It is a curiosity of teaching that
no two days are alike, but, if we are not careful, all the days can take on a
deadening sameness. We must remember that we have every opportunity to
transform ourselves and our practice, just as we have every opportunity to
stagnate, remaining much the same teachers we were when we began. -
Carol Ann Tomlinson
I have learned so much through the process of becoming an
advocate and being an advocate. I am
excited to make a difference and to educate other childcare professionals on a
new important topic. My host teacher is
inspiring, because she really knows her students. My topic, differentiated instruction, is
implemented in my host classroom. I am
excited to have her support and encouragement as I communicate with other
professionals in the school and work to make a difference.
I am confident that my advocacy efforts will be effective;
I feel I can encourage teachers I have targeted, to be more aware of how they
can implement differentiated instruction in their classroom, and why it is so
important in young children’s development.
I am worried that some teachers will not want to hear about my advocacy
plan, and may feel there is already not enough time. Some teachers may think that implementing
differentiated instructional strategies is just more work; I hope to teach them
otherwise.
I am already feeling anxiety about presenting my plan. I have not yet overcome speaking in front of
people. I know I will have to prepare
and practice in order to do well. I feel
that fully understanding my goals, my action plan, my topic, and how my target
audience can make a difference, will be most effective in helping me overcome
my challenging emotions. I want to be
sure that I am organized with how I want the presentation to go. I feel that having a visual; for the audience
look at during the presentation, and facts to take away from the presentation
and share with other professionals.
I feel that the biggest part of being an effective advocate
is being knowledgeable about the topic; to be able to answer any questions your
audience may have. It is important to
believe in what you are trying to encourage others to do. I have learned that communication is an
important tool in being an advocate.
There is so much we can learn from one another. I know there are many
ways that my colleagues can encourage me, but I am not able to think of any
specific examples right now.
