Teacher candidates will demonstrate an in-depth comprehension in their content area, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a passion for their chosen field. In being a secondary English Language Arts teacher, it is vital that I possess a well-rounded understanding of my content area as well as commit myself to learning new segments of my subject matter alongside my students.
Content Area Comprehension
The first artifact that I have chosen that best represents my content area comprehension is my ecocritical analysis of two poems by Robert Frost that I completed in my Poetry and Poetics course my first semester at Athens State. I believe this artifact not only reflects my understanding of poetic elements and terminology, but also reveals my broader understanding of how elements or subject matter in poetry can be influential or relevant in our daily lives despite one's physical location, age, or background. In using the theoretical lens of Ecocriticism, I am also broaching questions using poetry to connect to learners who may have a preference for science or sociology.
The artifact I have chosen that represents my commitment to lifelong learning is the link to my Mindmeister mindmap completed in Spring 2017. The mindmap content and layout reflects my understanding of the various elements that contribute to the educational field, environment, and students' experiences, which are continually changing and directly affecting how learning happens, such as with the frequent changing of elected officials, policies, and reform movements. One must be consciously aware of the various changes that affect Education to adequately adapt in the classroom periodically and strengthen one's commitment to the students within every class.
Passion for Chosen Field
During my time at Athens State, I worked as a tutor/consultant at the Writing Center for a year. While here, I learned many lessons that have helped me in the classroom. I truly enjoyed helping others with the writing process, interacting with fellow students, and working with my colleagues. My devotion and passion for my chosen field, specifically writing and teaching others about the complexities of writing, was evident when I was selected by the clients I tutored to receive the 2017-2018 Writing Center Consultant of the Year award. After receiving this honor, I am grateful that I was able to help others succeed by using my own strengths related to composition and instruction.