Conclusion
The University of Delaware's Master of Instruction program has thoroughly expanded my horizons in the educational field. This portfolio is but a snippet of the knowledge I have gleaned in my courses. I believe that the goals I set before entering the program have been effectively met and exceeded. These exhibits illustrate not only my ability to effectively teach mathematics to my students, but also my involvement and commitment to learning and the learning community. Previously, I could differentiate my lessons according to individual students, but now I have an increased understanding of the effect of discipline and developmental theories upon individual students and their learning allowing for more effective differentiation. As evidenced in my exhibits, I am a reflective practitioner continually changing my methods and practices to increase my effectiveness in the classroom. I am a teacher open to constructive criticism, endeavoring to advance along the pathway of increased knowledge and teaching skills.
My students are of utmost importance to me. I hope it is obvious in my exhibits that I am committed to their learning of math and also the skills necessary for success in life. I am willing to spend time and effort in finding and implementing effective math lessons that engage students and encourage investigation. Offering alternative assessments enables my students to be successful and illustrate their abilities in multiple formats. My ability to make complex knowledge accessible to my students is a gift that benefits my students and myself as we endeavor to learn together in our community of learners.
With increased knowledge comes increased responsibility. My principal allowed me to share my knowledge with my colleagues this year. While this was time consuming, the experience taught me the importance of continued growth and scholarship for my peers and myself. I shared my skills with fellow teachers enabling them to become more effective in their classrooms. This sharing of knowledge required me to reflect upon my practices facilitating my growth and effectiveness in my classroom as well. Even the writing and compiling of this portfolio was a learning experience forcing me to consider which parts of my teaching practice to include that would best illustrate the five propositions.
In conclusion, I reiterate a statement I wrote in a reflective paper for EDUC 658. My desire is that our community of learners will meet challenging topics with inquiring minds — ultimately producing scholars with interests focused on the acquisition of deeper knowledge, greater understanding, and the ability to think critically about issues of today. I hold this goal not only for my students, but also for my colleagues and for myself — our entire community of learners.