How Do These Artifacts Demonstrate Acheivement of the Standard: Artifact #1demonstrates this standard by contributing to the knowledge and skills of other teachers through creation of this web-based presentation that includes all necessary instructions and materials to develop a lesson on global water issues. This presentation was developed in collaboration with two other students in the UMUC Master of Arts in Teaching program.  Artifact #2 demonstrates my commitment to being part of the larger school community through interactions with students, teachers, and families outside of the classroom.

How Have These Artifacts Impacted My Understanding of Teaching/Learning?: Through my collaboration with my colleagues on Artifact #1, I learned about several new instructional strategies including the combination jigsaw/gallery walk. Other teaching professionals are a great resource for ideas on lessons, instructional strategies and classroom management. I think it is important for teachers to share their ideas and knowledge in order to advance the profession. I also think it is important for teachers to be involved in the school beyond the classroom. Involvement in activities outside of the normal duty day has provided me an opportunity to build relationships with my students and get to know them better. This helps me as a teacher to better understand my student's needs and helps my students understand that I am a real person that is invested in promoting their best interests.

Strengths: During my 17 years working in environmental consulting, I have gained extensive experience successfully collaborating with other professionals both face to face and in virtual contexts.

Areas for Improvement: I have had limited opportunities to interact with families to establish mutual expectations and ongoing communications. I would like to identify some ways I could reach out to families as part of my teaching internship.