Content:

Throughout my college career at Appalachian State University, I have volunteered my time using numerous organizations. Three distinct programs that helped me find these volunteer opportunities are ASU's 20/20 Program, Gamma Beta Phi, and Alternate Spring Break.

Impact:

Volunteering my time has helped me become more aware of the issues that surround me on a daily basis. I believe that an awareness of these issues will help me become a better teacher as I now know that some of my students may be facing these situations at home. I also have learned how to get my student's involved in volunteer opportunities that can be done in or outside the classroom.

Alignment:

These volunteering experiences have helped me meet the following NC Standards for Elementary Teachers:

Standard 16: Elementary teachers develop as leaders in their schools and communities by staying informed about educational policy issues and supporting professional development. Elementary teachers participate in co-curricular activities, provide leadership in student and curriculum involvement, and connect these activities to the development of citizenship ideals in their students.

Indicator 1 - When developing as leaders in their schools and communities, elementary teachers involve students in activities outside the classroom.

    -- I have met this artifact during my Block II internship at Westwood Elementary. My students and I provided an adopted Westwood family a Thanksgiving dinner. Not only did we give that family food, but all students made a Thanksgiving card for that particular family. This assignment ultimately made my student's relationships stronger as they worked together within their own school.

Indicator 7 - Teachers encourage participate in civic and volunteer activities.

    -- I have participated in a variety of volunteer activities. In the attached document, one will find three programs that I used to help meet this standard. I find it beneficial to always share with my students the volunteer activities I participate in and what I have gained from them.