This semester plan shows my broad knowledge base, according to standard six, because it shows that I am able to teach various types of skills in the language arts curriculum. First, it shows that I have planned the units based on the needs of my students and based on my knowledge and strengths.

Second, it shows that I have a good idea of what needs to be covered, and am capable to find the resources and execute lessons based on that knowledge to teach my students. Through the choices of what I have put in this semester plan, I have shown that I am able to convey values, beliefs, and knowledge of our democratic society, especially through the teachings in The Outsiders. This artifact also shows that I have the ability to use a variety of teaching strategies, which is required in teaching according to many methodologies of teaching. The organization of this unit shows scaffolding and remains within the zone of proximal development according to Vygotskian theory.

Third, it shows that if I do not have the knowledge base, I am willing to collaborate with coworkers and peers in order to gain that knowledge base and have the ability to teach whatever I am required to teach. Collaboration of teachers is very popular in the recent teaching trends. This semester plan shows that I am willing to collaborate with other teachers to consistently teach all students across the curriculum.

This unit plan shows my adherence to standard six in several ways. First, the unit is based on cross-curricular understanding, with emphasis on First Nations studies and history. This unit shows that, although one cannot teach in a vacuum and include only Canadian content, it is important to show the connections between other cultures and Canadian context. This unit plan also shows the connection between Caucasian Canadian content and Aboriginal Canadian content. It shows that I am willing and able to create an inclusive classroom and teach the culture and history of First Nations students in the classroom, and also the importance of understanding struggle in a global context.

Second, it shows that although I do not have a degree in History or Social Studies, I still have a knowledge base of how cross-curricular planning is done. Students learn better when they can make connections to other subject areas and their lives. This unit plan shows that I can connect the learning of a different time period, specifically Shakespeare’s times, to the learning of today and make it applicable to the students’ lives. It shows that I have a knowledge base of how the concept of history can be tied to more current events so that students can benefit from my knowledge base.

Thirdly, the curriculum I have created in this unit plan is linked to the Prescribed Learning Outcomes, showing that I have a grasp of how curriculum is affected by learning outcomes and how learning can be manipulated to meet learning outcomes while still remaining interesting to students. It was also created for a Christian semi-private school, therefore meeting the needs of those students, but not necessarily of all students.  

This artifact shows that I adhere to this standard in several ways. First, it proves that I am fluent in the English language. It shows that I can effectively communicate in English with my students, their parents, and my colleagues.  The highlights on the transcript show my adherence to the relevant Canadian curriculum and context with the course on Canadian literature, but also how to compare it to a global context, and how to compare how Canadian curriculum are different than the American context. The transcripts also show that I have a knowledge base of British literature, and can show how we have changed since the influences of the British literature, but also how we have stayed the same.

Furthermore, it shows that I have a broad knowledge base in the English language from the foundations to the American and Canadian context of modern language. This shows that I have the understanding and knowledge base to communicate with a variety of English-speakers and have the ability to comprehend which is different and which is more valuable in a British Columbian classroom.

In addition, it shows that I have a minor degree in Political Science. This allows me to have a strong base of knowledge of our democratic society, including the beliefs and values that are fundamental to our society. It also shows that I have a knowledge base in the various theories of justice. This will come in handy when I am assigned to teach various other courses that do not fit into the English Language Arts area of subjects, such as Social Studies, History, and Law.