The Content Knowledge standard was established to require all teachers to understand the content they are teaching and how to relay the content effectively to their students. A teacher must understand central concepts, create critical thinking and engagement during instruction, and connect students’ prior knowledge to new concepts. In addition, an effective teacher knows how to connect real-world situations to classroom instructions. A teacher will increase student mastery through solid content knowledge and create a love for learning through engagement and critical thinking. Teachers who effectively relay their content knowledge can set a foundation for their students and recognize students’ strengths and weaknesses throughout their studies.
To become an effective teacher, a person must undergo years of rigorous studies at an accredited university. To receive their teaching credentials, educators must pass several high-risk state tests that check their comprehension of modern pedagogies, especially in language acquisition and mathematics.
MAT at Hollins University, BS at Radford University
I chose to study at Hollins University because this institution is known for teaching quality education, empathy, and professional development. Through Hollins University, I have learned how to create instruction using modern pedagogies while keeping the instruction student success-centered. One class that has affected my teaching philosophy was about Diverse Learners. In this class, I studied how the effects of different controllable and uncontrollable factors impact a student’s education. I realized that every learner, including myself, is a diverse learner through this class. This perspective enhanced my outlook on how to relay content to my students and how meaningful, trusting relationships with students, parents/adults, and my community can help enforce student learning.
At Radford University, I studied Art Education and Photography. During my program, I learned how to express my creativity through creating lesson plans that are project-based learning. My time at these universities has created a solid foundation for my teaching career. I am confident I can be a valuable asset to my future students’ academic journies.
Praxis
The Praxis examination series tests future educators on the content they will be creating instruction for, and teaching. This material found on the exams is broad yet detailed and sectioned into developmental levels. These tests are high-risk, and every teacher must pass a series before applying for their state license. Passing these examinations helps provide further evidence that a person is ready to have a successful career in education. These examinations will also help shield light on both strengths and weaknesses of an educator. Understanding these characteristics can help educators seek professional development opportunities to strengthen their knowledge.
Reading for Virginia Educators, RVE
The Reading for Virginia Educators, or RVE, examines an educator that measures their comprehension of assessing students, oral language and communication, reading development, and writing and research skills. These tests are sectioned into different grade levels, such as Elementary Education, Middle Education, and Higher Education. Language acquisition in the elementary grades is imperative because it is the foundation of a student’s academic journey. Therefore, teachers must have strong skills in assessing students and pedagogies in language acquisition to be effective. RVE also provides an insight into what resources can be used to enhance student mastery or discover learning difficulties.