The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of
the content.
My work:
As part of my Teaching Elementary Math class, I wrote a mock letter to parents of a first grade class to inform them of what their children would be learning during the school year. I addressed some difficulties the students might face and how they would be overcome. I also demonstrated my own understanding of the concepts to be addressed. This letter shows my own understanding of the content, as well as my ability to explain it concisely and simply to the parents of my students.
Content_Learning_Goals_Parent_Letter
I also created a website as part of my Teaching Writing class in which I explained an author of young adult fiction, Karen Hesse, and her work in a way that would be accessible for students and other teachers to use. It includes an annotated bibliography of websites, biographical information and other facts on Karen Hesse, ways to use her books in the classroom, and her “ways with words,” or the way she writes to express her meaning. This shows my understanding of reading and writing content teaching and the ways that books can be incorporated into the classroom.
The website can be accessed here.
I completed the Virginia Department of Education Online Civics Education Module. Below is my certificate of completion showing that I have knowledge of federalism, Virginia state and local government function, and civic engagement and participation.
Rachael Sloan 