The Teac{HERR} Way - Unit Plans

Plan. Plan. Plan. And then keep planning. 

Planning is arguably the number one key to success by all teachers nation-wide. And rightfully so! We plan our assessments, we plan our field trips, we plan our year. We also diligently plan for our units and lessons.

Typically, The Teac{HERR} Way is post where I reflect on my contextual lab experiences. This time around I am going to reflect on my first unit plan. Like normal, I'll share my Gems (the good stuff), Opps (areas where I need to work on) and my Targets (my goals for next time).

Here's some things you should know about my unit plan... 

• During my student teaching internship I will be teaching an Agriculture Biology Class
• I will be teaching a unit on Inheritance and Heredity, RNA & Protein Synthesis and Genetic Engineering.
• This is a Keystone course, which means I need to meet certain eligible content standards to prepare my students for the standardized Keystone Biology exam.
• I submitted my Genetic Engineering Unit Plan for peer and faculty feedback
• This is a two week unit (10 class sessions) for a group of 10th and 11th grade students
• My goals for this unit included...
• Students will identify ways that scientists  manipulate DNA in living cells
• Students will identify ways that genetic engineering has impacted the agricultural industry

Gems -

• Layout 
• Makes sense sequentially 
• Intriguing lessons

Opps - 

• Specify Unit Goals
• Specify Unit Rationale
• Include specifics 
• Clearer identification of AFNR Standards vs. Benchmarks
• Make sure all objectives are complete

Targets - 

• Tidy-Up!
• Much of my feedback was given in regards to some "nitty gritty" details in my template layout. I need to spend some time refining the way some of my tables are designed and/or organized to maintain clarity.
• Get Specific
• I've had a little more coaching up on the art of writing objectives since the first submission of this unit plan. I aim to be incredibly intentional in the writing of my unit rationale, unit goals and lesson objectives as I continue through the unit planning process.
• Be Purposeful
• #psuaged16 is required to include a list of "essential elements" for a unit plan. I want to be purposeful in the ways in which I fulfill those essential elements. For a specific example, I received feedback on my response to the element of "Academic Enhancement." I want to be purposeful in making sure I relay the cross-curricular connections that will (and how they will) take place in my units of instruction.

Simply put, it's evident that planning is 3/4 the fight. Diligence and intentionality in planning my unit and lesson plans will surely pay off down the road. 

Simply put, I'm thankful for a cohort and an instructional team who care enough about me and my professional well-being that they take the time to give me constructive feedback on assignments. 

Until Next Time, K. Janae