Standard 1: Subject Matter
"A teacher must understand the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the disciplines taught and be able to create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for students."
Subject Matter means that in order for me to be an effective and successful elementary school teacher, I understand all content areas that I am responsible for teaching in my classroom. It is important that I be confident in my ability to teach the content required for my students learning to be prosperous. Although content knowledge is important in becoming an effective teacher, it is crucial that the instruction and classroom management pieces be strong as well to build a strong classroom community where learning is fruitful.
Subject Matter means that in order for me to be an effective and successful elementary school teacher, I understand all content areas that I am responsible for teaching in my classroom. It is important that I be confident in my ability to teach the content required for my students learning to be prosperous. Although content knowledge is important in becoming an effective teacher, it is crucial that the instruction and classroom management pieces be strong as well to build a strong classroom community where learning is fruitful.
Artifact Descriptions
The artifacts I have included for this standard include my MTLE test scores and my academic record from Winona State University. The Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations (MTLE) are the examinations that are required for me to receive a teaching license in the state of Minnesota. Before applying for a teaching license, a teacher candidate must pass all three sections of the MTLE's. The three sections include basic skills, content, and pedagogy. There are three separate subtests in the basic skills section: reading, writing, and mathematics. There are two subtests for the pedagogy section, and there are three content subtests that include math/health, science/social studies, and reading. The MTLE's are scored on a 100-300 scale. A teacher applicant must score a minimum of a 240 on each test in order to pass. You can view my scores on all eight tests through the provided links.
The academic record from Winona State University I have provided shows all college level courses I have taken in my undergraduate career. The current academic record attached is my entire undergraduate career up until my last semester of college.
The academic record from Winona State University I have provided shows all college level courses I have taken in my undergraduate career. The current academic record attached is my entire undergraduate career up until my last semester of college.
Analysis |
Synthesis |
I chose to represent Standard 1 by providing a copy of my passing status on the MTLE exams required for licensing. By completing all MTLE exams, I am proving that I am capable of understanding content I am responsible for teaching, as well as the concepts addressed in the exams on pedagogy.
I also included my undergraduate academic record from Winona State University. This artifact shows my passing status of all content areas I will be licensed to teach in grades K-6. It also provides proof of my passing status of the college of education courses I was required to take prior to graduation. Through my completion of classes through the college of education, I learned instructional techniques and strategies that prepared me to be an effective teacher. |
After analyzing my test scores, it is clear to me that I scored highest in both math exams I was required to take. The area that could use most improvement would be the Basic Skills Reading. My final thoughts on these exams is positive, I am happy with all of my passing scores. I do believe passing these tests boosted my confidence as a qualified teacher.
My undergraduate classes have helped me grow into the confident, knowledgeable teacher I am today. That being said, I feel there is always room for improvement. To keep my teaching license active, I will participate in professional development. I believe the professional development will help me to continue to grow as an educator. |