Meghan Mosher's ePORTFOLIO
Standard 4
Teachers reflect on their practice
Reflection
Each day I am able to reflect on my practice. I get to teach Advanced Biology three times, so after each lesson I make small changes in order to better support student learning. I also have the opportunity to reflect on my practice with the other biology teachers, we meet informally to discuss lessons and what can be improved in them. Twice a month I am observed by my district mentor. My mentor and I meet after each observation to reflect on my practice. We discuss strategies for improving my teaching, which I can try out and be observed on during our next meeting. I also take notes on my own lesson plans for areas to improve or changes to make to documents.
Professional Development
A Queer Endeavor
A Queer Endeavor is a cohort of teachers working together to incorporate topics of gender and sexual diversity into our classrooms and schools. We are led by two PhD students from the University of Colorado at Boulder. A meet once a month to discuss issues, support each others work, and engage in lesson study. This practice is often called "queering the curriculum."
Through A Queer Endeavor, I have explored ways to make the biology curriculum more accessible to all students. This includes using gender neutral language and making an important distinction between biological sex and gender expression.
Knowles Science Teaching Foundation
In April 2015, I was awarded a Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Fellowship. For the next five years I will be supported in developing expertise in the content knowledge needed for teaching, exemplary teaching practices, and the qualities of a teacher leader.
Over the course of the Fellowship, new teachers develop into backbone teachers and leaders through annual meetings (three per year); membership in a professional organization; one-on-one work with a KSTF Program Officer, Teacher Development; and participation in an online community.
