3. Educators understand and apply knowledge of student growth and development.
As I mentioned under standard 1, I believe it is important to hold students to high but attainable expectations so they will rise to meet them. I tend to take a constructivist approach of meeting students where they are at through my lessons to build up their confidence and eventually reach the goals I have for them.
Respecting and understanding child development also requires the understanding that each child is unique and they all learn best in different ways and environments. I try to create lesson plans that will touch on multiple learning styles with the goal of reaching every child in a manner they understand best throughout each unit.
Understanding student growth and development can also be done through constant formative assessment – especially by means of personal communication. From consistently interacting with students, I am able to understand what differentiations are needed within my lessons and how challenge with choice opportunities may be used on a day to day basis.