Teaching practice plays a critical role in teacher preparation. Critically reflect on your Teaching practice session by discussing five professional practices learned from your mentor teacher

Reflecting on my teaching practice session, I gained valuable insights from my mentor teacher that have significantly shaped my understanding of effective teaching strategies. Here are five professional practices learned during this experience:

### 1. **Building Rapport with Students**
One of the most impactful lessons learned was the importance of establishing a strong rapport with students. My mentor consistently engaged with students on a personal level, showing genuine interest in their lives and experiences. This practice not only created a positive classroom environment but also fostered trust and openness. Observing this, I recognized that when students feel valued and respected, they are more likely to participate actively and take risks in their learning.

### 2. **Differentiated Instruction**
Another vital practice was the application of differentiated instruction. My mentor adeptly tailored lessons to meet the diverse needs of students by offering various activities and assessments. This included providing additional support for struggling learners while also offering enrichment opportunities for advanced students. Through this approach, I learned the significance of recognizing individual learning styles and the necessity of adapting teaching methods to ensure all students can engage meaningfully with the material.

### 3. **Use of Formative Assessment**
My mentor effectively integrated formative assessments into daily lessons to gauge student understanding and inform instruction. Techniques such as exit tickets, peer feedback, and quick reflections were frequently employed. I observed how this practice not only provided immediate feedback for students but also allowed my mentor to adjust her teaching on the fly. This emphasis on ongoing assessment reinforced the idea that learning is a continuous process, and adaptation is key to meeting student needs.

### 4. **Classroom Management Strategies**
Effective classroom management was another area where I learned from my mentor. She implemented clear expectations and consistent routines that helped create a structured environment conducive to learning. By modeling appropriate behavior and addressing disruptions calmly and fairly, she maintained student engagement while promoting mutual respect. This experience taught me the importance of setting clear guidelines and being proactive in managing classroom dynamics to create a positive learning atmosphere.

### 5. **Reflective Practice**
Finally, I observed the significance of reflective practice in my mentor’s professional routine. After each lesson, she would take time to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. She often sought feedback from students to understand their perspectives. This commitment to self-evaluation not only enhanced her teaching but also modeled for students the value of reflection in their learning journeys. I realized how integral reflection is to growth, encouraging me to adopt similar habits in my practice.

### Conclusion
Overall, my teaching practice session provided a rich opportunity to observe and learn from my mentor’s expertise. The professional practices of building rapport, differentiated instruction, formative assessment, classroom management, and reflective practice are foundational elements I intend to incorporate into my teaching philosophy. These experiences reinforced the belief that effective teaching not only involves imparting knowledge but also nurturing a supportive and adaptive learning environment.