Reflection Paper EDSS 531

Reflection Paper To become a better educator, one must continuously work to achieve “leaving no child behind.” Cal State San Marcos has done this for me during the year at their Teaching Credential Program. First semester has taught me the basics such as how to write a lesson plan, how to teach SDAIE strategies and working with ELD students. I believe these are the few things any teacher must know in order to achieve their goals on leaving no child behind. I believe that first semester was the foundation of being a teacher. Second semester has been much more. It went more in detail on what a teacher should be. The courses which consisted of the use of different technology in the classroom, being able to reflect as an educator, and being able to work with other teachers in creating an ITU (integrated thematic unit). Second semester also made me look deep inside and helped me realize what my philosophies are as a teacher. I believe this is crucial because my philosophies will mold how I teach and how my classroom setting and management will be. Second semester made me realize many things that I never thought about when I decided to become a teacher. I always thought to become a teacher, one must have the content knowledge in order to teach students. I realized it is not about teaching math, but it is about teaching students. That is why studying my philosophies have helped me to become who I am today. As the semester and our teaching credential come to an end, there is many things to reflect upon. When I first came in to the program, my thinking was at a “student” level. By the end of the program, my thinking exponentially was at a “teachers” level. I could see the growth as a future educator, and I know I am well equipped and prepared to go out in the real world and change the education field!