Standard 1

 

Discipline Taught. Candidates know, understand, and use the central concepts, tools of inquiry and structures of the discipline(s) they teach and can create learning experiences that develop student competence in the subject matter.

Supporting Explanation

Candidates demonstrate a broad general understanding of the major concepts of the discipline they teach. They understand and are able to use assumptions and the processes of inquiry for the discipline being taught. Candidates create interdisciplinary learning experiences that allow students to integrate knowledge, skills and methods of inquiry from several related subject areas. They use connections in instruction across disciplines and draw on their knowledge to build understanding and motivate students.

What? (Evidence)

So What? (Reflection)

     A vital aspect in teaching is an understanding of the discipline taught. Teachers cannot explain how to do something to children unless they understand it themselves. I received an Award of Excellence for my PRAXIS: Elementary Education Content Knowledge exam. Therefore, I have shown that I do have an understanding of the discipline that I am teaching. Through a thematic unit and DRL unit, I have also shown that I can relate skills across subject matters. My portion of the thematic unit consisted of science lessons involving an Earth Week theme. In my DRL, students learn important reading and writing strategies during a social studies unit on our country’s history.


Now What? (Direction) 

     As I continue my teaching experience, I know that I will have to continue to learn about the discipline that I am teaching. I also understand that there are many ways to integrate multiple content areas. I plan to expand my library of thematic units as well as allowing inquiry to be a larger part of the curriculum.