Section Three: Teacher Candidate Artifacts
Introduction
In this section of the portfolio, I will provide artifacts I have collected over time to
show my readiness to be a certified teacher. These artifacts include lesson plans, research,
professional development and trainings that will demonstrate my abilities to teach
multiple subject areas, my dedication to continued education and training and research
topics within the field. The artifacts will also demonstrate my ability to use technology in
an educational and responsible way in the classroom. Each artifact has been connected to
the standards set forth by New York State Common Core, the International Society for
Technology in Education for Students and Teachers, the Interstate New Teacher
Assessment Support Consortium, and the New York State code of ethics for educators. It
is my hope that through the viewing of these artifacts, you, the reader, will be able to
recognize my abilities as an educator.
Artifact #1: Dignity for All Students Act Training
It is incredibly important for educators to continue with their education and
training in order to best service their students. Therefore the first artifact that I would like
to introduce to you is my certificate for DASA, or Dignity for All Students Act, training.
Why did you include this artifact?
I included this artifact for a few reasons, mainly for what this artifact is. The
Dignity for All Students Act is a vital act that protects all students from discrimination,
bullying (including cyber bullying) and harassment. Unfortunately, these issues are
increasingly prevalent in schools and it is important for educators to be aware of the
rights students have in these situations and the steps required to take action.
How does this artifact show evidence that you are prepared for a career in education?
Many times, we are the first line of defense for our students during the school
day. Through this training, I have learned the many factors that affect student behaviors
and achievements and I now have a greater understanding of how bullying and
harassment affect student accomplishment. With technology booming and children
younger and younger are being exposed to the technology, it is becoming increasingly
more difficult to keep track of and prevent bullying. After taking this training, I am now
better prepared to know what signs to look for in my students if they are the victims of
bullying or harassment and I know what steps to take within the school in cases of
bullying, harassment and/or discrimination.
What curriculum and professional standards were used?
INSTASC Standards
Standard #9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice: The teacher engages in
ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice,
particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other
professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
New York State Code of Ethics for Educators
Principle 3: Educators commit to their own learning in order to develop their practice.
Educators recognize that professional knowledge and development are the foundations of
their practice. They know their subject matter, and they understand how students learn.
Educators respect the reciprocal nature of learning between educators and students. They
engage in a variety of individual and collaborative learning experiences essential to
develop professionally and to promote student learning. They draw on and con tribute to
various forms of educational research to improve their own practice.
Principle 6: Educators advance the intellectual and ethical foundation of the learning
community. Educators recognize the obligations of the trust placed in them. They share
the responsibility for understanding what is known, pursuing further knowledge,
contributing to the generation of knowledge, and translating knowledge into
comprehensible forms. They help students understand that knowledge is often complex
and sometimes paradoxical. Educators are confidantes, mentors and advocates for their
students growth and development. As models for youth and the public, they embody
intellectual honesty, diplomacy, tact and fairness.
Artifact #2: Cyber Safety Prezi
Children are being exposed to and using technology more and more, and with the
increase in the amount of children online, the opportunity for danger increases as well. It
is for that reason that I created a cyber safety presentation for students and their parents
that outlines the cyber 5, the 5 rules to cyber safety and being a digital citizen.
Why did you include this artifact?
I am including this artifact because I am truly passionate about educating my
students and their families about cyber safety. The cyber 5 is a set of rules that is intended
to keep children safe while using technology, however, they are rules that we as adults
should follow as well. The 5 rules of cyber safety are do not tell your name or age, keep
your password a secret, do not talk to strangers, only visit safe sites, and speak up if you
see something.
How does this artifact show evidence that you are prepared for a career in education?
This artifact shows that I can create and deliver a presentation to educate families
and students about important issues that affect not only our lives at school but at home as
well. This artifact also shows that I am proficient in different types of technology and can
use them effectively. I believe this artifact also demonstrates my ability to educate others
on social issues that affect us in all aspects of life. A true educator not only educates
students in school, but also reaches out to educate the community.
What curriculum and professional standards were used?
ISTE Standards For Students
Standard 2 Digital Citizen: Students recognize the rights, responsibilities and
opportunities of living, learning and working in an interconnected digital world, and they
act and model in ways that are safe, legal and ethical.
ISTE Standards For Educators
Standard 4 Collaboration: Educators dedicate time to collaborate with both colleagues
and students to improve practice, discover and share resources and ideas, and solve
problems.
Artifact #3: SMART Notebook Training Certificate
With the growing use of technology in schools, it is incredibly important for
educators to ensure that they themselves are well versed in as many technological devices
and programs as feasible. It is particularly important for pre-service educators to
familiarize themselves with education-related technology because we dont know what
we will encounter at a school. It is for that reason that I completed a training in using
SMART Notebook for SMART board.
Why did you include this artifact?
I am including this artifact for several reasons. Knowing how to use SMART
technology is a huge resume booster for pre service teachers. More and more schools are
now moving towards this kind of technology for the classroom. Being able to say, and
ultimately prove, that I have been officially trained in using this technology is a big plus.
How does this artifact show evidence that you are prepared for a career in education?
This artifact shows my dedication to the growth of education. With technology
growing in popularity, taking the time to learn how to use the technology in a responsible
way to better the education of students. This artifact is also a representation of my ability
to collaborate with colleagues and build the school community. With the training, I can
assist and teach my colleagues how to use this technology and share presentations with
teammates.
What curriculum and professional standards were used?
InTASC Standards
Standard #9 Professional Learning and Ethical Practice: The teacher engages in
ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice,
particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other
professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
New York State Code of Ethics for Educators
Principle 3: Educators commit to their own learning in order to develop their practice.
Educators recognize that professional knowledge and development are the foundations of
their practice. They know their subject matter, and they understand how students learn.
Educators respect the reciprocal nature of learning between educators and students. They
engage in a variety of individual and collaborative learning experiences essential to
develop professionally and to promote student learning. They draw on and con tribute to
various forms of educational research to improve their own practice.
ISTE Standards for Educators
Standard 1 Learner: Educators continually improve their practice by learning from and
with others and exploring proven and promising practices that leverage technology to
improve student learning
1c: Educators stay current with the research that supports improved student learning
outcomes, including findings from the learning sciences.