Bryan Van Pelt's bportfolio

Course goals 1. Use a review of current educational literature and research examining best practices in the classroom setting. 2. Explore and apply the Action Research process to provide the foundation for continuous inquiry and an effective solution to an issue. 3. Understand that Action Research is a distinctive approach to inquiry that is directly relevant to the classroom setting and that it provides the means for teachers to enhance their teaching and impact student learning. 4. Reflect on the Action Research process by sharing identified research focus, rational, collection and analysis of data,and inquiry next steps through a presentation to peers . Teacher Leadership   Standards : Teacher Leadership Standard #2: Analyze learning to promote student growth Teacher Leadership Standard #3: Improve teaching and learning through the use of educational research at the classroom and school levels Prior Thoughts:      ...

Teacher Leadership Standard #6 - Communicates and collaborates with a variety of stakeholders Theories of Adult Learning Takeaways:             In summary of this week’s readings three important overarching themes presented themselves: 1.        Relevance 2.      Organization 3.      Mobilization Adults must connect to the material being presented in a personal and meaningful way.   As stated by Zepeda (2013), “Regardless of its form, professional development is effective if it is ongoing, long term, and related to the teacher’s content area” (p. 8).   The last portion of this quote struck me as a key ingredient to adult learning.   Teaching students is a multi dimensional, complex practice with too many ideas for improvement, however PD opportunities must contain information in which the faculty agrees is relevant ...

EDU 6600 Initial Reflection             A crucial element to the success of a school is whether or not teachers are pushing themselves forward with new learning and understanding of best practice.  If teachers remain static, the student’s needs will never be met as the world is constantly changing.  This evolving world asks teachers to continuously reflect on what they do and if it is effective in the classroom.  It takes the leadership of certain individuals to help instill change and progress teachers forward.  In the chapter, “Exploring New Approaches to Teacher Leadership for School Improvement”, Smylie, Conley, and Marks detail three models of distributive leadership.  These models are summarized as follows: Leadership is the performance of key tasks, regardless of who is in leadership roles Leadership is a school-wide organization of power and resources Leadership is a sort of...

Course Goals / Program Standards :             Teacher Leadership Standard #6: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the importance of inclusive practice as it relates to engaging with parents and community members. Prior Thoughts: As a Teacher Leadership student not intending on enrolling in the principle certification route, I was skeptical on the usefulness of this course.   Why would I need to learn about the details of engaging with the surrounding community when I teach music?   Aren’t those broader issues for administrators?   My teacher training thus far has only focused on the classroom practice and not on the broader community of the school.   This course shed light on the importance of not only engaging with the community but taking steps to understand and acknowledge the space in which you work. Reflection:             Four main ide...