Running Head: Looking Forward Plan

Week 2 – Looking Forward Plan

Kelly Burkhead

National University TED 690

3/10/2018
Running Head: Looking Forward Plan

Abstract

With the constant change of teaching techniques, student diversity, and changing curriculum in

elementary schools, professional development has become a critical element. A plan looking

forward with regards to goals and a timeline for more advanced training will be discussed. The

plan will outline a set of five specific areas that will contribute to a more well-rounded educator.

Justification for these areas of focus, why they were chosen, and how they will be accomplished

are to follow.
Running Head: Looking Forward Plan

Instructional strategies and skills, including classroom management, the support of

various modes of instruction for increasing diverse needs, use of technology, and the ability to

support non-native English speaking students are all areas that this candidate would like to

strengthen. While some of these aspects of teaching come with experience, enhancing skills

directly through additional classes would benefit a new teacher.

Attending a California Teachers Association (CTA) conference titled Educator Weekend

is one way to display development. This conference is geared towards this candidate since there

are less than five years of teaching experience. The class will concentrate on various aspects that

could always use development including classroom management, navigating IEP’s and special

education areas, ‘what I wish I knew my first years of teaching’, working with colleagues,

administration, and parents, common core, state standards, and assessment and pedagogy. This

event will provide opportunities for collaboration while ensuring new teachers are informed by

leaders who have more expertise. The CTA has been recognized for the effective conferences

held which offer leading professional development (California Teachers Association, 2018).

This candidate would greatly benefit from learning conversational Spanish and Mandarin.

There are a number of online classes for both languages, some which are accelerated programs

with one on one attention. This would allow for greater cultural interaction and assistance where

needed for families who require language assistance. Language development would take place

online, allowing for selected self-pacing and much needed practice. “While there is a demand

for teachers who work specifically in ESL classes, many schools are looking for core subject

teachers who can also help Spanish-speakers if they have trouble with math, reading, science, or

history” (Why Demand for Spanish-Speaking Teachers is Increasing, 2018).

Running Head: Looking Forward Plan

This is directly related to a particular goal of having the ability to better help all students across

all content areas.

The Multicultural Classroom course offered by the University of Laverne will be a

wonderful way to enhance skills for a diverse classroom. This online class focuses on being

culturally sensitive by teaching how to equally teach all students. Certificates may be earned and

include “Teaching in a Multicultural Classroom” and “Inclusive Classroom Teaching”. The

current district of employment contains a wide variety of cultures in the classroom and this

would allow for increased feelings of successful assimilation for students.

The Science of Stress and Resilience is another conference that will allow for multiple

skills to be honed. Topics include “the benefits of mindfulness meditation, class management,

and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in schools; strategies to reduce student stress and

behavioral problems and raise resilience; and ways to reduce teacher burnout and boost

retention” (Educational conference April 19-21, 2018: Educating Mindful Minds, 2018). This

conference is in person and would allow for better coping mechanisms within the classroom to

help students with increased academic demands. “Social and emotional learning (SEL) provides

a foundation for safe and positive learning, and enhances students' ability to succeed in school,

careers, and life” (Why Social and Emotional Learning Is Essential for Students, Edutopia,

2018). The incorporation of SEL strategies will benefit the teacher as well as students. Also, the

end result is greater success, which is the ultimate goal of teaching.

Proposed will be a differentiated instruction workshop where colleagues may join

together to enhance differentiation skills. Expert speakers will customize training while allowing

for collaboration on site. Goals will include a greater ability to accommodate for various levels

of student needs. The ability to “anticipate the differences in students’ readiness, their interests,
Running Head: Looking Forward Plan

and their individual learning profiles” will benefit by ensuring that different styles of learning are

accommodated for. This allows for a greater likelihood of academic success ("Differentiated

Instruction, Center for Development and Learning", 2018)

Teaching is a profession which requires constant reflection and incorporation of new

knowledge to ensure greater academic success of students. While experience will provide some

of this knowledge, professional development must play a critical role as well. “Ultimately, what

attracts the teacher to the profession is our innate disposition to impart knowledge, inspire and to

continue to learn for ourselves” (McGill, 2018).

 Running Head: Looking Forward Plan

References

California Teachers Association. (2018). Professional Development. Retrieved 14 March 2018,

from https://www.cta.org/conferences

Costantino, P., De Lorenzo, M., & Tirrell-Corbin, C. (2009). Developing a professional

teaching portfolio (p. 31). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Allyn & Bacon/Pearson.

Differentiated Instruction | Center for Development and Learning. (2018). Cdl.org. Retrieved 14
March 2018, from http://www.cdl.org/differentiated-instruction/

Educational conference April 19-21, 2018: Educating Mindful Minds.

(2018). Learningandthebrain.com. Retrieved 13 March 2018, from
https://www.learningandthebrain.com/Event-362/Educating-Mindful-Minds/

In-Service Professional Development Speakers - Differentiated Instruction. (2018). TeachHUB.

Retrieved 13 March 2018, from http://www.teachhub.com/professional-development-
speakers/differentiated-instruction#ProfDevForm

Learn Chinese Online via Skype through One-to-One Chinese Lessons.

(2018). Echineselearning.com. Retrieved 13 March 2018, from

McGill, R. (2018). Professional development for teachers: how can we take it to the next
level?. the Guardian. Retrieved 11 March 2018, from
https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2013/jan/29/professional-
development-teacher-training-needs

Speed Spanish. (2018). Ed2go.com. Retrieved 13 March 2018, from

https://www.ed2go.com/courses/language/languages/ilc/speed-
spanish?site=classes&utm_campaign=ILC_Speed-Spanish-
High_Phrase_DT&origin=yahoo_ppc&utm_medium=cpc&campaign=ILC_Speed-
Spanish-
High_Phrase_DT&kw=spanish+classes&adgroup=9662233773&utm_source=Yahoo&ne
twork=s

Teaching Courses for Independent Study and Professional Development. (2018). Pdcourses.net.
Retrieved 13 March 2018, from http://www.pdcourses.net/course.php?pid=3.
https://www.echineselearning.com/?ecl=yaadEEEEUSSEAD47Ad02&msclkid=b296b4f
1aa361adc3ddbee56ff97da8a&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=U
S%2520Search%252020141129&utm_term=mandarin%2520class%2520for%2520adults
&utm_content=USSE%2520AD47-mandarin%2520lessons

Why Demand For Spanish-Speaking Teachers Is Increasing. (2018). HuffPost. Retrieved

14 March 2018, from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/25/spanish-speaking-
teachers_n_4338605.html

Why Social and Emotional Learning Is Essential for Students, Edutopia. (2018). Edutopia.
Running Head: Looking Forward Plan

Retrieved 14 March 2018, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/why-sel-essential-for-

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