Teaching+of+Writing+Professional+Reflection

The Teaching of Writing was designed to allow English teachers the opportunity to insert themselves in the conversations and ideas surrounding the most current theories and ideas concerning the teaching of writing. Not only was the class centered on learning about the theories, but I was also given the opportunity to apply these theories not only for the work that would become major assignment for this class (Field Research), but subsequently in my own writing as evidenced in the multiple other assignments that were a part of the curriculum. This class was by far one of the most influential in that it truly mimicked the type of "relevant and rigorous curriculum" (**Standard 3**) I strive for in my classroom through writing for multiple purposes and audiences as I did for our reading memoir, philosophy of teaching writing, and the field research project. There was never a doubt that I was being affirmed that everything I had already known about writing instruction in the classroom from my undergraduate degree was right on target. Despite this, I still took this opportunity to engage myself in the theories and strategies that I know are "informed by research" that not only "embrace variety and authenticity" but also push my students to learn in the most effective way possible (**Standard 4**) like understanding how my focus around the writing process reflects a social epistemic view of writing. Because of the skills and tools that I not only learned about but used as a student, I saw a change happen in my classrooms this past spring when I transitioned from student to teacher during the day. When I was reinvigorated to use daybooks, writing groups, conferences, and peer revision (and participate in these things with my students), I found that my classes were forming their own "respectful, supportive...and flexible educational community" (**Standard 2**). Not only was I able to translate these things to my high school classroom, but I was also able to share my ongoing research/data collection for my 690 sequence during my research presentation, allowing me to collaborate with my classmates (**Standard 1**).