INTASC 9 - Professional Commitment
and Responsibility
The teacher is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community) and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally.
Reflection is the only true way to improve. Any great educator can tell you that they constantly think back on their teaching choices long and short term to direct their evolving path forward. People also view actions and choices from all different perspectives. It is important to reflect on how others view what you do to avoid possible conflict and keep your decisions student centered. Professional growth opportunities are always available. It is the mark of a great educator and any lifelong learner to continually seek ways to grow for their own benefit as well as that of their students.
My program has made me an expert reflector, due to writing reflections on every field teaching and assigned article. Reflecting should recount how you planned and prepared, the strengths and weaknesses of your teaching episode, and specific ways to improve for the future. Reflecting on big picture issues such as philosophy and professional growth is also a valued exercise for any educator.
Professional growth opportunities have abounded at Ball State and I have taken advantage of many. I am an active member in several professional organizations such as NAfME, ACDA, and IMEA (links on my homepage). I have attended IMEA conventions three times, ACDA conventions three times (and received a scholarship to attend a national convention in Dallas), and performed and participated in workshops at the 2012 World Choir Games (Cincinnati), 2013 Xinghai Prize International Choral Competition (Guangzhou, China), the 2013 Sing 'n' Joy Festival (Louisville), and the Ascending Voice Symposium (Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA). I was the musical director of Muncie Civic Theatre's Summer Youth show "Bugsy Malone Jr." in 2013. I have hosted the Summit Show Choir Invitational (Bishop Dwenger HS) in 2013 and was previously a Best Performer judge for that same event. My position managing the Ball State University Singers is detailed in the artifact below. This experience has been the ultimate in professional growth for me, and has given me the opportunities I needed to understand how to successfully run a music program.
In the next few years I hope to extend my personal network in the education and music field. Performance programs are always willing to bring in assistants and clinicians and I will be keeping tabs on programs in the Fort Wayne area. Being an alumni of University Singers also connects me with lots of educators, choreographers, performers, and directors around the nation that have shared training and heritage with me. Professionalism is a big part of how I view myself and what I pride myself on. Showing professionalism will tell people to treat you with professionalism. Demonstrating this will validate my choices in the classroom and help my classroom have an environment of respect.
My program has made me an expert reflector, due to writing reflections on every field teaching and assigned article. Reflecting should recount how you planned and prepared, the strengths and weaknesses of your teaching episode, and specific ways to improve for the future. Reflecting on big picture issues such as philosophy and professional growth is also a valued exercise for any educator.
Professional growth opportunities have abounded at Ball State and I have taken advantage of many. I am an active member in several professional organizations such as NAfME, ACDA, and IMEA (links on my homepage). I have attended IMEA conventions three times, ACDA conventions three times (and received a scholarship to attend a national convention in Dallas), and performed and participated in workshops at the 2012 World Choir Games (Cincinnati), 2013 Xinghai Prize International Choral Competition (Guangzhou, China), the 2013 Sing 'n' Joy Festival (Louisville), and the Ascending Voice Symposium (Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA). I was the musical director of Muncie Civic Theatre's Summer Youth show "Bugsy Malone Jr." in 2013. I have hosted the Summit Show Choir Invitational (Bishop Dwenger HS) in 2013 and was previously a Best Performer judge for that same event. My position managing the Ball State University Singers is detailed in the artifact below. This experience has been the ultimate in professional growth for me, and has given me the opportunities I needed to understand how to successfully run a music program.
In the next few years I hope to extend my personal network in the education and music field. Performance programs are always willing to bring in assistants and clinicians and I will be keeping tabs on programs in the Fort Wayne area. Being an alumni of University Singers also connects me with lots of educators, choreographers, performers, and directors around the nation that have shared training and heritage with me. Professionalism is a big part of how I view myself and what I pride myself on. Showing professionalism will tell people to treat you with professionalism. Demonstrating this will validate my choices in the classroom and help my classroom have an environment of respect.
Artifact 1 (Children's Show Invite - professional communication)
In the Spring of 2013, I organized a Children's Preview Show for the Ball State University Singers 49th Annual Spectacular. I created an invite letter and poster and sent this out to over 200 schools. I then sent a personalized confirmation letter to those who reserved tickets and a subsequent information letter regarding payment, arrival, parking details, etc. I also was communicating with the venue (Emens Auditorium) staff of how to seat and accommodate the 1600+ we would have in attendance (shown in spreadsheet). This event went seamlessly smooth due to my professional communication skills and successfully raised money for my organization.
Artifact 2 (reflective statements on professional service positions for
Music Education Professional Development log)
These statements show my ability to reflect on my professional commitments and leadership roles and these positions themselves demonstrate my aspiration for professional growth opportunities as they were both volunteer positions. I discuss my duties and responsibilities, what I made of the role, and how I have grown through my time in each of the positions.