Final Journal Entry

    As I complete my internship in Educational Leadership with a focus on the supervision of curriculum and instruction, I am grateful for the  insights I’ve gained into the many responsibilities of a school leader. The experience has enhanced my understanding of curriculum alignment, assessment practices, and data-driven decision-making. I had the opportunity to participate in curriculum mapping, observe planning processes, engage in collaborative conversations about instructional improvement, and more. These experiences helped me develop a broader view of how systemic decisions impact teaching and learning across a district. It also helped me understand that there is not a "one size fits all approach" to the education of students.

    As I approach my third year of teaching, I recognize that I still have more to learn—particularly from the classroom perspective. I believe continued teaching experience will strengthen my understanding of how curriculum decisions translate into practice and will help me build credibility among my peers when I eventually transition into a supervisory role. While my internship allowed me to engage in strategic discussions and planning over the summer, I know I need more exposure to the day-to-day instructional challenges and supports that arise during the academic year. Observing this in more depth will deepen my leadership skills.

    One area I am especially eager to grow in is the use of research-based curriculum methods. While I was introduced to several frameworks and strategies during my internship, I want to develop a stronger, evidence-based foundation for evaluating and implementing instructional materials. The PDE framework emphasizes the importance of using data and research to drive curriculum decisions, and I want to ensure that I am confident in analyzing student outcomes, applying best practices, and guiding teachers through instructional decisions.

    In conclusion, this internship has solidified my interest in pursuing leadership in curriculum and instruction. It has given me a clearer sense of the strategic and collaborative nature of the role. Yet, I also recognize the importance of continued growth as a classroom teacher to more fully prepare myself for administrative responsibilities. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned while continuing to build the experience and expertise needed to become an effective leader.

Journal #4

 

      I recently attended an information session that focused on our district's PVASS data. The purpose was to review the data and better understand the trends that we are seeing. One trend that we noticed was the decline of our 4th graders. Three classes of 4th graders were in the red each year. This was very concerning. We attempted to pinpoint why we were seeing this data - whether it is curriculum, instructional, or organizational. We felt that it was a combination of a bunch of factors. Students go from 3rd grade where they have two teachers to 4th grade where they have 4. It is a transition period for them. We also feel that the 4th grade teachers might not be teaching grade level content because they feel that students are not prepared enough to grapple with the standards.

    One thing became very evident to me, which was the fact that the 4th grade teachers needed to become part of this conversation. I am certain that some teachers do not look at PVAAS, or even understand it. It is important to get the teachers together and discuss these trends. It is also vital not to sugar coat - 4th grade needs to know that they are falling behind the rest of the grade levels. I think the first step is to go over this data with the 4th grade team and then look over the eligible content. Determine what standards are being covered, how they are being covered, and to what extent. Consulting with the 5th grade teachers would also be beneficial because they can provide insight as to the skills that incoming 5th graders are missing.

Journal #3

      In addition to the curriculum auditing and substitute handbook, I have been working on an AI tool that teachers can use. One area of need within our district is writing. We would like to see better writing instruction as well as an increase of writing within other content areas. One idea that Kim and I came up with was a chart where ELA writing standards are aligned with science and social studies standards.

This is a sample chart we came up with in our discussion.

    One idea that we discussed was also providing Chat GPT prompts that teachers can use that help them come up with activities that align with the standards. As a future administrator, one of my biggest goals is to not put more on teachers' plates. I started to think about if this would be a resource that teachers would find helpful or something that would create more work. I feel that it could be asking a lot to digest the chart, then go to Chat GPT and try to locate information. I wondered how I could make this process quick, user friendly, and put as little on teachers as possible. I realized that there was a way to combine all of this into a single document.

This resource is simple to use. It takes 3 clicks and some typing. You choose your grade level, the subject, type the topic/standard, and then click the type of writing you would like to see students produce. Then, the embedded AI does the rest of the work for you. It creates an entire activity with materials, lists the alignment to PA ELA standards, as well as the learning-focused strategies that were used. 

    This one stop shop is simple to use and does not rely on teachers wasting time looking for activities/alignment to standards within the document. The AI produces all of that information for them and narrows it down to exactly what they are looking for. Teachers do not even need to leave the window to plug the information in elsewhere. It is important to keep less tech-savvy people in mind when increasing the use of technology within an organization.

Journal #2

     I have been working on a few projects since the start of my internship. One being a guide for new teachers/substitutes. As a former substitute in the building I now teach in, I felt that I was "thrown to the wolves." Never allow your future teachers to feel this way. I decided to make a guide with the most important information. This includes nurse procedures, emergency procedures, important phone numbers, PBIS information, and even classroom management tips. I think that this will also be beneficial for new teachers as well.
    I also started a PDE course on curriculum auditing. This will help me complete my own curriculum audit. My plan is to audit my own 6th grade ELA curriculum, but I would also like to step outside my comfort zone and audit curriculum that I am not familiar with. There are a lot of tools out there that are beneficial in auditing curriculum. This includes tools the evaluate equity and inclusion. This ensures that all students are represented and engaged in the curriculum. Never assume that all students are being represented. Perform an audit to determine the hidden biases.

Journal #1

     This is the first official week of my internship. I will be working closely with Mrs. Kim Groody, Director of Elementary and Secondary education at North Schuylkill School District. I have known Kim for a very long time. I first met Kim when she was my computer teacher at North Schuylkill Elementary. I have had the pleasure of witnessing her own leadership journey. After having my first triad meeting with Dr. Starmack and Mrs. Groody back in April, I have been eager to begin this experience. 

    Although my internship just started, I have already started working with Kim to learn about different aspects of her job. I have reviewed resources from the curriculum council at the IU and learned about the Flexible Instruction Day application process, which was something that came out of the COVID pandemic. I have also started working on a substitute teacher information folder. This will be a resource that substitutes can use to help learn the procedures of the building. Since many substitutes are not necessarily coming in with teaching experience, this guide will get them up to speed with classroom management procedures as well. This applies to curriculum and instruction as one of Mrs. Groody's responsibilities is new teacher induction. This guide can also be useful for new teachers in the district. I have barely started and have already learned so much. I am genuinely excited for the opportunities that this experience will offer me.

Officially approved for my internship during May's board meeting.