During my pre-service teaching experience, I have been introduced to a diverse range of inspiring, and challenging ideas and theories surrounding the Teaching profession. My undergraduate studies at The University of Southern Queensland have prepared me to be an informed, deliberate, critical and empathetic teacher. Pre-service teaching experience has allowed me to observe and converse with numerous teachers and gain ideas and strategies for teaching, learning and effective classroom management. Throughout this time I have had the opportunity to foster positive relationships with colleagues, students, and members of the community.

As an educator in the digital age, I must recognise that Information Communication Technology (ICT) is intrinsic to my teaching practice. The rapid development of ICT has had a major impact on traditional roles and ideas surrounding teaching and learning. Within the space of ten years, digital technology has introduced changes in the classroom such as Interactive Whiteboards, iPads and laptops. This ever-evolving technology will play a core role in the student’s education, their day-to-day lives, and eventually their careers. Accordingly students need to become competent and confident in the safe and effective use of ICT. It is for that reason I strongly believe that ICT plays a fundamental role in engaging our students with the Australian Curriculum.

I will engender the safe, responsible and ethical use of ICT in learning and teaching. Throughout my pre-service teaching experience, I have recognised the potential risks faced by students online such as cyber bullying, identity theft, unwanted contact, and exposure to offensive content. I have furthered my understanding of the relevant issues and strategies of cyber safety through an Internet Safety Awareness Presentation. From this, I have acquired a repertoire of skills and strategies to avoid the risks confronting children online. In a world where we can access infinite amounts of knowledge via ICT, students are now being asked to create their own education, rather than just receive one. If facilitated correctly and safely, I believe that ICT can assist teachers to inspire students to be life-long learners.

During my practicum experiences, I have adopted a teaching approach that attempts to maximize a student’s academic growth through instructional design and delivery procedures. I believe Explicit Instruction is paramount to scaffold student learning. As a future educator, I plan to focus on the critical content such as skills, strategies, vocabulary terms, concepts and rules that will empower students in the future. I will guide students through learning processes with clear statements about the purpose and rationale for learning new skills. Finally, I will provide student’s with supported practice and feedback until independent mastery as been achieved.

Throughout my experience as a pre-service educator, I have developed a multifaceted set of skills that have provided me with the insight and knowledge that I can build from as a Primary School teacher. I have shown commitment to, and understanding of, the Queensland College of Teachers Professional Standards. I have designed academically challenging, engaging lessons that value diversity. However, I am committed to developing the whole student, not just the academic pursuits. I am able to foster safe learning environments and I am committed to reflective practices and continuing my own learning to improve my craft. My abilities as a teacher will grow as I build on these standards.

My future classroom will be a safe place where students are recognised by their unique qualities. I will foster resilient learners with skills to enable them to adapt and transform, and to overcome risk and adversity. I will provide my students with the skills to surmount obstacles and acquire a tolerance for mistakes, to inspire them to engage in their education with confidence, energy and persistence. I will continue to create explicit learning experiences that will engage students, require them to think critically and creatively while implementing high standards and expectations for learning.