A reflection on a practicum and volunteer experience as a student teacher : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

I created a portfolio of my experiences at St. Mary Parochial School involving Mrs. Kathy Lind's fourth grade class. This portfolio is comprised of students' work, art projects, my reflections on teaching, lesson plans, pictures of the children, and is based upon the INTASC principles. (INTASC principles are the teacher's guidelines. They are the format for the professional characteristics of a teacher. There are ten INTASC principles, which include: Understands Content, Development, Difference, Manages and Motivates, Designs Instructional Strategies, Communicates, Plans and Integrates, Evaluates, Reflects on Practice, and Participates in the Professional Community.) With each artifact, I have included a write up on how I reached the INTASC principle. This portfolio describes, in full detail, my experiences with the children and how they helped me gain my competence of the INTASC principles. This project has helped me to reflect on a positive experience at St. Mary School.