Morgan Smith's Portfolio

Goodreads

This year I have started tracking the books that I read and own that help improve my professional practice. I also have been keeping track of books that I would like to have in my classroom next year. Please click on the Goodreads logo below to see my library. By tracking my professional library, and classroom library, I am better able to find a certain book when I need it, and I am able to categorize them in ways that work for me.

Edmodo

Throughout the year, I have used Edmodo, which is a free and safe way for students and teachers to connect and collaborate. I have been connecting with other AUSL cohort members, sharing professional resources, and giving and getting feedback on ideas and strategies for the classroom.

Teaching Channel

In addition to my frequent searches on Youtube for new ideas on teaching strategies, I have spent a great deal of time watching videos on the Teaching Channel website. The Teaching Channel has hundreds of videos of innovative and effective teaching practices in America's schools. As I am continuously trying to improve my practice, watching master teachers in the classroom has been extremely beneficial to me.

Twitter & SmartBrief

This past year, I have been staying up-to-date on educational current events by signing up for weekly emails from ASCD SmartBrief, and by following education related tweets on Twitter.

With so many things happening in the news, it is easy to get lost and miss out on all that is happening in the world of education. By utilizing these two tools, I don't have to sift through tons of news stories, and can read about education policies, teaching strategies, and current events.


Every Wednesday, for the entire school year, I met with other teachers in my grade level, surrounding grade levels, and an administrator to go over data trends from NWEA tests, identify and discuss new strategies for teaching literacy and math, align lessons based on Illinois Standards with Common Core standards, vertically align lessons by grade level, and address questions and concerns regarding school-wide issues. 

Being a part of these meetings, really gave me a more in-depth look at how to continuously use data to inform my instruction. The collaboration with other teachers not only within my own grade level, but those teachers in other grade levels as well,also helped me see how critical it is to work together as a team when planning, vertically aligning curriculum, and evaluating the effectiveness of certain techniques and strategies used for instruction in the classroom.

Below is a sample sign in sheet from a typical data cluster meeting with notes about what was covered, and our next steps. Click on the image to see more.
In this portfolio, at the bottom of each page, there is a section called, "Next Year." In each of these sections, I address my growth plan for each individual area.

Provided below is a list of the different areas that I want to work on next year to help me become a more successful educator. For a more comprehensive look at my growth plan, please click on the sections below to read a more in-depth explanation.
  • Create a parent communication log
  • Create a class website
  • Offer parents option for email newsletter
  • Create a class Twitter account
  •  Script out lesson plans
  • Plan out higher order questions using Bloom's question stems.
  • Create learning progressions for larger units of study
  • Differentiate lessons through UDL model
    • Differentiate objectives
    • Differentiate assessments
    • Incorporate modifications and accommodations into lesson plans
  • Work in conjunction with special educators to plan for students with IEPs in my general education classroom.
  •  Video record myself teaching so that I can watch it back and pinpoint areas for continued development.
  • Ask a veteran teacher in the building to be my mentor teacher.
  • Keep a journal of reflections on how certain lessons went, and how they can be improved.
  • Attend a Whole Brain Teaching workshop
  • Write a Donor's Choose grant to get access to more technology in the classroom.
  •  Incorporate more Checks for Understanding in all aspects of my teaching from Day 1.
  • Differentiate assessments
  • Create data displays to evaluate trends
  • Use MAP assessment data to inform small groups

In addition to the previous actions steps for my growth plan, I have designated an area for growth in each of the four Danielson Domains, and an action step to help me reach my goal.


 Domain 1: Planning and Preparation

Goal: Be more conscious about planning for purposeful, and deep questioning in my lessons. This way I can push more of the "heavy thinking" on the students' shoulders.

Action Steps: I plan on utilizing Bloom's Taxonomy question stems during my lesson planning so that I can ask higher order questions during my lessons.

Domain 3: Instruction

Goal: Work on facial expressions and make sure that I am not giving too much away. I also want to be more conscious of the ratio of teacher time on stage vs. student time on stage. I want to make sure they are doing more thinking than I am.

Action Steps: To make sure that I'm not giving away too much on my face, I will be extra conscious of it while teaching, plus video record myself teaching. To make sure that I am limiting my time on stage, I will be deliberate about using a timer to monitor my teaching time.

Domain 2: Classroom Environment

 Goal: Work on being a no-nonsense nurturer. I want to maintain high expectations for behavior as well as academic performance, while still having a positive and welcoming classroom for a group of new students.

Action Steps: To be a no-nonsense nurturer, I need to create relationships with my students. I plan on doing this by working with them in small groups, getting to know them during lunch and recess, and by getting involved in extra curricular activities. I also need to have high expectations for everyone for behavior so the learning space feels safe for everyone.

Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities

Goal: Begin the year with strong communication with families.

Action Steps: Send out a letter to parents telling them about my commitment to their children. I will also inform them of the option to receive newsletters via email, and receive Twitter updates. In addition, I will talk with them after school, and make phone calls welcoming them to our classroom family.