Professional Portfolio Professional Portfolio ShowcaseShowcase

David Farley609 Ravine Dr

Utica NY 13502315-796-1594

Farley@oswego.edu

Table of ContentsTable of Contents

About Me Content Pedagogy Student Development Diverse Learners Multiple Instructional

Strategies Motivation and Manag

ement

Communication and Technology

Planning Assessment Reflective Practice: Pr

ofessional Growth School and Communit

y Involvement

A Little About MeA Little About Me Hello, and thank you for checking out my page!  My name is Dave Farley

and I am a graduate student at SUNY Oswego.  I received a Bachelor Degree from SUNY Oswego in the spring of 2007 earning a degree in History.  I also received a Associate Degree from Mohawk Valley Community College in the spring of 2005 earning a degree in Business Management.  Currently I am pursuing a career in Adolescent Education in Social Studies where I will be certified in grades 7-12.  I attended Whitesboro High School and graduated from there in 2003 where I was also born and raised as well.  I am a very focused individual who is determined to succeed in whatever I pursue.  As well as teaching at the Adolescent Education level I would like to participate in coaching students at this grade level as well.  I have played both hockey and baseball at the collegiate level and I also possess knowledge of coaching strategies in other sports as well.  I am a very approachable person who is very friendly and always willing to give a helping hand.

Standard 1: Content PedagogyStandard 1: Content Pedagogy

Description

Reflection

Artifacts

Standard 1: DescriptionStandard 1: Description

“The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline he or she teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for students.”

Standard 1: ReflectionStandard 1: ReflectionI believe that one of the most important things we can do as

teachers is to create learning experiences that the students find meaningful and that they can connect to.  As a teacher I would like to create a learning environment that the students can relish in and reach their full potential.  By using a variety on instructional strategies and my knowledge of the Social Studies curriculum I believe I can connect key ideas, themes, concepts, and vocabulary to the students interest and readiness levels.  One way that I plan on making the subject matter meaningful for students is having them participate in a current events day activity each week.  Students will print out or cut out an article from a newspaper and then reflect and discuss what they found meaningful with their fellow classmates in a short oral presentation.  I believe this activity will enhance student’s knowledge as well as make the subject matter meaningful for students. 

Standard 1: ArtifactsStandard 1: Artifacts

I have included a reflection that I wrote for an Interdisciplinary Methods class which discusses why it is important to study Social Studies. 

Why Social Studies

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Description

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Standard 2: DescriptionStandard 2: Description

“The teacher understands how children learn and develop and can provide learning opportunities that support a child’s intellectual, social, and personal development.”

Standard 2: ReflectionStandard 2: Reflection

Every student learns and develops at different rates and in different fashions.  As teachers we need to be prepared to encounter issues related to this topic.  It is important when designing your instructional methodology for that particular class that you take into account your students intellectual, social, and personal developmental level.  We need to create vast opportunities to allow students to grow and show their understanding of concepts so that we can fairly assess them.  I had the opportunity to shadow a student who had a learning disability and it allowed me an insight on the importance of creating a variety of instructional strategies to reach all students. 

Standard 2: ArtifactsStandard 2: Artifacts

I have included a copy of my report, which was completed for a special education class.   

Issue Analysis Project

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Reflection

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Standard 3: DescriptionStandard 3: Description

“The teacher understands how students differ in their approaches to learning and creates instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.”

Standard 3: ReflectionStandard 3: ReflectionToday’s classrooms are filled with students that are diverse in many different ways.  Classrooms include students of different readiness and interest levels, culture, morals, ethics, and beliefs.  As teachers we need create instructional opportunities that allow students to reach their potential.  I believe the best way to do this is to be flexible in our instructional strategies and show concern for each individual and situation. 

Standard 3: ArtifactsStandard 3: Artifacts

In a curriculum and instruction class I reviewed an 11th grade AP U.S. History curriculum.  After reviewing the curriculum I determined that it did not include a multicultural view.  I then revised the curriculum so it now includes a multicultural view.  I also made the revisions of including behavioral objectives and New York State Learning Standards.  I have included this document for your viewing.Curriculum and Instruction

Standard 4Standard 4

Description

Reflection

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Standard 4: DescriptionStandard 4: Description

“The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage student development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.”

Standard 4: ReflectionStandard 4: ReflectionAs teachers we need to be aware that there will be a variety of students in our classroom all coming from different backgrounds, readiness levels, and ability.  As a result we need to create instructional strategies that meet the needs of all students so every student can reach their potential.  Traditional teaching strategies create barriers and do not allow all students to reach their full potential.  We need to use a variety of instructional strategies that are proven to be successful in the classroom and that will allow students to retain the material.  We also need to allow our students to express what they know in a variety of ways.  This includes assessment and in class participation which could be done on an individual basis or cooperative learning activity.  Lessons should have students not only interacting with the material but also engaging in thoughtful conversation with their fellow classmates discussing the material, which will result in a greater knowledge of the subject matter.  There are many proven ways that allow for a variety of instructional strategies that encourage student development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance.  It is now up to the teacher to use these instructional strategies.

Standard 4: ArtifactsStandard 4: Artifacts

I have included a lesson that I created which was created using a Universal Design for Learning. 

Universal Design for Learning

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Reflection

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Standard 5: DescriptionStandard 5: Description

“The teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.”

Standard 5: ReflectionStandard 5: ReflectionWhen managing and motivating students in a classroom it is important to always be consistent and organized with your procedures and rules.  As a teacher if you are always consistent and organized it will allow for a leaning environment that will benefit both the teacher and the student.  When deciding on the rules and procedures that the class will follow it is important to include the students in the decision making process.  This will result in the students being more conscious of the rules and procedures and more than likely students will follow them more attentively. 

Standard 5: ArtifactsStandard 5: Artifacts

Attached is a research based paper that looks at Classroom Management more closely and also looks at how and what teachers should when trying to implement rules and procedures.

Classroom Management

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Standard 6: DescriptionStandard 6: Description

“The teachers uses knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.”

Standard 6: ReflectionStandard 6: ReflectionStudents of today’s classroom have grown up using technology so it is an absolute necessity that we use the most effective ways to communicate with our students.  Students understand computers and other media devices more than any other generation in history.  Teachers need to include technology in their delivery of the material because students respond to that style of teaching.  As we communicate with our students we need to be clear in our instruction so students do not become confused and can concentrate on learning the material.  As a substitute teacher I have found being fair, clear, and consistent, with my instruction students act and respond positively.  Another effective way to communicate with students is through a class website.  For many of the teachers that I have substitute taught for they have a class website where students can find information, handouts, and assignments.  This allows a place for when students are at home to still be in touch with the class if they have any questions or want to find out useful

information. 

Standard 6: ArtifactsStandard 6: ArtifactsI have included a copy of an assignment that I completed for a curriculum and instruction class.  The assignment looks at issues teachers often face and I then had to reflect on those issues.  Some of the issues include technology, communication, standardized testing, and achievement gaps. 

Curriculum Issues

Standard 7Standard 7

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Standard 7: DescriptionStandard 7: Description

“The teacher plans instruction based on knowledge of subject matter, students, the community, and curriculum goals.”

Standard 7: ReflectionStandard 7: ReflectionPlanning is very important when dealing with subject matter, students, the community, and curriculum goals.  As teachers we always need to have a plan “A” and then a plan  “B.”  We never know what is going to happen in our classroom or schools and as teachers we need to be aware of this.  The most important thing to keep in mind when developing a plan is to be flexible.  We need to be flexible as teachers because we need to adjust to the different situations that will occur in our classroom each and everyday.  In the future I would like to incorporate interdisciplinary teaching methods into my classroom because I think it allows students to flourish by connecting one curriculum with another.  I believe this is where students can really grow as

individuals as they connect ideas and concepts from different curriculums. 

Standard 7: ArtifactsStandard 7: ArtifactsI have attached a couple of lessons that include an interdisciplinary approach on the topic of Global Warming.  Interdisciplinary Lesson 1Interdisciplinary Lesson 2Interdisciplinary Lesson 3

Standard 8Standard 8

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Standard 8: DescriptionStandard 8: Description

“The teacher understands and uses formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social, and physical development of the learner.”

Standard 8: ReflectionStandard 8: Reflection

When we assess our students it is important to use a variety of both informal and formal assessments to fairly assess our students.  Informal assessments should be done on a regular basis if not daily.  Formal assessments should be limited and the students should be well prepared for these assessments.  As a future teacher I believe informal assessments will be more beneficial in the students learning and the amount of material retained because you can periodically check and see where your students stand in relation to understanding the material.  Formal assessments should be used to gauge students learning and progress through the course material.  While my students work through the material I will prepare them with concepts and information that will allow them to succeed in their

assessments. 

Standard 8: ArtifactsStandard 8: ArtifactsI have included several assessments that I have created in the past.  They include both informal and formal assessments.

Unit TestInformal Assessment / Graphic OrganizerRubric

Standard 9Standard 9

Description

Reflection

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Standard 9: DescriptionStandard 9: Description

“The teacher is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his or her choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community) and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally.”

Standard 9: ReflectionStandard 9: ReflectionAs a future teacher I will be committed to growing as a professional in the teaching profession and as an individual.  I am a firm believer that with teamwork and communication among other teachers we can create a learning community that will benefit the students.  Periodically I also think we need to step back and reassess our practices and teaching style.  The best way to find out if you are effectively teaching your students is to ask them.  They know if your strategy and practices are effective and helping them learn the material.  Through surveying my students annually I believe I will be able to reflect and evaluate my teaching practices.

Standard 9: ArtifactsStandard 9: ArtifactsI have included a copy of my resume, which includes work experience, education, activities, and references.  Resume

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Standard 10: DescriptionStandard 10: Description

“The teacher fosters relationships with school colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community to support students’ learning and well being.”

Standard 10: ReflectionStandard 10: ReflectionI believe that it is very important to be actively involved in the community that you are teaching in.  Not only does it show the students that you care but you get a sense of what the environment and beliefs of the community are and can incorporate them into your teaching.  I think that it is important to get parents involved as well when it is manageable.  Unfortunately in all communities parents are not involved but I do not believe that should stop us as teachers from reaching out to them and trying to get them involved.  It is important to communicate effectively with parents so they can work with you and help you teach their children if they can.  Before jumping to conclusions about students we need to reach out to others and find out what may be bothering this student or causing the misbehavior problem.  I would one day like to coach at a school district that I am hired at and I believe my strong leadership, knowledge, and teaching ability would be a great way to

get through to more students. 

Standard 10: ArtifactsStandard 10: ArtifactsI had the opportunity to have a field placement at Fowler High School where I wrote a reaction paper to the experience.  I have included this piece of literature for your viewing pleasure.  

Fowler High School