A Master Educator demonstrates the following INTASC standards:

The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for students.

Artifact: Lesson Plan

This lesson was on using formulas, primarily distance = rate x time.  Students worked together to pass a small toy across the room.  From the distance traveled and the amount of time taken, students were then able to calculate the rate at which the toy moved.  The activity made the subject less abstract and more meaningful to students.

The teacher understands how children learn and develop and can provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social and personal development.

Artifact: Educational Psychology Case Studies

Three different case studies are analyzed from the behaviorist and cognitive development perspective.  These two psychological philosophies are highly influential in educational theory and practice.

The teacher understands how students differ in their approaches to learning and creates opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.

Artifact: Position Paper - Mathematics Gender Gap

This paper analyzes the gender gap that often exists between boys and girls in mathematics, exploring its causes and what can be done to eliminate it.

The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.

Artifact: Activity - Venn Diagrams

In this activity incorporates group work, use of manipulatives and inquiry as an introduction to basic set theory.

The teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.

Artifact: Supplementary Overhead Slides

These overhead slides were used to guide class examples of calculating rate.  I utilized local references, visual aids and humor to capture students' attention.  Students were motivated by the local references and were inspired to develop their own questions about the lesson.

The teacher uses knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.

Artifact: Lesson Plan, Supplementary Handouts, Sample Presentation, Sample Spreadsheet

In this lesson, students utilize the Internet, a spreadsheet and presentation software in an offbeat exercise on proportions, ratios and extreme eating.

The teacher plans instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, the community, and curriculum goals.

Artifact: Position Paper - Calculators in the Mathematics Classroom

This paper analyzes the debate over the use of calculators in math classes.  The premise is that any policy on the use of calculators must be based upon the objectives for the lesson and the goals for the curriculum.

The teacher understands and uses formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social and physical development of the learner.

Artifact: Reading Tables and Charts Test

This summative assessment utilizes cross-curricular subject matter and material of direct personal relevance to students and calls upon higher-order thinking skills in a multiple choice format.

The teacher is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his or her choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community) and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally.

Artifact: Teaching Video Clip, Self-Critique

I used this video to evaluate my teaching style and performance.  I was able to heed my own suggestions with great success in my subsequent student teaching.

The teacher fosters relationships with school colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community to support students' learning and well being.

Artifact: Group Presentation - The Equity of Inclusion

As the leader of a group presentation on special education inclusion, I developed the idea of interviewing local experts, determined the format the presentation would take, organized my team's responses, created a PowerPoint and moderated the class discussion.