BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL
Throughout my early childhood education journey, I have been lucky enough to have several fantastic mentors who guided me, gave me inspiration for what a great teacher looks like, and supported me through the learning process. I am extremely grateful for all that I have learned from my mentor teachers and will continue to learn and grow as a teacher myself. Looking at the NAEYC standards, I feel more competent in using content knowledge to create meaningful curriculum. This section highlights some of this journey of becoming an early childhood development professional, including my professional timeline, insights from mentor teachers, and skills.
Evaluation and Highlights
Looking at my evaluations from this semester, and reflecting on my progress, I am still building on my skills as a teacher, but I feel more confident.
Referencing my initial and final self-evaluations, as well as my initial and final mentor teacher evaluations, I can see the progress I have made this semester in the classroom as a student teacher. In my initial self-assessment, I rated myself as 'developing' on NAEYC Teaching Standard 2 (Building Family and Community Relationships), and 'developing' on NAEYC Teaching Standard 4 (Teaching and Learning). However, I feel I have made progress in these areas, and now rate myself as 'building', as I have strengthened my relationships with families, and have more knowledge on conducting developmentally appropriate activities.
2022 - 2023
Student Teacher- Columbia Child Development Center
Toddler Classroom
Monitored the activities and safety of twelve toddler-aged children, including
assessments and the creation of developmentally appropriate curriculum. Communicated with staff and families effectively to help create an enriching and warm classroom environment.
2021 - 2022
Food Service Worker- Lakeside Cafe
Meal Prep and Customer Service
Communicated clearly with customers and management and prepared meals for the child care food program.
Experience
2021 - 2023
Columbia College
Graduation With Distinction
Education
Associate Degree Social and Behavioral Sciences
AST Child Development
Child Development Assistant
Permit
Child Infant and Adult First Aid
and CPR Certificate
Food Handler Certificate
Mandated Reporter Certificate
Awards and Certificates
Fluent in ASL and English
Problem-solving
Basic knowledge of child development
Desired Results Developmental Profile assessments
Creative Curriculum
Group coordination and leadership
Skills

"(Katie's) open-ended questions are age appropriate and lead to more curiosity."
-Lily McMurray, Lead Infant Teacher
"The children have clearly formed relationships with (Katie) and know they can trust (her)."
-Adrienne Seegers, Professor
"She is an effective worker when it comes to time management and staying busy as well on task."
-Lily McMurray, Lead Infant Teacher
"(Katie) is clearly very aware of the whole classroom, and how (she) can support the teacher team."
-Adrienne Seegers, Professor
"She is an effective worker when it comes to time management and staying busy as well on task."
-Lily McMurray, Lead Infant Teacher
Here are some highlights from my mentors: