Quality Standard 1
Teachers demonstrate mastery of and pedagogical expertise in the content they teach. The elementary teacher is an expert in literacy and mathematics and is knowledgeable in all other content that he or she teaches (e.g., science, social studies, arts, physical education, or world languages). The secondary teacher has knowledge of literacy and mathematics and is an expert in his or her content endorsement area(s).
Element a: Teachers provide instruction that is aligned with the Colorado Academic Standards and their district's organized plan of instruction.
During my student teaching, I have provided instruction that is aligned to state standards in both formal and informal lesson plans. In this lesson plan, I have noted how students will make connections to the standards and know the learning target for each lesson.
Element b: Teachers develop and implement lessons that connect to a variety of content areas/disciplines and emphasize literacy and mathematics.
I find that making connections to literature natural especially in elementary education. Students get excited when they can use their knowledge of other disciplines. For example, I used 3rd and 4th graders knowledge of fractions to create an underwater scene called "fraction fish". I instructed students step by step on how to create 16 sections of a circle and variations.
Element c: Teachers demonstrate knowledge of the content, central concepts, inquiry, appropriate evidence-based instructional practices, and specialized characteristics of the disciplines being taught.
I consider printmaking the highlight of my studio experience at Colorado State. I created a lesson to incorporate the basic concepts of printmaking in my 2D class at Rocky Mountain High School. Students were excited about creating images that could be duplicated and many said it was their favorite project.
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Reflection:
One of the most exciting experiences of student teaching was being able to share the knowledge I gained in my studio classes. For example, doing my first demo in 3D design at Rocky I taught how to make a slab, pinch pots, and coils without second guessing myself. This gave me an immense amount of confidence. In my 2D design class I was able to help students who thought they couldn't draw create forms using value. I was also able to articulate to my second graders at Bacon how to use value to create a sphere. So cool!