Introduction to Professional Teaching Portfolio
An Example
Author: Unknown Student TeacherAs a professional educator, I believe classroom curriculum should be relevant
to students' lives, integrated, balanced and taught with higher level teaching
strategies. Beginning in Kindergarten, students need to view themselves as active
members of society. They must be viewed as citizens now.Curriculum taught through integrated thematic units provides the
framework for presenting issues and events through a whole-part-whole approach.
True understanding can only come when the whole picture is presented. Society
and the events that occur within it, is a web of perspectives that influence each
other. Therefore, it would be unfavorable to present issues and events in isolation.By using higher level questioning throughout a unit, students as young as
Kindergarten can develop their own voices as citizens. Thereby, they realize the
purpose for acquiring knowledge. Authenticity needs to be part of the experience as
well, so as to make the issue or event real. Each unit must end with the question,
"How does this effect me here and now?"Through integrated units, content areas such as reading, writing, history,
social science, math, science and the humanities do not have to be pushed aside due
to time constraints. Integration allows the intellectual teacher to use the content
areas to strengthen concepts being taught within the unit.Teaching strategies make all the difference in the world. While it is
necessary for transmission of knowledge to be the approach of a lesson, it should not
be the primary approach. Children need to construct their own knowledge from the
many sources and perspectives presented. It is essential that higher level
questioning be used so that the student provides the answer that is most
meaningful to him or her.Classroom management is crucial to the process. Without a safe environment
that is free from ridicule, students can not speak honestly. Students
must be able to voice opinions, be subjective, critically analyze and make
conclusions. By implementing a social justice system within the classroom,
students learn the democratic process by living and contributing to the process.
Opportunities must be provided for the student's thoughts and ideas to come to
fruition through social action both in the classroom environment as well as society
at large. Thus, providing the connection between gaining knowledge and using the
knowledge gained.As a professional educator, I intend to continue learning through higher
education courses, seminars and workshops. For I will always be teacher and
student. My long-term goal is to obtain a Masters Degree in Education. A favorite
teacher's prayer of mine states,
Enable me to teach with WISDOM
For I help to shape the mind.
Equip me to teach with TRUTH
For I help to shape the conscience.
Encourage me to teach with VISION
For I help to shape the future.
Empower me to teach with LOVE
For I help to shape the world.