Candidates are proficient in the knowledge, dispositions, and skills needed for effective teaching; effective teaching results in successful student learning.

The candidate recognizes cultural differences when effectively communicating through verbal, nonverbal, and media techniques with students, families, other educators, and the community.

I demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge, dispositions, and skills needed for effective teaching by communicating effectively and sensitively with stakeholders through the use of the MAK Messenger newsletter, and soliciting involvement from parents via a parent-involvement form that was sent to all 9^th grade parents. Joshi, Eberly, and Konzal (2005) make the point that not only is parent-teacher communication critical to student success, but that in the diverse classroom, communication with parents is doubly important. This is because that communication provides the necessary insight into the cultures, values, beliefs, and practices that students may exhibit in the classroom and be experiencing at home.

By ensuring that students receive a copy of the MAK Messenger every Friday, I am facilitating the parent-school communication link. Parents here rely on this newsletter for critical information, as well as to learn of community-building opportunities. In the classroom, I am continuing to grow in the area of recognizing the importance of parental involvement in children’s learning, and the dual opportunity to integrate local cultural knowledge.

This exhibit was verified by Jim Multra, 8th Grade Humanities Instructor at MAK.

Replace this text with a description of any hard evidence, meaning data, that can show your P-12 students improved their learning as a result of this activity (consult help for more details)