Professional Responsibilities
As a professional, it is important to keep accurate records, such as attendance or grades, as well as keep up to date on the most recent advances in education. I always know where my important documents are, as well as attend conferences on music pedagogy and education. Just recently I attended the Pennsylvania Music Educator's Association conference in Hershey, and I gained some incredible insight into new methods, including a sneak peak at a new string methods book that will be going into print very soon. Having this knowledge will be extremely beneficial to me, and my students.
4a: Reflecting on Teaching
Weekly Reflections
As part of my placement, I was required to hand in a weekly reflection document describing how I felt my experience was going, and how I was working with the students and my co-op. In addition to those, I also self-analyzed my lessons everyday, as well as received feedback from my cooperating teacher on how to improve myself for the next lesson. These reflections provided me with time to reflect on my teaching and lessons, and even though some of them were rough and at times it was difficult, the reflection was necessary to help make me a better student. Here I have provided some of my reflections for you to read if you would like to review them. The first one is from the second week of my first placement, and the second is from the second week of my second placement.
4b: Maintaining Accurate Records
Participation and Grades
Something I learned very early on in my placement at Central Dauphin East High School is the importance of keeping accurate grading and attendance records. Part of my daily grading was participation grades and updating performance task grades. I quickly realized that there was no way I could give out participation grades if I did not write down who was absent on certain days of the week. I became more diligent in my record keeping for attendance during the week, as well as who I had listened to that day so I could update their grades in the shared grade book on Google Sheets I had with my cooperating teacher.
4d: Participating in Professional Community
Honors Festivals
Within my placements, I attended/accepted every opportunity I could with my district. I participated in assisting with the Honors Chorus Festival, as well as the District Honors Orchestra. Helping and partaking in these festivals gave me a better idea of how these events are planned and run. There's a lot of small details involved that must be attended to, such as providing lunch at an all day rehearsal, as well as organizing a guest conductor when needed, getting the music to them so they can prepare, and figuring out what they're going to be paid and who's going to pay it. I was happy to get the experience for this kind of occasion, since it is very likely that I will have to organize one myself at some point in my career. To integrate myself into the community life of the school and district more, I also participated in the school’s bake sale competition, raising money for their PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports) organization. I didn't win, but it was still a lot of fun to take part in.
4e: Growing and Developing Professionally
I strive everyday to present myself in the most professional light as possible. Professional dress is a must every single day, as well as professional language, and punctuality. I have also attended The Pennsylvania Music Educator’s Association conference for the past 3 years to better my educational and pedagogical technique. I have attended two PMEA, and 1 NAfME conferences as a collegiate member of these organizations, as well as various professional development events. I have taken advice I learned from the sessions I have attended, as well as found new resources to use while teaching. I have learned much from attending these events, and hope to continue to attend more and grow in my professional development