Artifact Reflection

Artifact Title: UW-Platteville Middle Level Block Middle School Design Project
Date: Spring 2014
Artifact Description:
This artifact is a research project I and a group of fellow classmates completed in the Spring
of 2014 for TEACHING 3110-3120; Key Concepts of Middle Level Education and
Characteristics of Transescents. The goal of the project was to design a middle school that
offered everything a young adolescent student needs to be successful. At the end of the
semester, we presented our project to a mock school board and provided evidence for all of
the components in our school. I also included my complete college transcript to show that I
earned an A in the class.
Alignment:
Wisconsin Teacher Standard Alignment:
This artifact best aligns with Standard 2 The teacher understands how children learn and
develop, and can provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social, and
personal development.
This aligns with Standard 2 because in this class I learned about all of the things that
developing students need in regards to their physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and
moral growth. It is crucial that students develop in all five of these areas so that they can
become contributing members of society.
I am now more competent as an educator because I will be able to address all of my
students developmental needs inside the classroom. It is not only my job to teach my
students content, but I also have the responsibility of monitoring how they are developing as
citizens.
UW-Platteville Knowledge, Skill, Disposition Alignment
This artifact best aligns KSD1.b - The candidate displays knowledge of the typical
developmental characteristics, learning styles, skills, interests, developmental backgrounds,
and cultural heritages of students and is always aware of the broad ranges and variety
present for each of these student characteristics and lifestyles.
This artifact aligns with KSD1.b because while I was creating this middle school, I
had to keep in mind the broad range of learners that every school has. I researched many
popular articles on the subject of kind of things young adults need during the crucial years of
adolescence. I also had to collaborate with other teacher candidates and come up with ways to
accomplish a task while still keeping students at the forefront of all of our ideas.
I am now more competent as a teacher because I have a bank of knowledge that I can
go to when I am a teacher so that my students are always growing. Also, I will be able to be a
better provider and resource for students who needs my help during their developmental
years.
Secondary KSDs:

KSD2.a: Creates an Environment of Respect and Report

KSD3.e: Demonstrates Flexibility and Responsiveness
KSD2.b: Establishes a Culture for Learning
Reflection:
What I learned about teaching/learning from this experience:
I learned that teaching is more than just communicating information. It requires teachers to be
role models for students and be there for them at all times. Teachers, besides family, are the
people who may have the most influence in an adolescents life. That means that educators
should always take their jobs seriously.
What I learned about myself as a prospective educator as a result of this experience:
I learned that making connections with students may be the most important part of the
teaching profession. I think that I can make a positive difference in the life of every student
that walks across the threshold into my classroom. I was reminded what it was like to be a
developing student and how difficult it can be. Sometimes teachers forget how stressful life
can be for an adolescent.