Running head: ASSIGNMENT 1 – TELLING MY STORY 1
Assignment 1 – Telling My Story
Ciera Diaz
National University
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for
TED 690−Capstone Course
Professor Reyes Gauna
ASSIGNMENT 1 – TELLING MY STORY 2
Abstract
This paper begins by outlining the six domains of the California Teacher Performance
Expectations (TPEs). This paper serves as a reflection on the progress that the author has
made to date on the various Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs). The author also
includes a plan for ensuring continued growth towards competency of TPEs and
professional development. A projected timeline for fulfilling TPEs will be outlined.
ASSIGNMENT 1 – TELLING MY STORY 3
Assignment 1 – Telling My Story
The job of an educator is not only a job where you are continually teaching others
but you never stop being a student yourself. Knowing, understanding, and comprehending
the six Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs) is imperative to meeting the needs of all of
our students. Costantino (2009) states that “There is a direct correlation between performance
standards for student learning and performance standards for teachers. What teachers know and
are able to do is the most important influence on what students learn” (p. 11). The six Teaching
Performance Expectations (TPEs) are:
A. Making Subject Matter Comprehensible to Students
B. Assessing Student Learning
C. Engaging and Supporting Students in Learning
D. Planning Instruction and Designing Learning Experiences for Students
E. Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments for Student Learning
F. Developing as a Professional Educator
A professional teaching portfolio can not only help a teacher find a job but can also
guide a teacher in his or her professional growth and allow for a reflection on the teacher’s
strengths and weaknesses. Costantino and De Lorenzo (2009) state, “Electronic portfolios
have the advantages of accessibility, portability, creativity, proof of teacher technology
skills, enhanced self-confidence, and dissemination to a broader community.” (p. 32).
Knowing the importance of an ePortfolio I have created one using a website. Here is the
link to the site, [Link]
Achievement of TPE Competencies
ASSIGNMENT 1 – TELLING MY STORY 4
My ePortfolio is organized around the 6 TPE domains. I am a new teacher so
although I have made progress in all of the TPE domains and I do feel competent in the
various areas they represent, I still have a lot of work and learning to do to say that I am a
master educator in all of the domains. I am using artifacts from my educational
experiences through National University as I am not currently teaching in school. The
artifacts will include class assignments as well as the experience I gain through student
teaching and being a long-term substitute. I have gained a lot of textbook knowledge
however I look forward to the hands on and real-world lesson that will come with having
my own classroom. My strengths are Domains A, B, C, D and E. My weaknesses I feel are in
Domain F. This is because I have a limited amount of professional development in a
situation where I am in the classroom daily.
Strengths and Needs within TPE Domain A:
Costantino and De Lorenzo (2009) state, “The act of collecting, reviewing, and
reflecting on portfolio artifacts is consistently viewed as satisfying and renewing by teacher
candidates.” (p. 5). As I reflect on Domain A, I have determined that I have several
strengths, but that there are also areas where I feel I need to grow. The table below
displays my strengths and areas for growth.
ASSIGNMENT 1 – TELLING MY STORY 5
Area for Growth: What
do I want to learn more
Domain Strengths
about? Where can I
strengthen my skills?
A: Making Subject As a multiple subject I need to strengthen my
Matter Comprehensible teacher, I feel very good skills in time management.
to Students about my knowledge of I often would get so
English Language Arts, involved and excited that I
Teaching Mathematics Social Studies, Science, would not get through as
in a Multiple and Single and Mathematics. much as I would need to.
Subject Assignment
I would incorporate I would like to work on
subjects into the entire students taking a larger
day and find ways to role in teaching one
integrate and work topics another in a small group
across all curriculum. setting.
I had students work in Creating more engaging
groups in order to develop projects to teaching Math.
a sense of accountability I plan to take more
with one another as well courses/in-services on
as comradery. teaching math and using
available resources.
I can show many different
ways to solve problems
and encourage students to
try different way.
I use a growth mindset to
encourage students they
are able to do it even if
they aren’t there “yet”
Potential Competencies to be Used for the Professional Development Quest
As I am such a new teacher and am not currently in a classroom I do feel that I have
a lot to learn and a lot of growing to do. I have some ideas of the areas in which I excel in
and the areas in which I need more practice and help. Timing of instruction and
effectively teaching in my given time key areas that I see as needing growth right away in
ASSIGNMENT 1 – TELLING MY STORY 6
order for me to be the most effective teacher. I expect that as I get more experience the
areas of need will begin to diminish and become stronger. It is challenging to determine
exactly what you need to develop when you have only had a limited amount of time in the
classroom. I hope that I continue to grow in the areas I feel are stronger and work to
develop those that I do not feel as confident in.
Goals and Timelines
In order to improve and develop my teaching competencies the first step is to start
my first year of teaching. I currently have a contract and am waiting to start this fall. In
order to address the issue of time management and professional development being in the
classroom and practicing this on a daily basis will help me improve. I also think that the
training and working with a mentor my first two years will assist me in my professional
development. My goal is to continue to become more effective throughout the coming two
years. I am told that teachers often gain tips and tools that help them as they go along and
use the curriculum provided. I will continue to seek professional development in this area
and ask my fellow teachers for help as needed when planning my lessons.
ASSIGNMENT 1 – TELLING MY STORY 7
References
Costantino, P., De Lorenzo, M, and Tirrell-Corbin, C. (2009). Developing a professional
teaching portfolio: A guide for success (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
