PROFESSIONAL

DEVELOPMENT

What Now?

The need has changed. The goalposts have moved. While kids' needs remain fairly consistent, the way in which we rise up to meet them will need to look significantly different this year. (Fortunately, I favor flexibility.) I am very aware of a need to pivot, and utilize all of I've learned this past year in a new way.

As such, my own professional development will not only include curriculum and resource building but also digital engagement and exploration of distance learning. How can Canvas be used most effectively for middle-grade students? How can I continue to work in effective small groups with my language learners? How can I ensure digital content provides the human touch, the connection, the accountability, to which my all my students have grown accustomed? These ideas and explorations now pepper my thoughts and plans for the coming year.

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."

-Maya Angelou

Summer Plan

Reading

Next Goals

My short term summer goals include improving upon my ELs rotation centers and broadening the opportunities for differentiation within each. I will also review tools within the curriculum more closely and make adjustments for the students I know I will be receiving.

I am seeking to better support reading and literacy development.

I have applied for and will begin the Reading Specialist Certification Program through UCSD in the fall. This way, I can continue to support struggling readers by providing them timely and appropriate tools and strategies through our intervention period. I believe this will improve student performance in all areas of academics and better prepare them to meet the expectations in high school. In middle school, this often means repetition and encouraging students to use their "big brains" for the hunt. I want to become an expert in promoting curiosity and wonder so struggling students learn how to find answers and self-advocate.

Learning makes me stronger as a teacher. I am energized by the practice of trying new approaches and observing and sharing ideas with colleagues. I will absolutely continue to surround myself with the experts in the room.

PLC Curriculum Development & Lesson "Chunking"

Within the Year

UCSD Education Extension Complete Reading Specialist Certification