Characteristic number eight is the belief that the novice teacher should be a reflective practitioner. Throughout my experience in the Benedum Collaborative program at West Virginia University, I have used several modes of reflection. Although I regularly reflect on my lesson plans, my most helpful and perhaps most connected to 21st century learning would be the use of our online blogs. Although these postings are not made very often, as a whole they show great improvements I have made as a teacher. As I look back now, I am able to answer some of the questions I once had and keep track of my growth as a pre-service teacher.
Characteristic number ten is the belief that the novice teacher should be liberally educated. In one of my curriculum and instruction courses we were required to write a philosophy of literature instruction. There were certain criteria to be met, but mostly we discussed various strategies that we would use and ways in which we feel literature should be taught. In this particular piece, I discuss my ideas for promoting diversity and encouraging technology use with literature. I also mention that each class should be personalized to fit the students' interests, as opposed to what the teacher is most comfortable with.
