Standard 6: communication
Teachers Communicate well.
The Teacher uses effective verbal and nonverbal communication techniques as well as instructional media and technology to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.
The Teacher uses effective verbal and nonverbal communication techniques as well as instructional media and technology to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.
Artifact Reflection
Title of Artifact: Teacher Communication Letter
Date Completed: Fall 2012
Description: I wrote a teacher communication letter for my Guidance and Assessment course. This letter was written as if it were to be sent home to the families of my future students. The letter introduces me to the families, explaining my goals and expectations for the year.
Alignment Reflection
Wisconsin Teacher Standard Alignment
This best aligns with standard six of the Wisconsin Teacher Development and Licensure Standards. This standard states “The teacher uses knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal and media communication to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.” This experience aligns with standard six because writing a letter is a nonverbal way to communicate to families. I used media communication because I created the letter using Microsoft Word. I would also send out an email with the letter attached to all of the families. Although the letter itself is nonverbal, I would do a follow-up phone call with each family to confirm they received my letter and explain that I am excited for the upcoming school year. A teacher communication letter is an important way to collaborate with the families of your students. As a result of writing this teacher communication letter, I am able to communicate to families nonverbally and through media with a letter and email, followed up with verbal phone call. Being able to write a teacher communication letter will allow me to effectively communicate as a teacher.
UW-Platteville School of Education Knowledge, Skill, Disposition Statement Alignment
This artifact best aligns with KSD3.a. of the UWP School of Education Knowledge, Skill, and Disposition statements which states, “The candidate's spoken and written language are correct, expressive and clear, with well-chosen vocabulary that enriches teaching and communicates thoughtfully, responsively, and effectively for a wide range of student understanding and encourages appropriate student language development.” When I wrote this letter that I could use in my future classroom, I wrote it clearly with expressive vocabulary. I chose vocabulary that showed the parents that I am a professional. In the letter, I wrote thoughtfully to start the school year on a positive note. The letter is also addressed to the student so that they are able to read and understand the goals for the upcoming school year as well.
Secondary Alignment:
KSD4.b. Maintains Accurate Records
KSD4.f. Shows Professionalism
Personal Reflection
What I learned about teaching/learning from this experience:
I learned that the first letter must be well-written and clearly state goals and expectations. This is important because the letter acts as a first impression for the families. It will be the first contact you have as a professional teacher with these parents, so you must have perfect mechanics and write in a professional matter. This letter also shows the parents that they are an important part of their child’s success. It makes the parents feel like the teacher is willing to work with them to help their child throughout the school year.
What I learned about myself as a prospective educator as a result of this experience/artifact:
I learned that the first letter home should be positive, therefore a teacher communication letter is a great way to start the school year. Throughout the year, teachers may have to communicate about negative behaviors, but the first letter starts everyone on a positive note. Every teacher is going to have a couple of students that will have bad behavior notes sent home on a regular basis, but this letter is a positive one to start everyone off optimistically. I believe this letter will be encouragement for the students and the parents to begin the school year off the right way.
Title of Artifact: Teacher Communication Letter
Date Completed: Fall 2012
Description: I wrote a teacher communication letter for my Guidance and Assessment course. This letter was written as if it were to be sent home to the families of my future students. The letter introduces me to the families, explaining my goals and expectations for the year.
Alignment Reflection
Wisconsin Teacher Standard Alignment
This best aligns with standard six of the Wisconsin Teacher Development and Licensure Standards. This standard states “The teacher uses knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal and media communication to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.” This experience aligns with standard six because writing a letter is a nonverbal way to communicate to families. I used media communication because I created the letter using Microsoft Word. I would also send out an email with the letter attached to all of the families. Although the letter itself is nonverbal, I would do a follow-up phone call with each family to confirm they received my letter and explain that I am excited for the upcoming school year. A teacher communication letter is an important way to collaborate with the families of your students. As a result of writing this teacher communication letter, I am able to communicate to families nonverbally and through media with a letter and email, followed up with verbal phone call. Being able to write a teacher communication letter will allow me to effectively communicate as a teacher.
UW-Platteville School of Education Knowledge, Skill, Disposition Statement Alignment
This artifact best aligns with KSD3.a. of the UWP School of Education Knowledge, Skill, and Disposition statements which states, “The candidate's spoken and written language are correct, expressive and clear, with well-chosen vocabulary that enriches teaching and communicates thoughtfully, responsively, and effectively for a wide range of student understanding and encourages appropriate student language development.” When I wrote this letter that I could use in my future classroom, I wrote it clearly with expressive vocabulary. I chose vocabulary that showed the parents that I am a professional. In the letter, I wrote thoughtfully to start the school year on a positive note. The letter is also addressed to the student so that they are able to read and understand the goals for the upcoming school year as well.
Secondary Alignment:
KSD4.b. Maintains Accurate Records
KSD4.f. Shows Professionalism
Personal Reflection
What I learned about teaching/learning from this experience:
I learned that the first letter must be well-written and clearly state goals and expectations. This is important because the letter acts as a first impression for the families. It will be the first contact you have as a professional teacher with these parents, so you must have perfect mechanics and write in a professional matter. This letter also shows the parents that they are an important part of their child’s success. It makes the parents feel like the teacher is willing to work with them to help their child throughout the school year.
What I learned about myself as a prospective educator as a result of this experience/artifact:
I learned that the first letter home should be positive, therefore a teacher communication letter is a great way to start the school year. Throughout the year, teachers may have to communicate about negative behaviors, but the first letter starts everyone on a positive note. Every teacher is going to have a couple of students that will have bad behavior notes sent home on a regular basis, but this letter is a positive one to start everyone off optimistically. I believe this letter will be encouragement for the students and the parents to begin the school year off the right way.
Click to view letter | |
File Size: | 15 kb |
File Type: | docx |