Developing as a Professional Educator
Describe your progress towards achieving this goal. Compare and contrast your Initial CSTP and your Final CSTP. What are your areas of strength? Where are your opportunities for continuous improvement? In what ways have you surprised yourself?
Looking at the contrast between my initial CSTP (September 2015) and my final CSTP (May 2017) I can see an enormous change. My tool kit and strategies have definitely improved as a result of professional development, reflection, and many of the CTI cycles. Yet, I believe that my biggest improvement has been in my confidence as a teacher. When starting any career one is weary of all of the things they must improve upon in order to be seen as an adept professional. Because of all of the hard work that I have put in, as well as the help and mentoring I have received, I truly feel like a “good” teacher. Having that confidence allows me to be a stronger member of a PLC and more comfortable with sharing my ideas and giving feedback. I will not remain content though. The hard work that I have put into my development as a teacher will only continue to grow.
Describe a professional goal you have for yourself beyond induction. Why have you identified this as a need or interest? What actions will you take? How will you assess goal attainment?
The major professional goal that I have for myself is to be admitted to, and complete a master's program. I have recently applied to the STEM Education program at Cal State San Bernardino. With any luck, I will be starting the two year program in the Fall. I believe that completing my masters degree is the next logical step in my career path. As someone who bloomed late as a dedicated student, I have the will and gusto to take on the extra workload. I know that it will be hard work, but the benefits will be enormous.
What actions can you take to remain a connected educator throughout your career?
The main thing that I can do to continue to grow as an educator are to maintain a growth mindset. Since I have started in my own classroom I have jumped on every opportunity that has been presented to me to learn from my peers and colleagues. I have attended conferences like CUE and local professional development opportunities provided by PESD. I regularly read teacher websites and blogs, as well as listen to podcasts on improving my craft of teaching. I will continue to do these things as well as take on other opportunities for professional growth.
What can you do personally and professionally, to sustain the energy it takes to be passionate about students, teaching, and learning?
In order to maintain the pace that I have been working at I will need to better maintain that line between work and home. I find myself doing lots of work on weekday evening and on weekends. This routine that I have developed might not be very sustainable in the long run. I want to modify my work to be more efficient so that I can enjoy my family and free time outside of work.
Include one quote from your reflective coach or administrator about your talents or strengths
“In the classroom, Mr. McCann delivers lessons that are appropriate and address the California Standards. He has developed a very positive room environment. His genuine interest in having students succeed academically is palpable. He is respectful to all his students, which in turn promotes respect in the classroom. His students are fully engaged in Project Based Learning activities, which incorporate Math, Science, and Technology. The exposure to relevant, real world situations increases his students’ interest, and learning. Mr. McCann is preparing his students for challenges in the 21st century.”
-Adriana Kotrich
CTI Candidate Coach
What advice do you have for new teachers entering the profession?
My advice for new educators would be to seize every opportunity presented to you. By this I mean go to every professional development workshop or conference, read every book, ask every question. If you have an idea for a after school club, start it! If an administrator gives you a task, do it better than they expected. I would not have had the same success were it not for this mindset. Also, find the strongest educator around you and ask them questions!
Looking at the contrast between my initial CSTP (September 2015) and my final CSTP (May 2017) I can see an enormous change. My tool kit and strategies have definitely improved as a result of professional development, reflection, and many of the CTI cycles. Yet, I believe that my biggest improvement has been in my confidence as a teacher. When starting any career one is weary of all of the things they must improve upon in order to be seen as an adept professional. Because of all of the hard work that I have put in, as well as the help and mentoring I have received, I truly feel like a “good” teacher. Having that confidence allows me to be a stronger member of a PLC and more comfortable with sharing my ideas and giving feedback. I will not remain content though. The hard work that I have put into my development as a teacher will only continue to grow.
Describe a professional goal you have for yourself beyond induction. Why have you identified this as a need or interest? What actions will you take? How will you assess goal attainment?
The major professional goal that I have for myself is to be admitted to, and complete a master's program. I have recently applied to the STEM Education program at Cal State San Bernardino. With any luck, I will be starting the two year program in the Fall. I believe that completing my masters degree is the next logical step in my career path. As someone who bloomed late as a dedicated student, I have the will and gusto to take on the extra workload. I know that it will be hard work, but the benefits will be enormous.
What actions can you take to remain a connected educator throughout your career?
The main thing that I can do to continue to grow as an educator are to maintain a growth mindset. Since I have started in my own classroom I have jumped on every opportunity that has been presented to me to learn from my peers and colleagues. I have attended conferences like CUE and local professional development opportunities provided by PESD. I regularly read teacher websites and blogs, as well as listen to podcasts on improving my craft of teaching. I will continue to do these things as well as take on other opportunities for professional growth.
What can you do personally and professionally, to sustain the energy it takes to be passionate about students, teaching, and learning?
In order to maintain the pace that I have been working at I will need to better maintain that line between work and home. I find myself doing lots of work on weekday evening and on weekends. This routine that I have developed might not be very sustainable in the long run. I want to modify my work to be more efficient so that I can enjoy my family and free time outside of work.
Include one quote from your reflective coach or administrator about your talents or strengths
“In the classroom, Mr. McCann delivers lessons that are appropriate and address the California Standards. He has developed a very positive room environment. His genuine interest in having students succeed academically is palpable. He is respectful to all his students, which in turn promotes respect in the classroom. His students are fully engaged in Project Based Learning activities, which incorporate Math, Science, and Technology. The exposure to relevant, real world situations increases his students’ interest, and learning. Mr. McCann is preparing his students for challenges in the 21st century.”
-Adriana Kotrich
CTI Candidate Coach
What advice do you have for new teachers entering the profession?
My advice for new educators would be to seize every opportunity presented to you. By this I mean go to every professional development workshop or conference, read every book, ask every question. If you have an idea for a after school club, start it! If an administrator gives you a task, do it better than they expected. I would not have had the same success were it not for this mindset. Also, find the strongest educator around you and ask them questions!