Tutoring Summary # 1

About 3 weeks ago I was at the school I did my student teaching in. I stopped by my co-op's classroom to say hello. During our conversation, she offered me a tutoring position with one of the student's I had taught. The mother had asked for a tutor to help her daughter stay on reading level throughout the summer. I was very excited for the opportunity and jumped at it. I spoke with the mother and with my co-op to gather ideas of what to focus on during our sessions.

On Monday, July 1, 2013 I had my first tutoring session. It lasted 2 hours. We focused on math and reading.  I will also do some writing with her.

Before we began learning I showed and explained all that I had for her. She has a writing journal in which I would like for her to write in daily. It can be a letter to me, a story she makes up or a description of what she has done during the day. I showed her the reading folder she has, her homework folder and her reading journal too.  Then I gave her the option of whether to start with math or reading.

When she said math, I was able to assess where she needs the most help. I gave her two timed math fact pre-tests. These were only using the numbers 1-10. The first one was an addition paper. The second one was a subtraction paper. After that I gave her another “pre-test” with a variety of math topics learned in 2^nd grade, such as time, money, and comparing numbers/fractions. 

We then did some reading. She picked out a book for summer reading. I also picked out a non-fiction book for her to read. It was a biography on Harriet Tubman. Then we read another fiction book called Jamaica's Find. We also worked on some sight words. It was a great time and I am excited to see her progress. =)

 

AVPDS -A Very Professional Development Summer

Every summer since I started college I have had a "productive" summer. I worked, took classes, and spent my time wisely. I was excited for a summer off---until I realized that I am NOT the kind of person who can sit around and do nothing all day long. I have to be productive. So, what better way to be productive than enjoy professional development and grow in that way? 

I have to admit I am awfully exited for all of the PD I'll be attending. At times, I'll have a conference or workshop every day and other times I'll have something one a week. I will be updating my blog after each experience. 

As of 5/26/13:

• 7/8 SMART Board Basics @ Kean
• 7/15-7/18 Writer's Workshop @ Rider
• 7/22 All Things Google @ Stockton
• 7/31 EdCamp STEAM @ Linwood Middle School
• 8/8 Common Core Conference @ Kean
• 8/12 EdCamp Leadership @ Kean
• 8/15, 8/19-21 SMART Board Certification @ Kean
• 8/22 TeachMeetNJ 2013 @ Stockton

It's going to be AVPDS!!

Use the hashtags #summerPD13 and tell me what you'll be doing this summer. =)

Job Portfolios

The Teaching Portfolio is something that is always talked about in college, and even after. Several questions come to mind: (1) What should go into a portfolio? (2) How much is too much? (3) Is this important? After careful consideration, I've come to realize that the portfolio is IMPORTANT, even if it is just for your own sanity.

Start with investing in a good binder. I got one of those art porfolios from ACMoore. I actually had to get two because my first one, with 24 pages was not enough. I had to get another one with 48 pages in it to help me hold all of my materials. You can even decorate it however you want. I kept it professional yet "cutesy".

Then make sure you have a cover page. I found this adorable stationary at Staples and use it as my cover pages for each of the sections in my portfolio. 

What are some things to have inside your portfolio??

1. Copies of your resume and reference sheet. I also have another sheet that expands on my awards and volunteer experiences. 

2. Copies of your transcripts and teaching certifications. 

3. Next would be copies of all of your recommendation letters.

4. After that, I have copies of other certifications and some professional development certifications. I also include my PRAXIS scores. You never know who wants a copy of them at an interview.  

I know have a separate binder just for my professional development certifications. It's an easier way to keep track of how many hours I accumulate throughout the year. 

How do you organize your portfolio?