Teacher Identity
Contact:
224.628.3406
aeluc@butler.edu
anastasia.luc@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anastasialuc
Not Just A Teacher
Education is an opportunity for professionals to collaborate in support of the emotional, social, and academic needs of all students
Fall 2014 -- Me and one of my mentors from Butler University, Dr. Catherine Hagerman Pangan, meeting Ruby Bridges at the Indianapolis Children's Museum's Power of Children awards
Spring 2013 -- Me with two of my colleagues from Butler arriving in Reggio Emilia, Italy to begin a professional conference on the Reggio Emilia philosophy
"[Teacher Empowerment] means empowering teachers to participate in group decisions to have real decision-making roles in the school community"
-Ann Lieberman
Spring 2013 -- Me with three of my Butler colleagues, one of which is a mentor of mine at the Indianapolis Children's Museum. We had just participated in a video conference with NASA astronauts from the International Space Station. We had previously supported 2nd grade students in developing questions to bring to the conference.
When I think of what my role is as a teacher, I think about what my role entails outside of my classroom responsibilities. I think of one who is always ready to connect with children and families to ensure that I can support the emotional, social, and academic growth of all of my students. With that said, I aim to support my teaching with professional development and growth, and one of the strongest ways for me to do so is through connecting with my colleagues.
Ann Lieberman discusses the importance of Teacher Empowerment, being that "[Teacher Empowerment means empowering teachers to participate in group decisions to have real decision-making roles in the school community." I guide my instruction through what I know is right for the children who I work with each day, and when I am collaborating with my colleagues, I feel more prepared to do so. I appreciate opportunities to work with other teachers to discuss topics that influence our role in the school community. It makes me feel connected, and supported when I am able to collaborate my colleagues. Having time to connect with other teachers, time such as Professional Learning Committees (PLC's), book clubs, and leadership groups, encourages me to think deeper about my identity as a teacher. It makes me consider myself as not just a teacher, but as a integral, thoughtful, and professional component of the school community.
In multiple teaching placements, I have always been supported with a wonderful team comprised of teachers from my same grade level, and teachers from other grade levels. I am excited to continue professional growth, and I am looking forward to collaborating with a variety of professionals in the future.
Spring 2014 -- A group of my colleagues with me in Reggio Emilia, Italy during a conference on the Reggio Emilia approach
What types of Professional Development does Ms. Luc participate in with colleagues?
I always get excited when I am offered opportunities to work with colleagues. I think that teacher leadership inspires me to collaborate with ither teachers in my community, and through this rich environment I find that I grow deeper as an educator.
Recently, I participated in a course offered by a program in Indiana called STEM Teach. I participated in a course called Curriculum Mapping for Teachers of Elementary Math. Led by Dr. Ryan Flessner, a community of teachers met together during four sessions to map curriculums for teaching mathematics. These curriculums were designed in accordance of the Indiana State Standards, and focused on supporting conceptual mathematics through backwards design. On the left is a video that provides some more insight on the program. Please use the code websedge to view the video. Along with the collaborative group effort, I wrote a curriculum for Kindergarden Geometry. The curriculum map is attached below. Feel free to contact me with any questions regarding the map or the process I went through to create the curriculum.