Bryan Van Pelt's bportfolio

Standard 8 Standard 8 states teacher leaders “present the professional practice for the review of colleagues”. To me, this standard represents the spirit of not only what it means to work in a healthy teaching environment but what this Masters program is all about.   Having the courage to place yourself in the spotlight for others to critique and evaluate is a key component in both of these arenas.   For the success in this program we had to constantly put our ideas out for others to assess.   Likewise in a school setting, we are always sharing our thoughts, strategies, and teaching with others.   It might seem difficult and vulnerable, but the act of presenting professional practice for review is how all parties involved become stronger educators.   Reflection:             My previously held beliefs in relation to this standard were mixed.   On one hand, I loved the idea of sharing my teaching to others.   It is fun to show non music teachers what goes on

Standard 1 states teacher leaders model moral and ethical behavior. Upon reflection, it makes sense this is the first of twelve standards in the program.   It does not matter if we have the best classroom management, assessments, or differentiation strategies.   If an educator is not moral and ethical toward the students and fellow faculty and staff there is a massive problem. How we carry ourselves as individuals is highly important.   This is step one of many.   It all starts with who we are as people.   To fulfill this standard I engaged in the course Moral Issues in Education.   Through numerous books and lengthy discussion posts I have a much clearer idea of what it means to teach with integrity, morals, and love.   Response :             My preconceptions prior to this course and standard were highly selfish.   “I know what it means to be moral” and “I am a responsible educator” where a couple thoughts in my head.   For some reason, none of my thinking re