1.1 Knowledge of learners and learning
Candidates are knowledgeable of learning styles, stages of human growth and development, and cultural influences on learning. Candidates assess learner needs and design instruction that reflects educational best practice. Candidates support the learning of all students and other members of the learning community, including those with diverse learning styles, physical and intellectual abilities and needs. Candidates base twenty-first century skills instruction on student interests and learning needs and link it to the assessment of student achievement.
1.2 Effective and Knowledgeable teacher
Candidates implement the principles of effective teaching and learning that contribute to an active, inquiry-based approach to learning. Candidates make use of a variety of instructional strategies and assessment tools to design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments in partnership with classroom teachers and other educators. Candidates can document and communicate the impact of collaborative instruction on student achievement.
1.3. Instructional partner
Candidates model, share, and promote effective principles of teaching and learning as collaborative partners with other educators. Candidates acknowledge the importance of participating in curriculum development, of engaging in school improvement processes, and of offering professional development to other educators as it relates to library and information use.
I created and ran a multiple-day professional development program centered around our school’s online system, demonstrating my commitment to modeling, sharing, and promoting effective principles of teaching and learning in collaboration with other educators. This initiative was born out of my recognition of the critical need for educators to adeptly utilize our digital resources to enrich the curriculum and facilitate engaging, technology-enhanced learning experiences. By leading this program, I actively contributed to curriculum development, engaged in the school improvement process, and provided essential professional development to my colleagues. The workshops I designed aimed to equip teachers with the skills and strategies necessary to integrate the online system into their instructional practices effectively, thus fostering an environment where technology empowers both teaching and learning. Through this effort, I underscored the importance of library and information resources in modern education, positioning myself as a pivotal resource and collaborative partner in our educational community.
1.4 Integration of twenty-first century skills and learning standards
Candidates advocate for twenty-first century literacy skills to support the learning needs of the school community. Candidates demonstrate how to collaborate with other teachers to plan and implement instruction of the AASL Standards for the 21 -Century Learner and state student curriculum standards. Candidates employ strategies to integrate multiple literacies with content curriculum. Candidates integrate the use of emerging technologies as a means for effective and creative teaching and to support P-12 students’ conceptual understanding, critical thinking and creative processes.
The Golden Sower author study undertaken in collaboration with 3rd-grade teachers exemplifies my commitment to advocating for twenty-first-century literacy skills and integrating emerging technologies to support student learning. By providing 3rd graders with the opportunity to select and delve into a Golden Sower book from the past five years, coupled with conducting research about the author, I fostered a deep engagement with literature while promoting critical thinking and research skills. Offering students the choice between paper, Canva poster, or Google Slides presentation for their research projects empowered them to demonstrate their understanding in diverse and creative ways, aligning with the AASL Standards for the 21st-Century Learner and state curriculum standards. Collaborating closely with 3rd-grade teachers, I ensured that the instruction seamlessly integrated multiple literacies with content curriculum, thereby enriching the learning experience. Additionally, by incorporating emerging technologies such as Canva and Google Slides, I provided students with tools to enhance their conceptual understanding and creative processes, preparing them for success in the digital age. This Golden Sower author study not only nurtured a love for reading but also equipped students with essential twenty-first-century skills essential for their academic and personal growth.
Robert J Parsons 