Teaching Portfolio - Mete Saka

Overview

Welcome to my teaching portfolio, a comprehensive showcase of my educational journey during College Teaching Certificate Program. Here, you’ll find an original course syllabus I developed, my personal teaching statement, and my commitment to Statement of Inclusion and Equity. This portfolio not only reflects my growth as an educator but also serves as a practical guide to my approaches in fostering inclusive and student-centered learning environments.

Additionally, during the program, I had the chance to have an in class observation. I am also including the report and reflection of my observation.

Navigating the Portfolio:

Course Syllabus: Dive into the structure and content of the course I designed, reflecting my pedagogical philosophy and teaching strategies.

Teaching Statement: Explore my views on the role of an educator and my methods for engaging students effectively.

Reflection: This teaching statement showcases my dedication to teaching computer science in a way that goes beyond just sharing knowledge. I strive to create a welcoming and engaging space for learning, and I’m big on getting feedback and applying practical examples. This approach isn’t just about teaching; it’s about inspiring and preparing students in a way that’s dynamic and effective.

Statement of Inclusion and Equity: Understand my commitment to creating a learning environment that respects and incorporates diverse perspectives.

Peer Observation Form and Reflection on Observation.

Microteaching Lesson Plan

Reflection: This statement highlights my commitment to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the computer science field, driven by both my personal background and professional roles. I aim to build a culture that not only values diversity but actively supports the success of every individual through inclusive teaching methods, mentorship, community outreach, and policy advocacy. This approach is all about making everyone feel included, valued, and empowered to thrive and make a difference.

End of Year Showcase:

Me and my PhD friend Ismet prepared a podcast for the CTC end of the year showcase. It is a 15 minute talk about our undergraduate student mentoring experience during our PhD and how to be a better research mentor.

• Short intro and relation with CTC
• Podcast

Thoughts and Reflections

Throughout my time in the program, I engaged deeply with academic literature and participated in enriching seminars that shaped my understanding of effective teaching. A pivotal moment in my professional development was the in-class observation conducted by our Graduate Teaching Fellows (GTFs). The feedback I received was instrumental in refining my teaching practices, particularly in making my teaching more inclusive and centered around the needs and experiences of students.

This portfolio is organized to guide you through my pedagogical developments and insights. Each section is designed to stand alone yet contributes to a cohesive understanding of my educational philosophy. I invite you to explore each component interactively—reflect on the principles outlined in my teaching statement, analyze the structure of my course syllabus, and have fun listening to our mentorship experiences.

Through this portfolio, I aim to transparently share the trajectory of my learning and the tangible outcomes of my teaching philosophy. Engage with each section to see how theory and practice align in my approach to education, and how continuous feedback and self-reflection have shaped my teaching methodology.