Section One
Section One
learn and mature in my career, the values and beliefs most of which derive from personal
experiences can assist me in the classroom. In return I am hoping student will be inspired and
motivated by me listening and acknowledging that their opinion matters. This is what it's all
about. This portfolio project is for you to get to know me through my knowledge-based skills
accommodation, to inspire, and motivate. Recently I watched a video in class on YouTube from
TedTalk. The teacher, Azul Terronzen did a survey using the question “What makes a good
teacher great” one of the answers seems so simple yet it intrigued him. The answer was a great
teacher sings. He couldn't believe it and then he thought, he would out of his comfort zone. One
morning in the classroom he began to sing at first, he was not sure of anything because the class
was completely quiet and when he was finished, the class gave him a standing ovation. The
student who had made that comment at the end of the class went up to Mr. Terronzen, and said,
“I told you a great teacher sings.” I thought about that experience for a while and all the things I
have done in front of children letting them know there is a time for everything, showing the basic
order to motivate and inspire their creativity and interaction, curriculum proficiency through
subject matter content and problem-solving teachers play a vital role in the development of a
educator you also have to encourage inspire, motivate, and treat each student as an individual
allowing them to express themselves through their voices and creativity. I am a great believer
that we learn something new every day and so it is important to always continue to gain
knowledge through professional development ensuring students are getting the updated
information to perform in their discipline. Attending Medaille College was one of the best
decisions I ever made. It has given me back the confidence I had lost. Since I was a little girl my
dream was to become a teacher. I have worked with children from 0 to 12 years for 22 years as
an Early Childhood Educator in the childcare sector, and five years ago moved to the
kindergarten classroom with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). I love teaching children,
and building rapport with families, and this portfolio will address my preparedness for becoming
a teacher.
Each component will give you a first-hand knowledge of up my knowledge, skills, work
Portfolio Development:
This section of the portfolio highlights the educational theories and experts that I believe were
John Locke 1693- His stand on social contract theory in the classroom:
Maria Montessori Intellectual Development- believed that all children be given an opportunity
to succeed. She is a pioneer female educator, who challenged the system that women should be
John Dewey- Mr. Dewey believed the purpose of education is to contribute individuals personal,
social, and intellectual growth through curriculum by doing (hands-on learning). I very much
like his approach because we have different learners. Some will do very well with hands-on
learning by doing. I also like that Mr. Dewey believed that cooperative group activity enhanced
social intelligence
Lev Vygotsky- Social Learning Theory- Vygotsky's basic premise was that social interaction is
This section will give you a personal look into my life experiences and professional journey.
This will impart information on candidate background experiences through their work, and
This section states the skills and knowledge, I have developed which is needed in preparation to
teach in the Elementary classroom such as developing and implementing lesson plans and
This section will highlight my knowledge, best practices, subject matter knowledge, pedagogy
evidence, and my ability to be an effective supportive and caring teacher. It will also give you
insights on the Ontario and New York Curriculum and Professional Standard and how they align.
ISTE- Standards for Educators to helping students become empowered learners and promote
collaboration. INTASC-this standard give teachers a new vision in aspiring to transform the
education system to meet the needs of today’s learners. TEAC -teacher accredited standards
cover the candidate knowledge of the subject matter. Pedagogical knowledge which is the
teacher’s obligation to the students in providing ways for students to grasp the subject matter and
This action will highlight my experiences throughout this process and what I have learned and
how prepared; I am in providing an inclusive classroom that is positive, respectful, and full of
learning exploration.
This section will give a brief summary of my technology knowledge and skills. It will present
. John Locke 1693- His stand on social contract theory in the classroom:
Believed that children from poverty-stricken areas needed a better start in life to
Prepared environment – most important – adult's role is to construct the child's learning
environment.
Observation – watch how they enjoy themselves; learn what the child needs
John Dewey- Mr. Dewey believed the purpose of education is to contribute individuals personal,
Mr. Dewey saw thinking and learning as problem solving and as teachers’ we teach
As students we are taught how to view situations, collaborate, and come up with solutions
to solve a problem
Lev Vygotsky- Social Learning Theory- Vygotsky's basic premise was that social interaction is
3) adults help the child divide tasks into smaller segments and assess the child’s understanding,
5) adults guide a child and aid in their transition into new situations
These theories are as relevant now as they were then. Nowadays are very much in tune with how
children learn, and that not all students learn the same way in a classroom. There can be different
learning abilities, and each student processes information differently, and so it is very important
to have different ways/methods of teaching to ensure the success of all the students you are
responsible for. This can be implemented by using technology, hands-on field trips, and
implementing a universal design for learning in the classroom. Allowing for flexible seating and
learning spaces that can accommodate individual learning abilities. As a teacher it is also
imperative to know that each year or mid-year the dynamics of student interaction change, and to
be prepared.
Conclusion:
I am very much aware of the challenges I am about to embark on during this next step in
my life and career. I can assure you this has been some time coming and I have been well
prepared to take on this challenge. I have lived and gained much life experience both
professionally and personally. I have grown as an individual and as an educator, and I cannot see
myself doing anything else, but leading through motivation, encouragement, dedication and
teaching. I will work hard to accomplish the goals set out before me. I have had my share of
failure and my faith tested but through it all I have been resilient, and never lost sight of my
goals. As an educator, I have hoped for an opportunity like this that would allow me to
demonstrate my strong leadership, planning, and communication skills, and continued growth
and learning.