COVER SHEET FOR A PORTFOLIO WORK SAMPLE

UNT Masters Program in Curriculum and Instruction

Date of Activity: Fall 2012 Title of Artifact: Parent Communication Letter Course: Professional Course objective(s) addressed Not applicable. Artifact Description The artifact is an email I received from a parent after I made positive parent phone calls home to many of my students. Relationship to NBPTS Standards This artifact demonstrates knowledge of the following Middle Childhood/Generalist Standard(s). XII. Connecting with Families and the Community I use all forms of media to communicate with parents, good and bad Background of Artifact I frequently contact parents to keep them updated with what their student is doing well in school, or what is challenging. I believe it is important to have a two-way line of open communication with parents. This artifact was one of the emails that a parent sent back after I left a voicemail on her cell phone. I have students that come to my class that hate science, but after being in my class change their outlook and begin enjoying the class. This was one of those students. Reflection on Learning Demonstrated in this Work Sample From completing the phone calls home, I feel like I have fostered and developed beneficial and successful relationships with parents and students. This artifact will affect my classroom by creating positive relationships between my students and myself, and developing a line of comfort and communication between us. I have benefited from this artifact by having these relationships, and have seen the benefits such as appreciation and students coming to love science! I will use what I have learned from this artifact to make future calls home throughout the year. Fostering communication between students, parents and other professionals is important in maintaining a successful classroom.