Personal Statement

A. The Student Teacher As A Growing Professional

Areas of Strength (with evidence): In terms of my growth as a growing professional, I have a stronger sense of a "clear commitment to uphold the principles that should govern a democratic and pluralistic community" (Goal 3). I have worked hard to maintain a "authentic, transparent, and honest, " (Goal 4) professional persona. I have tried to respect all members of the education community, and their opinions and ideas. I also worked hard during my experience time to have students understand the importance of being in a pluralistic society in a positive manner. During my mythology unit I included the importance of respecting other people's belief systems regardless of your own beliefs. I

One student, that does have behavioural problems, regardless of my many reminders of being respectful, made a comment in front of the class saying "Aboriginal oral stories are Fake." "Student makes an inappropriate comment and you address the cultural sensitivity and apologize to the class on his behalf," (Lauren). I also had a private conversation with the student and made sure he understood why what he said was inappropriate and disrespectful. " Asks Charanjit to stay behind and discusses his behavior during class. Amrit addresses the inappropriate nature of his earlier comment and how being respectful is important," (Lauren). Another one of my strengths has been my clear commitment to maintain ethical and functional working relationships with all members of the educational community" (Goal 4). During my experience at LA Matheson I have tried to understand and form good relationships with the educational community. I have worked towards forming genuine relationships with my SA's and the students in my class. I have also kept in contact with the administration, and invited the Principal to come observe one of my lessons. The principal

I was used to how school was when I went to school, and how I was as a student going to high school. Coming into LA Matheson it was a bit of an adjustment, since a lot of the rules were different from what I was used to. Since LA Matheson is an inner city school I had to adjust to the student population at this school. Lauren said in my midterm to "focus on today's youth, not the youth of your high school/ volunteer experience." When I went back to LA Matheson I tried to understand the students of this school. I think I have grown significantly in understanding the lifestyles of the students in my class. I have learned to adjust my own views of education towards a more "clear, coherent, and justified view of education (Goal 1). I feel like I have grown in terms of my own understanding of what "content, methods and institutional arrangements are relevant, worthwhile and appropriate for the education of children" (Goal 1) of the students of this school. I most proud of the fact that I was able to get students who are often disengaged to engage with the material and complete there assignments. Furthermore, I have shown great growth of my "development of reflective capacities," (Goal 2). After every lesson I was able to assess what I should change for the next time I do my lesson. During my pre-conference with Jen I was able to pick up on things that did not go well during my previous