Michael Strange | Teaching Portfolio

Professional Responsibilities

Development Plan

I understand that both education and mathematics are dynamic fields and as such require ongoing professional development by all teachers. I intend to consume as much of this development as possible. Whether it be formal classes at UTEP, online development, district/school in-services, or professional conferences, I intend to do as much as possible.

This desire to continue to learn about my craft springs from a general love of learning within my core. I am not, and never have been, one to learn enough to do a job and then sit back on cruise control. I strongly believe that there is always room for improvement and refinement and the only way to find it is through education.

Evaluation Feedback

I have had the privilege of having a wonderful cooperative teacher during my internship. He has provided ample amounts of both informal and formal feedback and I feel that I have grown tremendously over these past few months.

One thing that we do on a daily basis, and which I will miss once I am on my own, is discuss a lesson immediately following the end of class and before the beginning of the next class. By going over what went well and what went bad we are able to refine the lesson from class to class so that by the end of the day I am able to deliver the best lesson possible under the circumstances. I have tried to always keep my mind open and remember that I am a student learning a craft. I intend to keep this attitude once I have a class of my own and to listen to feedback coming in from my students, other teachers, and the administration. Only by doing so will I be able to become the best teacher that I can be.

Evaluations: 1/29/2010 and 2/18/2010

Caregivers and Communication

I understand that as a child's teacher I am but one part of a team that is helping the child grow. The involvement of the child's caregiver(s) is crucial to success in life.

I intend to be proactive when it comes to communicating with a student's caregiver(s). From early semester conferences to ongoing communication, I intend to develop and maintain strong lines of communication with a child's home. Further, I intend to communicate a child's achievements and positive aspects as well as areas that need improvement. I never want my first contact with a caregiver to be over a discipline problem or failing grade.