Standard II - School Culture and Instructional Program
Invest in Learning
Artifact: Transitioning to the CCSS and Deepening Understanding of Mathematics in Grades 2-4 Presentation (see below) and Professional Learning Schedule.
Description: Serving as a teacher-leader in my building and district over the past 5 years, I have had many opportunities to lead professional learning for teachers. I am very passionate about instructional leadership and the importance of being a life-long learner. I feel it is very important as a leader to model this passion and growth mindset. I'm a voracious reader and love to share my learning with others.
In my Master's coursework, we completed an semester-long independent project that gave us the opportunity to demonstrate our abilities as an instructional leader in the areas of curriculum, professional learning, and school improvement. We began the project by reviewing our School Improvement Plan to identify a curricular area to target for improvement. We then conducted an informal curriculum audit of the area. Lastly, we researched and designed a job-embedded professional learning experience for teachers.
In addition to my Master's project and coursework, I have developed and led many other professional learning experiences for new teachers and veteran teachers at the building and district level as follows:
Professional learning (building level)
o Sailing Into March is Reading with Children's Literature - teacher workshop
o Supporting the Exceptional Learner - professional learning series for staff
o Making Thinking Visible - new teacher workshop and year long staff meeting series
o The Whole-Brained Learner: Developing Culture and Skills for 21st Century Learning - Curriculum Day
o Baking the 21st Century Mathematician: Integrating the Standards of Mathematical Practice
o “Pushing Student Thinking in Mathematics: Providing Students Rich Opportunities and Supporting Math Discourse - staff meeting math series
o Breakfast Treats and Twitter - #dolsenthinkers
o Creating a Safe and Secure iPad Environment for Students
Professional learning (district level)
o Fostering Literacy Motivation and Engagement Through the Use of Thinking Routines and Discussion Protocols - new teacher workshop
o Utilizing the Math Workshop Model in the Elementary Classroom - new teacher training
o Engaging the Whole-Brain Learner: Developing Classroom Culture to Support Academic Achievement-district new teacher training
o Investigations and Unpacking the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSS-M).
o Providing Online Math Opportunities for Elementary Students using FrontRow”
Rationale for Inclusion and Reflection: Being a leader that promotes the success of every student and staff member by sustaining a school culture and instructional program that is conducive to student learning is one of the most important tasks of the building level administrator. My Master's professional learning project, including reviewing the School Improvement Plan, conducing a curriculum audit and designing a job-embedded professional learning experience for teacher; along with the other professional learning experiences I have led all demonstrate my ability to create and evaluate a comprehensive, rigorous, and coherent curricular and instructional school program, as well as develop and supervise the instructional capacity of school staff. I have learned the importance of creating professional learning opportunities for teachers that are meaningful and grounded in the problems they face or in their areas of interest. I have also learned it is important to give teachers opportunities to work collaboratively and to learn from each other.
Invest in Learning
Artifact: Transitioning to the CCSS and Deepening Understanding of Mathematics in Grades 2-4 Presentation (see below) and Professional Learning Schedule.
Description: Serving as a teacher-leader in my building and district over the past 5 years, I have had many opportunities to lead professional learning for teachers. I am very passionate about instructional leadership and the importance of being a life-long learner. I feel it is very important as a leader to model this passion and growth mindset. I'm a voracious reader and love to share my learning with others.
In my Master's coursework, we completed an semester-long independent project that gave us the opportunity to demonstrate our abilities as an instructional leader in the areas of curriculum, professional learning, and school improvement. We began the project by reviewing our School Improvement Plan to identify a curricular area to target for improvement. We then conducted an informal curriculum audit of the area. Lastly, we researched and designed a job-embedded professional learning experience for teachers.
In addition to my Master's project and coursework, I have developed and led many other professional learning experiences for new teachers and veteran teachers at the building and district level as follows:
Professional learning (building level)
o Sailing Into March is Reading with Children's Literature - teacher workshop
o Supporting the Exceptional Learner - professional learning series for staff
o Making Thinking Visible - new teacher workshop and year long staff meeting series
o The Whole-Brained Learner: Developing Culture and Skills for 21st Century Learning - Curriculum Day
o Baking the 21st Century Mathematician: Integrating the Standards of Mathematical Practice
o “Pushing Student Thinking in Mathematics: Providing Students Rich Opportunities and Supporting Math Discourse - staff meeting math series
o Breakfast Treats and Twitter - #dolsenthinkers
o Creating a Safe and Secure iPad Environment for Students
Professional learning (district level)
o Fostering Literacy Motivation and Engagement Through the Use of Thinking Routines and Discussion Protocols - new teacher workshop
o Utilizing the Math Workshop Model in the Elementary Classroom - new teacher training
o Engaging the Whole-Brain Learner: Developing Classroom Culture to Support Academic Achievement-district new teacher training
o Investigations and Unpacking the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSS-M).
o Providing Online Math Opportunities for Elementary Students using FrontRow”
Rationale for Inclusion and Reflection: Being a leader that promotes the success of every student and staff member by sustaining a school culture and instructional program that is conducive to student learning is one of the most important tasks of the building level administrator. My Master's professional learning project, including reviewing the School Improvement Plan, conducing a curriculum audit and designing a job-embedded professional learning experience for teacher; along with the other professional learning experiences I have led all demonstrate my ability to create and evaluate a comprehensive, rigorous, and coherent curricular and instructional school program, as well as develop and supervise the instructional capacity of school staff. I have learned the importance of creating professional learning opportunities for teachers that are meaningful and grounded in the problems they face or in their areas of interest. I have also learned it is important to give teachers opportunities to work collaboratively and to learn from each other.