1	Professional Portfolio Shawn M. Roberts
2	Professional Portfolio Shawn M. Roberts Thank you for taking the time to review my professional portfolio. In my career, I have spent much time developing the contents of this portfolio, as well as my skills as a music educator. My experiences have given me the opportunity to not only be a music teacher, but one who goes beyond the call of duty to offer the best music education to my students. Since I began teaching in the spring of 2007, I have worked hard to become the music educator I am today. I am always looking for new techniques to teach my lessons, sometimes resulting in success and other times not in success. However, because I am critical of myself and open to the feedback
3	Table of Contents
4	II. Professional Information Personal Teaching Philosophy Professional Bio Resume References Diplomas and Licenses
5	References Sue Waxman, Principal Saunders Elementary School (757) 591-4781 sue.waxman@nn.k12.va.us Marilyn Garhart, Teacher Saunders Elementary School (757) 591-4781 ext. 54125 marilyn.garhart@nn.k12.va.us Nancy Rose, Art Teacher Saunders Elementary School (757) 591-4781 ext. 54685 nancy.rose@nn.k12.va.us
6	Diplomas and Licenses High School Diploma Indian River High School, Chesapeake, VA Advanced Diploma Diploma – Bachelor’s Degree Old Dominion University Bachelor of Music Education, Instrumental, K-12 Teacher’s License Collegiate Professional License (Virginia) Music, Instrumental K-12
7	III. Description of Music Program Grade Level Performances Beethoven for Boys Morning News Show Mentoring Program 4^th and 5^th Grade Theatre Company General Music Classes, K-5 4^th and 5^th Grade Chorus Program Technical Staff Leadership Circle
8	Description of the Saunders Elementary School Music Program The Saunders Elementary School Music Program is a unique music program that has developed the thinking of students, parents and administrators in the City of Newport News. Over the several years, I have worked hard to develop the music program into a model program for other schools. As I indicated in my Philosophy of Music Education, music teachers should not only teach music, but rather also use music to motivate students to be the best individuals they can be. This is evident in the day to day operation of the program. General Music Classes, Grades K-5 Every student at Saunders Elementary School receives music class at least one time each week for forty minutes (thirty minutes for kindergarten). In music class, students not only learn how to sing and play instruments, but rather a comprehensive music education including all of the core musical concepts. When students leave the fifth grade to go into middle school, they are able to do so with a musical knowledge that will allow them to learn a musical instrument in band, orchestra or chorus. Middle school music teachers have acknowledged that students from Saunders are more advanced coming into their classrooms which makes it easier for them to learn a new instrument. 4^th and 5^th Grade Chorus Program Our ninety student fourth and fifth grade chorus program is the premiere performing ensemble for Saunders Elementary School. All students in the chorus program must complete an audition and be accepted into the chorus program. Because we only rehearse once, every other week for forty-five minutes, students must be well disciplined in practice time and behavior. Students are expected to practice twenty to thirty
9	Description of the Saunders Elementary School Music Program minutes a day, five days a week. Students are given sheet music and a practice CD to prepare for each rehearsal and must have their music memorized upon arrival to the rehearsal. As a result of the disciplined practice and behavior techniques used in our chorus program, students are able to perform six to eight concerts each school year of the highest quality for their age level. Chorus Program Technical Staff Students who are not in either of the chorus ensembles are given the opportunity to participate through membership on the Technical Staff. The Chorus Program Technical Staff includes students, teachers and adult volunteers who help to make our Chorus Performances as successful as they are. Positions on the Technical Staff include: Greeters (students), Ushers (students), Stage Crew (students), Lighting Technician (student), Camera Operator (student), PowerPoint/Media Operator (student), Sound Technician (adult volunteer), and Adult Advisors (Teacher/Volunteer) to all of the student positions. We try to involve as many students as possible in our Chorus Program and those students who are either not ready to be in Chorus or want to try their hand at something different are given the opportunity through the Technical Staff. Leadership Circle (2008-2009 School Year Only) The Leadership Circle is made up of twelve fourth and fifth grade students who are members of either the Chorus Program or the Technical Staff. Students gain membership to the Leadership Circle by gaining authorization from their classroom teacher and interviewing for a position. Students on the Leadership Circle are expected to assist with leading the other students in many ways (leading by example during chorus rehearsals, taking a leadership role in performances,
10	Description of the Saunders Elementary School Music Program leading students in younger grade levels during grade level performances, etc…). Students who are a part of the Leadership Circle must maintain all report card grades above a D and may not have any discipline referrals throughout the school year. Grade Level Performances Students in Grades K-3 also participate in performances throughout their time at Saunders Elementary School. Students in these grade levels prepare for music class by practicing music on their own, in their regular classroom and through rehearsals during music class time. Students are required to meet high performance standards during their concert. These high standards are set from the beginning of the school year and are maintained during each music class. In other words, standards are not lowered just because a student is in a lower grade level. My philosophy is that all students should be given the same opportunities to experience a high quality concert. Beethoven for Boys (2007-2008 School Year Only) Beethoven for Boys is a mentoring club offered to boys who are experiencing hardships in their elementary school education. Boys in third, fourth and fifth grade participate in this group for four thirty minute sessions where they learn about Beethoven’s life. They can then compare and contrast their own lives to that of Beethoven’s. Each session includes information about Beethoven, why it is important to do good in school and in their daily lives. This leads to student discussion about each important concept. Then, all students are given an activity to complete on their own or in a group. The final session is set aside to discuss each student’s
11	Description of the Saunders Elementary School Music Program progress (individually with the student) and how they are going to improve their situation in school and at home. Morning News Show The WSES Morning News Show is produced by both the Media (Library) Program as well as the Music Program at Saunders Elementary School. The Media Specialist and I work hand in hand to produce a quality news show every morning throughout the school year. Students audition for positions as News Anchors or Camera Operators. Students who are accepted as News Anchors also take turns working as Brain Gym Leaders. As well, Camera Operators take turns working as Teleprompters. All students take turns working as the Director throughout the school year. In addition to our News Team, we also enlist a Non-News Team student to be the Behavior Specialist for the entire school year. The Morning News Show is directed and operated solely by students. Students are given proper training with experienced new team students before they are expected to work on their own. News Team Students are required to maintain all grades above a D and are allowed no discipline referrals throughout the school year. Our News Team Students are role models to all students in the school and must act as role models throughout the school year.
12	Description of the Saunders Elementary School Music Program Mentoring Program In addition to all of the music specific programs in the school, I also work with fifteen to twenty students throughout the school year in an informal mentoring program. Throughout the school year, students who are in need of help and motivation to maintain proper behavior and grades are referred to me by classroom teachers. When students are referred to me for mentoring, I work with them individually by discussing how they are going to make their situation better. I make a plan and set goals with the student and check up each week with them to see how they are doing. Although we have not formally assessed my rate of success with these students, almost all of my mentee students achieve their goals. When a student has achieved most of their goals, I start to slowly decrease the amount of time I spend on mentoring that student so that they can “begin to mentor themselves.” This will help them to figure out what they have to do to remain successful on their own without a mentor. As well, this gives me the time to begin mentoring another student. This informal program allows for students to have a positive male influence, as well as the opportunity to better their behavior and grades to meet the high standards we place on our students every day.
13	Description of the Saunders Elementary School Music Program Theatre Company The Saunders Elementary School Theatre Company was created to further enhance our students musical experiences by offering them a professional theatrical setting. Our theatre company students are treated as, and expected to act as professional actors. Students begin their experience with the theatre company by auditioning for a role in the upcoming production. Students are required to perform a piece of music and a short script from memory. Students who have a successful audition are then called back for a specific role. After the second call-back audition, students are either accepted or declined a role in the production. During a production, our theatre students rehearsal between three and ten hours a week, after school, to prepare for the musical. Students are given deadlines to meet for memorization of music and script as well as deadlines for choreography. During production week, student participate in a technical rehearsal, a dress rehearsal, and up to four performances. Crew Members are selected, after an application and interview process, to help enhance the performance. Like the Chorus Program Technical Staff, Crew Members work in non-performing roles to assist in the execution of the performance. Overall, the Cast and Crew Consist of approximately 90 students. The Saunders Elementary School Theatre Company is a self-funded company, raising over $10,000 in 2009-2010 and $16,000 in 2010-2011.
14	IV. In the Classroom – Artifacts Unit Plans Rhythm and Steady Beat – 1^st Grade How the Orchestra Grew! – 4^th and 5^th Grade (with student work) Student Work Pictures Video Student Samples
15	Unit Plan Artifacts Lesson Plans (ctd.) #3. Historical Perspective Presentations #1. PowerPoint – Lesson #1 [PPT] [PDF] #2. Smart Board – Lesson #2 [NOTEBOOK] [PDF] #3. PowerPoint – Lesson #2 [PPT] [PDF] #4. Jeopardy Review Game Student Work Lesson #1 Notes Sample Lesson #2 Worksheet [Blank] [Sample 1] [Sample 2] Lesson #3 Notes Sample Test [Blank] [Sample 1] [Sample 2] Rhythm and Steady Beat – Description Lesson Plans #1. Introduction and Steady Beat #2. Rhythm #3. Reading and Counting Rhythm PowerPoint Presentation [PPT] [PDF] How the Orchestra Grew! – Description Lesson Plans #1. Introduction and How the Orchestra Grew #2. How and Why the Orchestra Grew
16	Student Work Artifacts Student Work - Description Beginning of Year Questionnaire [Sample 1] [Sample 2] (5^th Grade) Reflection Picture on “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” by Dukas and “Harry Potter” by Williams (Kindergarten) Reflection Picture on “Fantasmic!” (4^th Grade) Fast vs. Slow Drawing (1^st Grade) Rhythm Exercise (2^nd Grade) Pictures - Description Stand by Me Performances (5^th Grade) 4^th Grade Auditions (3^rd Grade) Video - Description Get on Board Lesson (Kindergarten)
17	V. Beyond the Classroom – Artifacts Chorus Program Artifacts Chorus Technical Staff Performance Artifacts – Chorus / Grade Level Performances Light the Candles All Around the World Concert Video Excerpts Theatre Company Artifacts Seussical Jr. Willy Wonka Jr. Other Artifacts Morning News Show SOL Pep Rally
18	Chorus Program Artifacts Chorus – Description Audition Worksheet [Blank] [Sample 1] [Sample 2] Welcome Letter Chorus Handbook and Membership Agreement Form Newsletter Sample (October, 2008) End of Year Certificate Technical Staff - Description Application and Questionnaire Welcome Letter Handbook
19	Performance Artifacts Concert Video Excerpts – Description “Reflections on the Visual and Performing Arts” Chorus, “Music and Art Extravaganza,” March, 2008 “American Tears” Chorus, “A New Day,” May, 2008 “I Have a Dream” and “Look to the Future” Grades 2/3, “A Bundle of Inspiration,” January, 2009 Light the Candles All Around the World – Description Concert Timeline Flyer Sequence and Narration (Script) Concert Video
20	Other Artifacts Beginning of the Year - Description Back-to-School Night Set-up Pictures Music Class Policies Welcome to Music Class Presentation [PPT] [PDF] Morning News Show - Description Screen Template Samples Sample 1 [PPT] [PDF] Sample 2 [PPT] [PDF] Sample 3 [PPT] [PDF] Pictures
21	Other Artifacts Beethoven for Boys – Description Session Plans Session #1 Outline Session #2 Outline Session #3 Outline Student Work Session #1 Samples [Sample 1] [Sample 2] Session #4 Samples [Sample 1] [Sample 2] SOL Pep Rally - Description 2007 Pep Rally [PPT] 2008 Pep Rally [Presentation] [Game] 2008 Pep Rally Pictures
22	Theatre Company Artifacts Seussical Jr. Poster Pictures Willy Wonka Jr. Poster Program Pictures General Theatre Artifacts Sample Blank Cast Application - Wonka Sample Blank Crew Application – Wonka Sample Welcome Letter Sample Costume Form Cast and Crew Handbook