Melissa Smith, MSCP, LICDC, LPCC, NCC
Teaching
Teaching CACREP Doctoral Competencies (2016):
a. Roles and responsibilities related to educating counselors
b. Pedagogy and teaching methods relevant to counselor education
c. Models of adult development and learning
d. Instructional and curriculum design, delivery, and evaluation methods relevant to counselor education
e. Effective approaches for online instruction
f. Screening, remediation, and gatekeeping functions relevant to teaching
g. Assessment of learning
h. Ethical and culturally relevant strategies used in counselor preparation
i. The role of mentoring in counselor education
Teaching Competency
Artifacts of Teaching Competency
Artifacts 1-4 were completed during COUC 747 Instruction in Counselor Education:
“This course explores contemporary andragogy, course design, adult learning theory, course delivery, and evaluation methods in the field of counselor education. This exploration is both applied in focus and grounded in the empirical research on these subjects. Students synthesize their philosophy of teaching and incorporate it practically in residential and online instructional contexts. Cultural, ethical, historical, and legal aspects of counseling instruction are examined. ”
Artifact 1: Personal Teaching Philosophy.
In completing this assignment, I spent time reflecting on my personal experiences as a student and areas of growth that I have experienced on my path. Through this reflection, I was able to develop my conceptualization of an effective teacher and teaching environment. I believe that it is essential that learning environments are fun and engaging and encourage an active learning environment. The attached artifact demonstrates mastery as this assignment required a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities related to educating counselors (CACREP Standards: 6.B.3.a), andragogy and adult learning theories (CACREP Standards: 6.B.3.b), teaching methods relevant to counselor education (CACREP Standards: 6.B.3.c), curriculum design and instructional delivery (CACREP Standards: 6.B.3.d), instructional and curricular evaluation methods (CACREP Standards: 6.B.3.h.), and screening, remediation, and gatekeeping functions relevant to teaching (CACREP Standards: 6.B.3.i).
Artifact 2: Syllabus
For this assignment, a syllabus was created for a mock mini-course. This assignment demonstrated mastery of comprehension of the roles and responsibilities of a counselor educator (CACREP Standards: 6.B.3.a), curriculum design and instructional delivery (CACREP Standards: 6.B.3.d), and instructional and curricular evaluation methods (CACREP Standards: 6.B.3.h).
Artifacts 3-4 were created for a Mock Teaching Demonstration:
Artifact 3: Lesson Preparation and Artifact 4: Motivation and Change PowerPoint
For this assignment, a lesson plan for a 30-minute teaching demonstration was created along with a supplemental PowerPoint to support the lesson. The successful completion of this assignment required mastery of comprehension of the roles and responsibilities of a counselor educator (CACREP Standards: 6.B.3.a), pedagogy and teaching methods relevant to counselor education (CACREP Standards: 6.B.3.b), curriculum design and instructional delivery (CACREP Standards: 6.B.3.d), and instructional and curricular evaluation methods (CACREP Standards: 6.B.3.g).
Artifacts 5- 6 were completed during COUC 970 Teaching Internship:
“The doctoral internship is designed to provide students with supervised experiences that reflect the activities of a regularly employed professional in the field of counselor education. All doctoral interns must have internship experiences in teaching, supervision, and one additional doctoral competency (counseling, research, or leadership/advocacy). Under the guidance of faculty, the primary focus of the teaching internship is to help doctoral students develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required for ethical and competent practice in their role of educating counselor trainees in the field of counselor education.”
Artifact 5: ‘Reflection of Meaning’ Lesson Plan and Artifact 6: ‘Questions and Immediacy’ Lesson Plan
For this course, I created and planned two 30-minute lessons on the counseling skills ‘Reflection of Meaning’ and ‘Questions and Immediacy’. To complete this assignment, I identified the lesson theme description, learning outcomes, and resources, established a general understanding of the class knowledge, developed teaching strategies appropriate for the class, and created a timeline for the presentation. The successful completion of this assignment required mastery and comprehension of the roles and responsibilities of a counselor educator (CACREP Standards: 6.B.3.a), pedagogy and teaching methods relevant to counselor education (CACREP Standards: 6.B.3.b), models of adult development and learning (CACREP Standards: 6.B.3.c), curriculum design and instructional delivery (CACREP Standards: 6.B.3.d), screening, remediation, and gatekeeping functions relevant to teaching (CACREP Standards: 6.B.3.f), assessment of students’ learning (CACREP Standards: 6.B.3.g), and ethical/ culturally relevant strategies (CACREP Standards: 6.B.3.h).
Teaching Reflection
Reflect on the process of developing leadership level knowledge, skills, and practices in this competency. What has been especially impactful/meaningful/important to you personally and professionally?
Prior to starting at Liberty, I had gained experience as an Adjunct Faculty member at three different colleges. I attribute these experiences as a major driver that pushed me in the direction of entering this program. As I refect back on my time in this program, I believe that my former teaching experience combined with the knowledge, skills, and practice gained at Liberty, has allowed me to truly excel in this competency. As seen above in the videos provided, I have not only the skill to teach but also the passion and desire to help guide students. Each of the professors and colleagues that I have been blessed to work alongside have had a deep and profound impact on my both personally and professionally.
Describe an area of strength that you have developed while in the program in this area of competency. What is one way you plan to utilize this strength in your vocation?
An area of strength that I have developed while in this program is the ability to go ‘above and beyond’ with my instructional design. At Liberty, I was given the freedom to design lectures and lessons. With this freedom, I incorporated various forms of technology and have found a love for the integration of technology into counselor education. I plan to use this passion to pursue the integration of immersive virtual reality in the future.
Describe an area of challenge/growth opportunity in this area of competency. What is your plan to develop excellence in this area?
One challenge I encountered in thisare of competency was mastering the art of stepping back and actively learning while co-teaching. I worry that my enthusiasm for taking on a teaching role might have led to me dominating the conversation and not giving my co-teacher the opportunity to contribute fully. Although I did not receive this specific feedback, I intend to be more conscientious in the future and actively work on improving my co-teaching approach.
Reflect on how faith in Christ relates to this competency.
Christ calls his followers to operate from a set of values and ethics, such as compassion, patience, empathy, and a commitment to helping others grow and learn. Those with faith in Christ will apply these values to their teaching philosophy. I value servant leadership, where I will lead by serving my students and putting their needs first, focusing on the needs and growth of the student rather than seeking personal recognition or achievements.