My biggest strengths in a classroom setting are my constant effort to develop strong nurturing relationships with my students and my ability to provide a calm and engaging classroom environment. I feel quite comfortable assuming the role as the teacher up in front of the class and engaging students with constructive discussions. I have also been informed I have a strong ability to give clear defined instructions.

With anything, however, too much of a strength can become a weakness. I still strive to improve on stepping back from that time up at the front of the classroom and give students the autonomy to learn on their own. Providing student-centered activities and allowing them to facilitate each other’s learning is something that I constantly need to focus on. Otherwise, I do tend to gravitate back to more of a “Teacher up front” teaching method. I am constantly working to find different and ways of both executing and improving my mindset and abilities in this aspect of teaching

Through self-reflection and collaboration with my sponsor teachers, we agreed that I am able to be quite flexible throughout the day. During a given school day, things come up and distractions occur; however, I feel comfortable dealing with most situations. However, to counter this strength, I find that at times this flexibility can lead to discussions or in class work which goes over the scheduled time. My balance for allowing students to really immerse themselves in their exploration of a topic, yet keeping to my schedule for the day definitely is something that needs continual monitoring.

Different organization methods and strategies to be more efficient with planning is an area that I definitely need to constantly be worked on. I feel experience is one thing that will improve this deficiency in my abilities as a teacher, but I have a goal to strive for greater knowledge and continually develop my efficiency as a planner/organizer of my classroom.

Regardless of the medium, whether collaboration or other professional development types, I am dedicated to constantly strive to improve both my strengths and weaknesses. Pursuit of mentorship from colleagues, readings, further education and other experience opportunities will constantly be a part of my pursuit of self-improvement and positive learning experiences for my students.