Mentor Teachers: Caitlyn Meyer (2nd), Melissa Cooper (4th), & Courtney Burkett (6th)

Due to COVID-19 restrictions in 2020-2021, all teacher candidates were limited in observation experiences during our undergraduate program. However, to broaden our first placement experience, we were able to gain experiences within three different grade levels. I was able to develop knowledge and skills through my participation with second grade, fourth grade, and sixth grade students. 

Overview:

• Attended Open House Night
• Participated in Curriculum Night
• Involved in weekly Professional Learning Community & Grade Level Team meetings
• Attended bi-weekly staff meetings
• Designed and implemented lessons that integrated Social-Emotional Learning skills
• Developed and taught STEM lessons for STEM Fridays (4th grade) & within the energy unit of study (6th grade)
• Participated in daily co-teaching of math lessons
• Facilitated Digital Games Advisory Club

Mentor Teacher: Beth Dickinson

I was able to gain insight into what an effective and nurturing classroom feels like from Mrs. Dickinson and her kindergarten students. I participated in a nine-week placement at the end of the Fall 2021 semester.

Overview:

• Attended Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Observed IEP & 504 Meetings
• Designed and implemented STEM lesson that focused on reading and writing Arkansas Academic Standards
• Planned and taught for solo week of teaching
• Attended weekly grade-level team meetings and Professional Learning Community meetings
• Attended bi-weekly staff meetings
• Substituted for mentor teacher in her absence
• Implemented lessons focused on the diverse needs of students

Mentor Teacher: Courtney Burkett

I was able to acquire knowledge about effective classroom management, the importance of assessment, and creating differentiated lessons to meet the diverse needs of students during my placement in sixth grade.

Overview: 

• Implemented Action Research: "The Effects of STEM-based Strategies on Math Proficiency in Statistics & Probability"
• Facilitated Crafty Corner Club
• Attended weekly PLC & Grade-level Team Meetings (make sure this is consistent in all three placements!)
• Attended bi-weekly staff meetings
• Designed and implemented lessons during two solo weeks of teaching
• Created and taught a ten day integrated curriculum unit using the Understanding by Design (UbD) model and Arkansas Academic Standards
• Taught daily science content
• Co-teaching model for daily mathematics content
• Substituted for mentor teacher in her absence