University of Saint Joseph Conceptual Framework for Education
I look forward to the student teaching experience; I feel that through this experience along with the universities conceptual framework I will have a good understanding what it takes to become a great life changing teacher. Our conceptual framework is made of 11 components such as agent of change, standards, community, compassionate of heart, rigorous of mind, diversity, collaboration, technology, reflection, assessment, and constructivism. The compassion piece is most meaningful to me because, as an educator, I feel that one must be passionate about his or her work with students and changing their lives. Rigorous of mind is another critical component because as educators it is important to know and understand various content areas and standards in order to properly teach content and skills to their students. These two aspects also demonstrate the importance of dedication to one’s work as an educator and one’s students.
Through my experience of working with children and young adults I have come to value the component of diversity. Diversity within community is important to me because it allows students to learn from each other’s cultures and allows them to have an open mind about the differences and similarities cultures and ethnicities share. I hope to achieve the sharing of differences through the use of prompted turn and talk activities in which students will share with one another their personal responses. Another way an educator can bring diversity to classrooms is through the pairing of diverse learners, which allows for student to student learning. All educators have diverse learners and are prepared to educate the variety of learners through differentiation. Special education teachers work on creating equality among all students in a district. I feel that the equality we have achieved in today’s schools by offering special education services for those in need of them is what makes special education so special.
My greatest goal as a professional is to be a strong agent of change. To impact students’ lives and improve their education is the most rewarding part about being an educator. I want to guide students on their path and advocate for every individual. Through my experience as a student, observer, and leader I have come to value collaboration. As a student I have always had co-taught classes and this system benefited me and my education. I feel that co-teaching is a very important aspect especially for special education students because it allows a variety of students to be educated equally and it gives students a bigger support system. Collaboration is also very important for educators to have with their students, parents, and other professionals involved in their student’s education planning team. As a co-leader of a summer camp, I worked collaboratively with two other individuals in order to achieve a safe and fun filled environment for children ages 6-13. As a perspective special educator I have learned of the impact of the ipad, Elmo, SMART board, internet blogs, and other educational programming. I am interested in learning more ways to connect with students through the use of technology to be a better educator and keep up with current methods.
I feel that the most important goal for my students would be the concept of reflection. It is important as an educator to reflect on what works and what does not work in the classroom in terms of materials, manipulatives, technology and overall lesson planning. I feel that reflection is a great goal not only for educators but students, as well. As a constructivist special educator I would teach my students a variety of hands on strategies to go about their learning in different content areas. If my students could reflect on which strategy worked best for them it could improve their learning and my understanding of what works best for that individual student. Assessment is another key component. It is important for educators to continually assess their students to monitor progress. It is imperative to instruct students and help them expand their knowledge and achieve their goals. As a student teacher, I have the goal of putting this conceptual framework into play when working in a classroom.
Through my experience of working with children and young adults I have come to value the component of diversity. Diversity within community is important to me because it allows students to learn from each other’s cultures and allows them to have an open mind about the differences and similarities cultures and ethnicities share. I hope to achieve the sharing of differences through the use of prompted turn and talk activities in which students will share with one another their personal responses. Another way an educator can bring diversity to classrooms is through the pairing of diverse learners, which allows for student to student learning. All educators have diverse learners and are prepared to educate the variety of learners through differentiation. Special education teachers work on creating equality among all students in a district. I feel that the equality we have achieved in today’s schools by offering special education services for those in need of them is what makes special education so special.
My greatest goal as a professional is to be a strong agent of change. To impact students’ lives and improve their education is the most rewarding part about being an educator. I want to guide students on their path and advocate for every individual. Through my experience as a student, observer, and leader I have come to value collaboration. As a student I have always had co-taught classes and this system benefited me and my education. I feel that co-teaching is a very important aspect especially for special education students because it allows a variety of students to be educated equally and it gives students a bigger support system. Collaboration is also very important for educators to have with their students, parents, and other professionals involved in their student’s education planning team. As a co-leader of a summer camp, I worked collaboratively with two other individuals in order to achieve a safe and fun filled environment for children ages 6-13. As a perspective special educator I have learned of the impact of the ipad, Elmo, SMART board, internet blogs, and other educational programming. I am interested in learning more ways to connect with students through the use of technology to be a better educator and keep up with current methods.
I feel that the most important goal for my students would be the concept of reflection. It is important as an educator to reflect on what works and what does not work in the classroom in terms of materials, manipulatives, technology and overall lesson planning. I feel that reflection is a great goal not only for educators but students, as well. As a constructivist special educator I would teach my students a variety of hands on strategies to go about their learning in different content areas. If my students could reflect on which strategy worked best for them it could improve their learning and my understanding of what works best for that individual student. Assessment is another key component. It is important for educators to continually assess their students to monitor progress. It is imperative to instruct students and help them expand their knowledge and achieve their goals. As a student teacher, I have the goal of putting this conceptual framework into play when working in a classroom.