The artifact I chose for NBPTS Proposition 5: Teachers are members of learning communities is a portfolio project I created in Education 642, Supervision of Student Teachers in the summer of 2013.  This portfolio contains elements and examples of the Core Value: Supervisor/Leader/Coach.  As a veteran teacher, I have supervised student teachers for many years.  In developing the portfolio for this course, I was able to demonstrate my skills in supervision, leadership and coaching.  I have been able to provide supervised instruction to student teachers for Kennesaw State University for the past fifteen years.  I have worked with these student teachers to train them in exploring ways to integrate technology into the classroom and work with them on collaborative projects using technology to improve student learning. I have assisted them to become foreign language teachers in schools throughout the Atlanta metro area.  

The portfolio I am showcasing for supervision highlights my ability to collaborate with student teachers in attending to the issue of continuity and equity of learning experiences for students.  The portfolio also demonstrates the interpersonal skills I have to work with the university supervisors in coaching these new teachers.  The student teachers and I worked together to strengthen their teaching, engaged in discussions about new instruction strategies, classroom management and discipline. This artifact shows that I am a team player who is willing to share my knowledge and skill with others, and to participate in the ongoing development of the relationship between the university and the high schools.   

I have learned that supervising student teachers involves being a role model for them as they are learning the complex nature of the educational mission.  This course stressed the importance of modeling the utmost ethical behavior while teaching them how to acquire and employ a repertoire of instructional methods and strategies.  In addition, it is my responsibility to show student teachers how to invent and test new approaches that support instruction and student learning. 

I will be able to use the knowledge gained in this course to be honest and candid with student teachers in giving constructive feedback while at the same time being supportive and encouraging.  As a role model, I understand that it is my responsibility to devote time in helping them develop good teaching skills.  I have learned that my feedback to student teachers reinforces positive behavior, identifies areas in which they need to improve, makes them feel valued, motivates them to try a different approach and gives them an opportunity to reflect upon their progress. 

In order to enhance student learning, I will instruct the student teachers to embrace the challenge of creating excellence in education for all students.  I will encourage them to understand and recognize that new knowledge about teaching is continually being formatted, and it is their duty to adhere to the standards of teaching. 

Here is a photo of my French I professional learning class: