Teacher Performance Expectations

Introduction to Will McTarsney:

Hello, my name is Will McTarsney- a fine artist, graphic designer, web designer/programmer, motion graphic artist, adjunct art instructor! Woof!!! And a Special Education Teacher candidate! I have been gifted with a tremendous and rich creative backgound... but moreso I aim to help others identify their individual strengths and gifts. That to me is the greatest accomplishment- to share my lifelong experience and in return to also grow in teaching and discovering.

My Path into Special Education

Click here to view my Induction Path.

From an early age I had an affinity to interpreting the world around me in my own way through various mediums (traditional and digital).

Featured Artist (2001)- Ink and Clay Show 27

Creating and developing was comforting to my mind and soul

#1 Place Winner @ Cal Poly Art Show

- it was no wonder I decided on my initial career path to be a fine artist/graphic designer. Still, there were gaps that needed to be filled to be truly happy.

I originally entered the teaching profession because I miss the belonging and structure that it provides, and I felt 'freer' to create materials which held personal meaning.

Art Institute Orange County

For a time I taught adults how to be exceptional web developers and digital artists

Web Programming Instructor at Ai (2017)

- but a different trajectory guided me into the special education field. I felt that the best population to serve as a teacher was students with special needs, and I possess neurodiverse traits (using one's strengths) in the visual realm which can help all learners.

Since I was a child, I had hearing/speech problems, but my strength was always in writing and visuals. When I decided to pursue a teaching credential- I choose special education because I can relate to students who require a different approach to interpreting and working within the world around them.

Within the special education practice- I have found great pride in the meaningful work that I produce to help all students accomplish amazing goals. My background in technology and in the arts have proven to be invaluable in teaching students to succeed.

The COVID Pandemic

During the internship and directed teaching, I experienced the COVID pandemic. Throughout this TPE Portfolio, will you see how I adapted to full online education and hybrid education. The COVID pandemic was a challenging time- but my technology background and expertise as a former adjunct professor in the creative industry served my students and me!

I not only survived, but I thrived during the COVID pandemic- providing rich technology-infused instructions and instructional materials (i.e., video, custom graphic organizers, and working with alternative learning environments such as Minecraft, Adobe Illustrator, MicroSoft Teams and more). I invite you to view my TPEs; also, you may view an assortment of lessons and other media from the direct student teaching tab at the main menu.

Will McTarsney, MA.Ed

Contact: [email protected]
Occupation: RSP Intern Teacher
Grade Levels: K-5
Resume: View Resume

School District: Fontana USD
Website: fusd.net
Address: 9680 Citrus Ave. Fontana, CA
Contact: (909) 357-5000

Website Designer/Motion Artist at ULV

Professional Background:

I have been a long-time web programmer and artist for over 20 professional years and an educator since 2010. I have proven that you can transfer these skills into the public school special education environments. Students are immersed in technology throughout their daily lives. Employers are actively seeking individuals who can provide deep technology-infused skillsets.

My unique experience in authoring and programming, and instructional design has enhanced my classrooms and provides UDL approaches in various modalities. Students often share that they enjoy my classes because they are unique and feel valued and appreciated. My ability to help students exceeds expectations, and I am always looking for ways to provide students with an edge in life to be successful in the real world one day.

Teaching Philosophy:

My teaching philosophy emerged from my experiences in the creative field and teaching post-secondary levels, which has been adapted for K-12 special education settings.

I subscribe to a student choice-driven eclecticism teaching style, which consists of constructivism and progressivism teaching philosophies. I bring in what is relevant in the world into the classroom and assessment materials, which places students in situations where they need to work together to solve problems and tap into their multiple intelligences. Some concrete examples include transforming the classroom environmental space that allows for cooperative learning (e.g., positioning the tables close together as one would in a real-world team). And, allowing students to improve their craft through repetitive practice and choice-driven opportunities (e.g., individual representation of a content-area through a video project. Or, a collaborative group project option), or empowering students with special needs with accommodations to embrace their genius (e.g., multiple means of expression by producing a product of their learning through technology).

To view more of my teaching philosophy, I invite you to READ HERE