RDdesignstudio |
Where do i go from here?
"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves" - William SHAKESPEARE
Overarching Takeaways:
Takeaway 1
Through its multidisciplinary nature, social studies is a very complex content area to teach and learn. It has the potential of building an intricate web of understanding the "human experience", who we are as individuals and collectively, through critical thinking and analysis of historical and modern times. As a social studies teacher, it is my job to engage, motivate and facilitate learning and to encourage my students to become life long learners and problem solvers. Successful progress towards these goals means that students are able to develop sound democratic values and knowledge of democratic processes that lead to greater societal unity and good citizenry.
Takeaway 2Teaching is an art form and one that requires continuous learning and honing of skills. The NLGL program at NC State has not only taught me means to improve student engagement and to better connect with my students, but means to continue improving my practice once my work through the NLGL program is complete. Through ECI 523, Teachers as Researchers and ECI 508, Teachers as Leaders, I have been provided guidance, tools, and practice of how to continue to grow as a teacher. By practicing teacher research, I can identify areas of potential growth, collect data, adjust my practice, and publish what I have learned. Through teacher leadership, I can build stronger relationships, reflect and refract based on craft knowledge that I gain through my experiences, and I can advocate for my students and for the educational community for which I work.
So where do I go from here? I honestly do not fully know at the moment, but where ever it may be, I know I will walk through that door and be better prepared to teach and inspire my students and those with whom I have the privilege to work beside. |