Part of the first grade teaching team:
Mrs. Hein, Ms. Florek, Mrs. Dormire, Ms. Thoresen, and Mrs. Florence

My experiences in the school of education and during student teaching have helped prepare me to work with a team of educators.  Following the example of my cooperating teacher, I worked with the team of first grade teachers and another student teacher (Ms. Florek) to plan various units of instruction.  Through reflection and collaboration, the group shared successful activities they had done in the past, ideas for new independent activities, a multitude of literature resources, past teaching experiences, and adaptations for different groups of students.

The richest resources that I encountered during my student teaching semester were the unique and creative ideas of others.  It was amazing to be able to share ideas with others and feel equal to those who have been teaching for many more years.  The team structure that is used at Magruder Elementary School helped solidify the idea that teaching is not the job of just one person. 

Teaching involves a community and includes the knowledge of not just one person, but the knowledge of many people.  For me, being an effective collaborator meant learning to plan and communicate with a variety of people.  Within the School of Education I worked with other pre-service teachers on various curriculum projects.  Later when I began student teaching, I was welcomed into the team of first grade teachers.  I have also worked with/observed the special education teachers, reading specialists, resource teachers, ESL instructors, parent volunteers, and the guidance counselor.  All of whom are actively involved in the daily lives of the students.  My being able to consistently work with everyone in the school community helps create a welcoming environment for all of the learners.

Below are samples of activities and lessons planned collaboratively through courses in the School of Education: