As I move forward in my teacher education program and into my next practicum placements, I’m focusing on strengthening the areas of my practice that have the biggest impact on student learning. These goals reflect where I am right now and where I want to grow next as an educator.
1) Design Learning That Is Engaging, Inclusive, and Meaningful
My goal is to keep developing lessons that invite students to participate actively, instead of just watching learning happen around them. I want students to see the point in what we’re doing—whether that’s through hands-on STEM challenges, connections to their interests, or learning that reflects their identities and cultures. I’m working on planning with accessibility, curiosity, and student voice at the forefront so every learner feels like they belong in the work.
2) Use Technology and Assessment Purposefully
Instead of using technology just because it’s there, I want to use it when it actually improves learning. The same goes for assessment—I want to offer multiple ways for students to show what they know so different strengths can shine. My goal is to keep developing assessment that supports growth, encourages feedback and reflection, and goes beyond traditional tests to honour the diverse ways students learn and communicate.
3) Build a Classroom Culture That Encourages Risk-Taking and Community
Students learn best when they feel safe, respected, and valued. My goal is to create learning spaces where questions are encouraged, mistakes are expected, and everyone supports each other’s growth. I want to keep developing strategies that help students navigate social situations, self-regulate, and collaborate—moving from just following rules to building real community.
4) Continue Growing Through Professional Learning
I’m committed to ongoing professional development that strengthens my teaching skills and benefits my future students. Conferences, workshops, collaboration with colleagues, and classroom experience all help me grow—and I plan to keep engaging with opportunities that make my practice stronger, more current, and more responsive to student needs.
5) Maintain High Expectations with High Support
My goal is to balance challenge and care—holding students to high expectations while also making sure they have the support they need to reach them. I want students to feel proud of their progress and confident in their abilities, even when learning is hard.
Moving Forward
These goals will keep evolving throughout my BEd program and into my first years of teaching. What won’t change is my belief that every student deserves learning that is meaningful, accessible, challenging, and engaging—and my commitment to growing as a teacher so I can provide that.
Shauna McCabe 