1. EDUC 250:
Topic #1:
Purpose and
Identity
““The quality of learning rarely exceeds the quality of
teaching”
Dr. David Sousa
Learning How to Teach

3. Are you ready to be a
teacher?

5. A lot to know…

6. KSA “K”
What do you want to learn this year?
How do you learn to teach?

7. Pre-assessment: Rate Yourself
My Pre-assessment of the
Knowledge, Skills and Attributes of Quality Teaching
Undeveloped
Developing
Proficient
Distinguished
KSA #1: I understand the legislated, moral, and ethical framework within
teaching in Alberta
KSA #2: I can engage in a range of different planning activities
KSA#3: I understand the subject disciplines that I would like to teach
KSA #4: I know there are many approaches to teaching and learning
KSA #5: “My application of pedagogical knowledge and abilities is
based on an on-going analysis of what is happening with students.”
KSA #6: I can create and maintain environments that are conducive to
student learning.
KSA#7: I can translate curriculum content and objectives into
meaningful learning activities.
KSA #8: I can gather information to determine the needs and progress of
the students
KSA #9: I can apply a variety of technologies to meet students' learning
needs.
KSA #10: I can engage in partnerships among school, home and
community
KSA#11: I am a life-long learner

8. Determine your goals
• Step 1: Pre-assess your KSAs
• Step 2: Identify several key goals
for this term that will help you
“become a teacher”.
• Step 3: Download a Professional
Growth Plan Template from the ATA
website
• Step 4: Think of resources, timelines,
targets, etc.
• Step 5: Put it into place and Learn

9. Learning How to Teach
Volunteering
Presentations
Observations
Microteaching
Simulations
Teacher Videos
Reflections
PD Sessions

10. Teacher Tips/
Thoughts about Teaching
I am a Gardener

11. I am a gardener.
I stand at the edge of the fertile soil
Which lies fallow and empty in parts
But tomorrow seed packages will open
and my job of planting will start.
First step is preparation
For I desire a very fine yield
I’ll till the ground, and ready my tools
and timetable my work in the field.

12. How should I arrange my plants this year?
The traditional rows work well
Current almanacs suggest groupings
in planter boxes, inclusive for all.
As always I’ll check my resources
and read the instructions to grow
Consult with gardeners of past years
for advice to nurture my rows.

13. Of course there are budgeting matters
Gardening costs have risen a bit
Consultations with gardening superiors
Will give direction and plenty of.......manure.
Seeds, trowels, hoes, fertilizers:
My equipment is all in place
Tonight I must find time to rest
For gardeners work a hectic pace.

14. Rise and shine, bustle about
Go through all those mental rounds
Open packages, get those seeds in their rows
Oops, some confusion abounds.
That first day of planting is challenging
All those tiny and delicate seeds
Each has different requirements:
Sun, water, shade - these are their needs.

15. The next few weeks are very exciting
As you witness the first hints of life.
Time to assess situations
Transplanting, thinning, more light.
It doesn’t matter if they’re tiny or large
All plants deserve needed attention
I’ll prune each one so they’ll do their best
And are worthy of some recognition.

16. The first report is out and things look good
The garden is progressing along
Some weeds of course need displacing
For in this garden, they just don’t belong.
Some experts say to use chemicals
To clean the garden of pests.
Others say all specimens can blossom
With gentle kindness rather than tests.

17. Sometimes not all plants will make it
late Spring, hot sun, too much rain
I will have to evaluate each situation
and with some start all over again.
Each year has its perennial problems
Which are filled with a great deal of strife.
Other times I feel like an expert in my field,
and this job is the best in my life.

18. But for now the harvest is upon us
and a sense of panic abounds.
A chilling frost is near us.
We must take the fruit from the ground.
I will pick some samples for testing
to ensure a high quality
But visitors will evaluate my produce
assessed solely on high quantity.

19. I am proud of my garden creations:
the flowers, the fragrance, the fruit.
The seeds through my teaching have germinated
and in watching, I’ve seen them take root.
I am a gardener
I have seen many plants mature and grow.
This job is taxing, but oh so rewarding
I look forward to more seeds to sow.