Teachers must have a strong understanding of their preferred content area. The teacher masters the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline they teach. This standard is important in ensuring that teachers are knowledgeable in their content area and can effectively provide students with accurate, updated information in lessons.
Morning Creative Writing CirclesÂ
Most mornings during my student teaching, I would have small groups of high school students come in and discuss their creative writing. Students could share their own work with me, and I would share my creative pieces with them. I would also recommend books and poems for the students based off of their styles of writing. When the students could see my work and discuss their own work, they felt more inclined to write.
Hollins Education and English Programs
Throughout my time at Hollins, I have completed a variety of English and creative writing courses that have supported and enhanced my knowledge of the subject. I have been challenged with reading, researching, collaborating, and creating in my course work. I have gained so much knowledge from my experience at Hollins. In May, I will graduate with a Bachelor of the Arts degree in English. Below I provide a list of classes that I have completed and some of the projects I worked on in these classes.
English Literature Course Work
The Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment
In order to begin Student Teaching, I had to pass the VCLA Exam. I passed in both the reading and writing categories with a total score of 523. This exam ensures that I am qualified to teach reading and writing to my future students.
Praxis II ExamÂ
In order to obtain a license to teach in the state of Virginia, I had to pass the Praxis II Exam for English content knowledge. I passed this exam with a 171 which shows that I am understanding of the necessary content to teach English at the secondary level. Below I will break down my score reports.
I. Reading: 31 out of 41
II. Language and Vocabulary: 19 out of 28
III. Writing, Speaking, and Listening: 28 out of 41