Jessica Thimm
5th Grade Teacher
Life-Long Learner
Below are descriptions of the classes I have completed as part of the Master of Arts in Education Degree program at MSU.
Annotated Transcript
Fall 2011
TE 802: Reflecting and Inquiry Teaching Practice I
Instructor: Sarah Little
This class helped me understand how to teach all subject areas through literacy. We focused on key components of literacy instruction including how to understanding the connection between curriculum, instruction and assessment, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of our instruction. One big idea I learned was the importance of a balanced literacy classroom.
Spring 2012
TE 803: Professional Roles and Teaching Practice II
Instructor: Betty Okwako
In this class, we focused on social studies. We focused on many different areas of social studies instruction from developing lessons based on the standards to integrating social studies into other curriculum areas. This class also helped me to dive deeper into understanding accomodating special education students in the classroom.
TE 804: Reflecting and Inquiry Teaching Practice II
Instructor: Rochelle Rubin
This course focused on teaching science in elementary classrooms. During this time, we planned and taught an effective science unit. We also focused on inquiry based learning and using more science discussions in the classroom. One big idea I learned was how to incorporate lessons into a unit where students could form their own explanations.
Fall 2013
TE 846: Accommodating Differences in Literacy Learners
Instructor: Chad Waldron
In this course, I was able to develop my understanding of literacy instruction and assessment. I spent time working with an English Language Learner in my classroom. I assessed different literacy skills such as fluency and motivation. After that, I sorted through my data and found through research instructional strategies to help my student in reading.
Spring 2014
ED 800: Concepts of Educational Inquiry
Instructor: Steven Weiland
For the Master of Arts in Education, this course is the introductory capstone course. I was able to look more into my beliefs about education and define what inquiry means to me. This course also had me look back at the history of education, theories of the mind, and other influences of the educational system today.
CEP 805: Learning Math with Technology
Instructor: Ralph Putnam
Throughout this course, I was able to research math resources available online. During this research, I evaluated the use and effectiveness of different technologies. In the end, I was able to create a comprehensive database of technologies available to help with math learning.
Spring 2015
CEP 832: Educating Students with Challenging Behaviors
Instructor: Vicky Mousouli
This course was the most rewarding of my graduate studies. I was able to focus on a student in my own class who had a challenging behavior and find ways to accomodate their experience in the class. Through discussions with other graduate students, readings, and trying of new strategies I was able to find new ways to assist my student throughout their day.
Fall 2015
TE 842: Elementary Reading Assessment Instruction
Instructor: Amy Croel - Perrien
Through this course, I was able to develop my understanding of reading assessments and how to use assessments. I was able to interpret my data to decide which instruction would be best. I also participated in a book study where I learned a lot about comprehension including what it is to best strategies for instruction.
Spring 2016
TE 836: Awards and Classics of Children's Literature
Instructor: Django Paris
This course has helped me to evaluate children's books for integral and important themes of social justice. Through this course, I was able to understand and discuss the importance of teaching social justice issues including those involved with difference in race and LBGTQ through literature.
ED 870: Capstone Seminar
Instructor: Matthew Koehler
This course was the last of my graduate study for my Master of Arts in Eduaction. During my time in this course, I was able to develop this online portfolio that showcased my learning throughout my graduate program.