Standard Ten: The pre-service teacher fosters relationships with school
colleagues, parents, and educational partners in the larger community to support
student learning and well being.
Performance Indicator 10.2: talks with and listens to students, is sensitive
and responsive to signs of distress, and seeks appropriate help as needed
to solve students' problems.
Artifact: Weekly Feedback Form from September 15, 2005
Course: Student Teaching
Rationale: Standard 10.2 requires the pre-service teacher to talk with and listen
to students, be sensitive and responsive to signs of distress, and seek
appropriate help as needed to solve students’ problems. Comments from my
cooperating teacher state, “You have really shown that you care for the class by
listening to students’ needs, concerns, and problems.” Students seek guidance
from role models such as teachers. It is necessary for teachers to actively listen
to students and provide the appropriate support to help resolve problems.
Reflection: Student teaching provided numerous opportunities to demonstrate
sensitivity to students’ needs. For example, one day I noticed a student was very
slow in completing work and reluctant to participate. While talking with the
student, I learned that his grandpa had died suddenly the day before and he was
understandably upset. I contacted the school counselor and she spent some
time with the student to help him deal with his grief. Another student in the class
had a rare blood sugar disorder. Each day, I monitored the student to look for
signs of distress such as glassy eyes, lethargic actions, and confusion. When I
saw these signs, I immediately sent for the nurse so she could administer the
appropriate medication. Student teaching taught me how to utilize staff members
such as the counselor, nurse, and principal when student problems arise. To
improve, I would like to implement a journal program where students can write to
and receive feedback from the teacher. This is a practical way to apply writing
skills and enhance communication between the teacher and students. When I
am a teacher, I will review school policy to determine how and when to access
support personnel such as the counselor, nurse, or principal. It is essential to
know what resources are available to help meet each student’s needs.