Professional Development
This page contains information relating to my growth as a professional employee.
Philosophy of Education
An African proverb states, “It takes a village to raise a child.” This proverb exemplifies my philosophy of education in that a single teacher or person cannot educate a child. In order for the child to reach his full potential, all his teachers, his parents, other family members and even his friends need to work together. Students have the capacity to learn if teachers know how to reach them in a way that keeps them interested. These children are our future; we must prepare them the best we can.
My goal as a mathematics teacher is to make the students comfortable in their mathematical ability. Math is not always a popular subject because some of the concepts can be difficult to understand which makes the subject intimidating. I do not want my students to hate math or be afraid of math because it is a part of every-day life. To figure out if one will be late to a meeting or school activity, one needs to know the distance that needs to be travelled and how much time one has. Even though there are no physical calculations, one can estimate when he or she will arrive. My objective is to incorporate as many real-life problems as I can by varying my teaching methods with projects, worksheets, quizzes and tests. If the students see that what they are learning is useful, then they will retain it for future use.
My primary role in the “village” is to teach math, but I can also help out with the marching band or spring musical because of my strong background in music. After playing the clarinet for more than ten years, I can contribute to the success of the music department. However, my mathematical ability is prevalent to my musical ability because it is my favorite subject. Math is concrete, and there are sometimes multiple ways to solve problems. I like math due to the strictness of arriving at one answer and the flexibility it has approaching a problem from more than one angle. I want to show my students that math is not as rigid and intimidating as they might think.
I can make a difference in degree of learning success by using multiple teaching methods to reach every single one of my students. All children learn differently, and in order to ensure that they all understand, I must vary my teaching style away from my comfort zone. The most important teaching strategy that I will use is the technology based strategy. Technology, such as television, cell phone, computer, and the Internet, is becoming the predominant way children are acquiring information. The students are quickly grasping how to use newer and newer technologies, so I think technology should be incorporated into some lessons. Technology will hold the attention of the students because they will be using devices with which they are familiar.
Though I may be a small piece of the “village,” but even a small missing piece from the bottom of a structure can ruin its stability. I must do my best to correctly and effectively teach every student who crosses my path. Because of my love of mathematics and my desire for every student to succeed in life, I believe I will be a reputable and productive teacher.
College Transcript
This transcript contains grades for all classes I have taken at Albright College. The current semester does not have results. However, after final grades are submitted, an up-to-date transcript will be posted. If you would like a copy of my official transcript for your records, then please e-mail me requesting it.
Praxis scores
The Praxis series is a required set of tests for everyone who is going into the teaching profession. Both my Praxis I and Praxis II test scores are in this PDF file.
Professional Evaluation
Throughout my entire student teaching experience, my college supervisor filled out observation evaluation where he commented on my progress. My cooperating teachers also commented on my progress. Some of those comments are listed below:
"Anna is progressing - getting stronger with each day."
"During the two periods I observed Ms. Przybylski, she demonstrated excellent knowledge to the material to be taught."
"Ms. Przybylski plans were well organized and her construction of the lesson followed suit."
"Liked when you used group response several times. My experience has shown that this is good technique for low/reluctant learners."
"She is doing well - students are opening up more to her."
"Knowledge of pedagogical theory and content - This will be a strength for you as you have demonstrated excellent knowledge during each of classroom observations."
"Anna is always willing to seek constructive criticism, not only from her co-operating teacher, but also from all professional staff with whom she works. This observer can alsosee from reading her journal that Ms. Przybylski is a reflective practitioner."
Certificate
After my exit interview in May, my application for my certificate (in mathematics grades 7-12) will be sent to Harrisburg. A copy of my certificate may be obtained by contacting me through e-mail.