As an educator, it is important to understand the content you are teaching and the reasons behind how you are teaching. Teachers should know key concepts, ways of questioning that material, and the structure of the discipline being taught. By having immense content knowledge, teachers become more qualified educators who create both engaging and meaningful lessons that guide their students towards mastery. I developed my content knowledge through completion of higher education programs, licensure tests, and continued professional development programs.
I demonstrate the content knowledge standard through my studies at Hollins University with a double major in English and Psychology. My undergraduate study of psychology focused on the inner-workings and behavioral differences of the mind that would affect how students interact, receive material, and respond to feedback. My graduate studies in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program focused on pedagogical knowledge. The two programs combined have helped me better understand effective teaching practices.
Content knowledge can be demonstrated through passing licensure exams. I have received passing scores on the Praxis 1, Praxis II, Roanoke Virginia Educators (RVE) exam, and the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA). All exams were created to ensure Virginia educators are qualified to teach their hired content area.
The third way that I have tried to further development my content knowledge is by seeking out as many professional growth opportunities as possible. Best practices are continually shifting as research and children’s needs are changing. For this reason, it is important for teachers to constantly seek out as many professional development opportunities as possible. One of the ways I did this as a student teacher was by attending the BRCTM fall conference focused on sharing math resources, lesson ideas, and engagement tips.
