Amanda Kirkman, a recent graduate of UW Stout in the Art Education program came to speak about her first year of teaching in Racine, WI, student teaching, and her experience with the edTPA. I appreciated hearing about how she prepared for student teaching, and found the advice she gave to be super helpful. Something she mentioned that I had not thought about was checking the WI DPI to find report cards for the school, which helps with understanding the demographics and knowing the test scores of students attending that school. If possible, I want to check this out in order to know more about the schools I'll be student teaching at, as well as the schools I may apply to once I graduate. She also talked about how important it is to know your students for the edTPA. While this seems obvious enough, it really is crucial as it reflects your quality as a teacher, and it helps in knowing how each and every student learns and being able to differentiate a lesson that meets each of these needs. Amanda also brought up some strategies for filming students with the iPad, such as getting them used to the camera. She had her students make funny faces at the camera and be goofy in order to get them used to the presence of the camera in the room, which I found to be a good idea, especially for younger age groups. She, like Anna, mentioned the importance of developing a close relationship with the cooperating teacher, and how they are there to mentor me and take me under their wing, so it is important for me to be open, honest, and humble. Another thing she brought up that I definitely plan to utilize is making interdisciplinary lessons, as they help candidates stand out in interviews, and who doesn't want that?
I've only just met Amanda, and I've never seen her teach, but just from her personality, passion, and organization, I can tell that she's a great teacher. This inspires me to put forth my very best in everything in order to be thought of the same way as I came away thinking today.
