Introduction

Purpose and Objective of my Portfolio:

             Hello everyone! My name is Abner Pérez and this is my Electronic Reflective Portfolio. This blog is being developed by me in order to document and disseminate my experience during my journey as a Practice Teacher. The school I have been assigned to is the Juan Ponce de León Middle School located in Humacao, Puerto Rico. During the upcoming second semester of the school year 2014- 2015 I will formally enter the teaching profession. I am looking forward to being able to self- discover my personal teaching style and approach that will help get a glimpse of what can I expect as a future teacher. The grade and group that will aid me in my journey of discovery will be seventh grade. I will interact with them on a daily basis with the aid of my cooperating teacher hoping to create a learning environment for them, as well as me. The objective of this Reflective Portfolio is to be able to document and evidence the teaching experience I have during my tenure in the school. From class recordings, weekly reflections, and other assigned projects by my practice teaching supervisor. This blog will provide an ample array of information that feeds directly off of the principles of the Department of Education in Puerto Rico, the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao and my personal experience during my clinical practice.

Why do I want to become a teacher?

    During the end of my High School years after I had taken the College Board, the thought of selecting a profession dawned at me. I had multiple interests and aptitudes but I was not certain which path to take during my forthcoming tenure in college. I knew the decision of a profession was a huge one and that, whatever I chose, would eventually become my future job for years to come. Then one day it came to me. I remembered in my middle school years my favorite teacher told me that she felt I had the ability to become a great teacher. At the time I laughed at the comment because there was no way I would like the teaching profession, let alone dealing with students, parents and other teachers on a regular basis, I thought. My parents also gave their input and they felt I had what it took to be a teacher that would care deeply about the students that would come in contact with me. The influence my 6^th grade English teacher, the late Mrs. Iris  Lugo, the feedback from my parents and my liking of the English language, led me to firmly believe I could become great facilitator of information that will care for my students and the teaching profession. When the day came to submit my college application to the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao my mind was set, I would become an English Teacher and be a positive influence on my future students that will help them to aspire to reach for their goals, help them learn and grow as individuals. The fact that I am creating my Reflective Portfolio for my Practice Teaching means that I am one step closer to the goal of becoming the teacher that Mrs. Lugo and my parents envisioned.

My Autobiography:

   I was born on March 20 in the year 1992 in the Ryder Hospital located in Humacao Puerto Rico. For 17 years I lived in rural Yabucoa more specifically in Barrio Tejas de Yabucoa. I studied my early years in Seguna Unidad Jesús Sanabria Cruz located in the aforementioned locale. After graduating in 9^th grade I was enrolled in the private school Maita Luca Military Academy in Las Piedras. After successfully enrolling into the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao, I am very close to graduating from the English Department and obtaining my bachelor’s degree. Eventually I aspire to enter graduate studies to pursue a master’s degree with a doctorate’s degree not far from sight. My hope is to be able to teach on Puerto Rico but if anything happens I would consider teaching in the United States. On a personal basis I enjoy traveling with my family and getting the chance to explore and experience different sights and cultures. I have traveled to New York, Pennsylvania, Boston, Orlando, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Los Angeles. I love sports. I enjoy watching any sporting event on TV but it does not compare to the atmosphere of watching it live. At the age of 10 I began playing little league baseball and played the sport until I was 18. I had to stop playing the game I loved because of an arm injury I suffered during a game. In school I was very active in the different sports teams from basketball, volleyball and baseball and was able to participate in a number of events and tournaments traveling various places in the island. They were reasons that made school a better place to be in.  Among the hobbies I do are watching TV shows, reading manga and novels, watching anime and playing video games. I consider myself an introvert person but those people that know me on a personal level get a chance to see a jovial side of me. I expect this practice teaching experience help me grow as an individual while also providing me the necessary tools required to excel in my future as a professional.

   Please feel free to comment and provide constructive criticism to my blog. It will greatly help me design and create a more enjoyable and user friendly site that can be used as a reference point for future practice teachers and current teachers alike. Relish browsing through my site and accompany me through this riveting journey that will illustrate the appeal that pedagogy has had on my college and future professional life!