Professional Learning Community

Over the course of this practicum, I have come to value the contributions and support of the professionals around me.  As a new teacher, I know that I have a lot to learn, but the mentors, teachers, and colleagues I have taken this journey with have shown me that learning, including professional learning, is a lifelong pursuit, and that we all have something to teach each other, no matter our experience.  As a part of this MAT program, I took courses that challenged me to rethink the classroom and the ways in which teachers hold power over the discourse that happens inside it; I studied culturally responsive pedagogy, socio-emotional strategies, and supports for language learners.  In addition to the work I did in my classes at Clark University, I attended several professional development sessions and common planning times with the other educators at Jacob Hiatt.  Through the experiences I had with my professors, mentors, and peers during this program, I have fully realized the power of collaboration, which is something that I will take forward with me into my career.  There is so much a team of professionals can accomplish when they work together towards common goals.