain 4 Reflection

students should be the focus, and their progression is at the center of everything we do. My

opinion has been valued and trusted. My co-operating teacher often asks me what I think about

topics, or how I would handle a situation. I attribute this trust to my professionalism. I am always

ready and willing to be coached, and I am looking forward to growing at I continue down my

road.