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Master Teacher Goals are to be:
Based on "Elements of Master Teaching" by Buskist et al, I selected three goals for myself as a professional educator. These traits are important to enhancing student learning because if you show that you truly understand and love what you teach, and can communicate the lessons, along with simply CARING about the class, that is really the foundation of successful teaching.
My development as a professional educator continues to be a work-in-progress, but I am excited to share some successes!
1. Approachable and caring: I am always willing to talk with students or peers about any issue. People come first for me, and that will always be the case. When I first started teaching as an active duty servicemember, I felt almost obligated to act like a disciplined troop at all times. Though professionalism will always be important, it is critical to incorporate ideas into the classroom and pedagogy that allow students to see that you are a caring human being that they feel comfortable approaching. Since 2021, I have improved safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environments for my students, striving to challenge the status quo, champion diversity of thought, backgrounds, skillsets, and more. All students are encouraged to participate and play an active role in the equitable, fair, and creative learning environment. Everyone deserves opportunities to learn and grow, and I make it known in my classroom.
An environment like that encourages engagement. I’m a mom, and in my heart, I know these are someone’s children, and I will care for them. Body language, a smile, greetings, knowing students’ names, and asking about their lives have worked for me to build rapport and become approachable. Additionally, I share personal stories with students, providing evidence of overcoming challenges, progress through hard work, and the continuous need for improvement. This human side of an educator cannot be ignored because the realistic vulnerability of breaking down perceived barriers leads to approachability.
[USAFA Dimension of teaching excellence “learning environment”]
Artifact evidence detailed in teaching portfolio.
2. Effective and passionate communicator: An energy-filled classroom with varied activities, forms of media, and clear communication is key for learning. I use a variety of vocabulary to explain each concept. I am a linguist by trade, so I probably gained this ability through language learning and analysis. Especially in classes where I have international cadets, I speak very clearly and provide clear visuals, various multimedia, and multiple strategies of pedagogies to teach students because we all learn differently.
Though I have made progress on this goal by using clear multimedia and slides, I want to progress further; my plan for cultivating these traits is to build and maintain energy and use communication skills to impart knowledge. I need to ensure I keep up my enthusiasm and passion, even when I am tired, to ensure I host the highest levels of learning. We are a team in the classroom, so when I have an off day, the students can work on more projects, work on the board, discuss the readings, and lead many interactions. I could assign IP points for student teaching based on their reading assignments or GR review.
In 2024, I began assigning students to be "Lesson Lead" for each lesson of the course. This provides cadets an opportunity to dive deeper into the material and be the POC for topics, along with adding public speaking opportunities.
Additionally, I communicate beyond the classroom, sharing research, stories, and military strategy education with the public. By teaching passionately at conferences and participating in podcast interviews and documentaries, my lessons are communicated to the masses. My efforts also include publishing articles. Large audiences will be better informed, feel confident in our national security, and have hope for the future.
[USAFA Dimension of teaching excellence “teaching practice”]
Artifact evidence detailed in teaching portfolio.
3. Technologically competent subject matter expert: In an ever-changing world, it is critical to keep up with evolving technology and subject matter expertise. Particularly for military and strategic studies, educators must be up to date with news, conflicts, weapons, and immersive learning tools to teach the next generation of leaders. I become proficient in the technology aspects quickly and implement as much as possible into my lessons and the wargaming. I also usually fix projectors/other computer issues, build online assessments, and create slide decks for my team of 17 teachers. Additionally, I’ve created fictional media videos, news clips, images, lab how-to guides, and other artifacts to help other instructors teach the material in a realistic operational environment. The wargame occurs in the multi-domain lab, where students learn military strategy and apply course concepts on $10M equipment. I have led over 11 training sessions to teach faculty how to use and teach their cadets to use the hardware and software.
I want to become a subject matter expert in all the courses I’m assigned to teach. I feel that expertise brings confidence in the classroom that will enable me to become even more passionate and enthusiastic about the lessons, which leads to better interactions and learning. I strive to continuously learn more about my subject matter and to conduct research to develop as a teacher and expert in my field. My goals are to always improve my courses and myself as an educator.
Additionally, I selected a technology-heavy PhD program to build and hone my expertise!
[USAFA Dimension of teaching excellence “professional development”]
Artifact evidence detailed in teaching portfolio.
Copyright © 2024 Bonnie Rushing: Military Analyst - All Rights Reserved.
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