Standard #2: Learning Differences
The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
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Reflection: Spring 2015
A teacher has knowledge of different approaches to learning and performance. They understand and have access to additional strategies and resources to address needs. The teacher understands students are assets for learning. Students bring experiences, abilities, talents, prior learning, and interactions to the table.
Another thing that I learned when I was in my Practicum last spring was that as a teacher you must believe in your students. I had one student who was a straight C or D student. The three of us in the special education department worked endlessly with this girl. We worked with her; however, we made sure that she owned her own work. It was important to the three of us that she was still the one in charge of her education. All my life I have learned from my two aunts who both are teachers. Both have had so many different families every year; it seems as if each year their classes become more “diverse.” I have learned from them that not everyone is perfect. You will have so many people who have various skills. However, you must treat everyone the same, you are unable to pick favorites, but if you have under no circumstances is it allowed to show. During an interview I conducted last year I was told that that you must value your students. I look at this from the point of a student, as a student. If you have a teacher who you can tell does not care; as that student you would shut down. Teachers need to be teachers for the right reasons.
As a teacher, my goal is not to teach in one way. I want to have many “tricks” in my repertoire. I am able to teach each and everyone of my students; like they are individuals, not just a class. Something I want to incorporate in my classroom is a KWL chart, which I would like my students to create every month. KWL is based on what you know, what you want to know, and what you learned. This is how I will understand and form many of my lesson plans. As a special education teacher, it will become my job to have an endless amount of resources readily available. Inevitably, I will struggle to help some of my students, though I will make it my job to get my student the resources that they need to succeed.