Leah Newton

Professional Growth Plan

GOAL 1: Strengthen literacy-based strategies in the classroom. Sub-goal 1: Strengthen knowledge of literacy-based strategies.
Strategy 1.1 Study resources by Fountas & Pinnell. Strategy 1.2 Observe another teacher during my prep period who uses a variety of research-based strategies for literacy instruction. Keep up-to-date with changing approaches to literacy instruction through online research and networking. Attend professional development sessions centered around literacy instruction. August October

Strategy 1.3

Ongoing

Strategy 1.4

Ongoing

Measures: I will present my findings at a professional development seminar or in a team-meeting at my school.

Sub-goal 2: Strengthen implementation of literacy-based strategies.

September Strategy 2.1 Create binders that include year-long sequences of lessons and activities for a variety of guided reading levels. Implement these differentiated lessons and activities during Reading Workshop and Word Study. Integrate vocabulary instruction into daily lessons and consistently use the classroom Word Wall. OctoberJuly Ongoing Strategy 2.3

Strategy 2.2

Measures: I will develop a portfolio including the literacy-based strategies that I have implemented throughout the year.

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GOAL 2: Build ties with students as well as their families and communities Sub-goal 1: Support students at a variety of extra-curricular activities.
Strategy 1.1 Attend fall sports such as: cross country, double dutch, football, soccer, golf, softball, swimming, tennis, volleyball. Attend winter sports such as: basketball, bowling, cheer, swimming, and wrestling. Attend spring sports such as: baseball, softball, golf, tennis, track, and volleyball. Assist in at least one non-athletic extra-curricular activity such as Yearbook or Newspaper. Share increased knowledge of the students by discussing these events during the Morning Meeting and by integrating knowledge of these events into lesson plans. August November NovemberFebruary February June Ongoing Ongoing

Strategy 1. 2 Strategy 1.3 Strategy 1.4 Strategy 1.5

Measures: I will track my participation in extra-curricular activities using an Excel chart and will use this tracking device to ensure that I have attended at least two extra-curricular events per month. I will also include information about these activities into my daily-double plans at least twice per month.

Sub-goal 2: Form relationships with families and community partners.

Strategy 2.1 Take a community walk at my assigned turnaround academy; if possible, work with other teachers to distribute back-to-school flyers to families around the community. Volunteer at a local youth center. Use newsletters (hardcopy as well as online) to communicate with families, providing updates about classroom news and student achievement. Provide ways for parents to easily communicate back whether via email, telephone, or an online board. Create a list of community resources such as the address/phone number of the local library, fire department, etc., and community members who would be willing to speak in class. Use the resources by taking field trips or by inviting local professionals to share with students in class. August

Strategy 2.2 Strategy 2.3

Sept November Ongoing

Strategy 2.4

December - June

Measures: I will post photos that feature students, their families, and their communities around the classroom, showcasing not only my knowledge of these areas, but the accomplishments of the students, families, and communities themselves.

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