Reflection:
My professional growth can be greatly attributed to the teachers which have shaped and influenced my views of the field of education. There are many people which I have met in the last year of my life that have made a lasting impact on me as a pre-service teacher. These include Professors, Cooperating Teachers, and the Students which I have encountered in my observations. I have found that experience is the best way for me to learn about how students learn best, and what types of lessons/activities are more impactful to students. From my cooperating teachers, I have learned the value of classroom management, organization, and communication. I have been fortunate to be able to pick the brains of four cooperating teachers in the last year and a half, and the advice and guidance that they have provided can’t be learned in any course in college. My professors here at SUNY Oswego have taught me the theory behind what teaching strategies will work best, and how to best achieve success as a new teacher. They have also taught me the content and assessments which I will need in order to be effective when I receive my first classroom.
Goals for Future Professional Growth:
Short Term Goal: As a new teacher I know that my greatest growth will come at the hands of firsthand experience, and my mentor teacher. I intend to keep a journal and ask questions of my mentoring teacher which will make me a better teacher.
Mid-Range Goal: I believe that in this era of technological advance teachers must stay at the forefront of technological advances. I intend to participate in seminars which teach new technology, and the benefits which they will provide for my students in the classroom setting.
Long Term Goal: With a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Technology I have many math courses which can be used to acquire a degree in Math. I aim to one day receive a second certification in teaching Mathematics.
Evidence:
I have achieved a greater deal of success than even I thought was possible as a young school aged child. I currently have three degrees:
M.S.ED in Childhood Education 1-6
B.S. in Architectural Technology
A.A.S. in Architectural Engineering
Attached is a copy of my Resume:
Matthew D. Murray – Resume – 2009
Below is an example a teacher evaluation from a recent assignment:
