Mrs. Tsarev
MRS. TSAREV / PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO

Education, by Design

Teaching is a practice of constant learning, thoughtful decision-making, and growth. This portfolio documents the instructional experiences, classroom practices, and professional work that shape my approach to education.

An editorial photograph representing my teaching practice
FOREVER A STUDENT. ALWAYS REFINING.
EXPLORE THE FRAMEWORK

Inside My Classroom

Select a domain to explore its components, instructional artifacts, and supporting evidence.

01 Planning & Preparation Curriculum design, instructional planning, and meaningful assessment.
1a Demonstrating Knowledge of Content and Pedagogy
A CLOSER LOOK
Main Image
'Zines
Teaching artifact No. 01

'Zines and Things

An Immersive, Project-Based Unit on Creative Expression and Student Voice

This self-contained unit introduces students to the world of zines as a powerful form of self-expression, storytelling, and independent publishing. Through an exploration of zine history, visual design, and creative writing, students examine how individuals and communities use zines to share their perspectives, challenge conventions, and amplify underrepresented voices. Throughout the unit, students engage in critical analysis, collaborative discussions, and hands-on creative activities before designing and producing their own original zines. By combining writing, art, and personal reflection, students develop their unique voices while strengthening their communication, literacy, and creative thinking skills. The unit culminates in an authentic, student-centered project that celebrates individuality, creative freedom, and the power of storytelling.

Connection to the Framework

This unit reflects an interdisciplinary approach to ELA instruction by connecting traditional literacy skills with visual communication, media analysis, and independent publishing. Students explore zines as both literary and cultural artifacts, examining how authors use language, imagery, structure, and design to communicate ideas. Through the integration of analytical reading, purposeful writing, and creative composition, the unit makes literacy instruction accessible, relevant, and engaging.

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1b Demonstrating Knowledge of Students

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1c Setting Instructional Outcomes

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1d Demonstrating Knowledge of Resources

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1e Designing Coherent Instruction
A CLOSER LOOK
Main Image
'Zines
Teaching artifact No. 01

'Zines and Things

An Immersive, Project-Based Unit on Creative Expression and Student Voice

This self-contained unit introduces students to the world of zines as a powerful form of self-expression, storytelling, and independent publishing. Through an exploration of zine history, visual design, and creative writing, students examine how individuals and communities use zines to share their perspectives, challenge conventions, and amplify underrepresented voices. Throughout the unit, students engage in critical analysis, collaborative discussions, and hands-on creative activities before designing and producing their own original zines. By combining writing, art, and personal reflection, students develop their unique voices while strengthening their communication, literacy, and creative thinking skills. The unit culminates in an authentic, student-centered project that celebrates individuality, creative freedom, and the power of storytelling.

Connection to the Framework

This self-contained zine-making unit demonstrates intentional instructional planning through a cohesive sequence of lessons that build students' understanding of independent publishing, creative writing, and visual storytelling. Students progress from analyzing mentor texts and exploring the cultural significance of zines to planning, designing, and publishing their own original work. Each learning experience builds toward an authentic final product while providing opportunities for student choice, collaboration, and creative expression.

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1f Designing Student Assessments

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02 Classroom Environment Creating a classroom culture that supports learning, participation, and student ownership.
2a Creating an Environment of Respect and Rapport

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2b Establishing a Culture for Learning

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2c Managing Classroom Procedures

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2d Managing Student Behavior

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2e Organizing Physical Space

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03 Instruction Engaging students in meaningful, responsive, and intellectually challenging learning.
3a Communicating with Students

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3b Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques

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3c Engaging Students in Learning
A CLOSER LOOK
Main Image
'Zines
Teaching artifact No. 01

'Zines and Things

An Immersive, Project-Based Unit on Creative Expression and Student Voice

This self-contained unit introduces students to the world of zines as a powerful form of self-expression, storytelling, and independent publishing. Through an exploration of zine history, visual design, and creative writing, students examine how individuals and communities use zines to share their perspectives, challenge conventions, and amplify underrepresented voices. Throughout the unit, students engage in critical analysis, collaborative discussions, and hands-on creative activities before designing and producing their own original zines. By combining writing, art, and personal reflection, students develop their unique voices while strengthening their communication, literacy, and creative thinking skills. The unit culminates in an authentic, student-centered project that celebrates individuality, creative freedom, and the power of storytelling.

Connection to the Framework

This unit places student voice and creative ownership at the center of the learning experience. Through hands-on exploration, collaborative discussions, and independent zine creation, students engage with meaningful opportunities to express their identities, interests, and perspectives. The project-based structure encourages active participation, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving while allowing students to demonstrate their understanding through personalized, multimodal work.

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3d Using Assessment in Instruction
A CLOSER LOOK
Main Image
'Zines
Teaching artifact No. 01

'Zines and Things

An Immersive, Project-Based Unit on Creative Expression and Student Voice

This self-contained unit introduces students to the world of zines as a powerful form of self-expression, storytelling, and independent publishing. Through an exploration of zine history, visual design, and creative writing, students examine how individuals and communities use zines to share their perspectives, challenge conventions, and amplify underrepresented voices. Throughout the unit, students engage in critical analysis, collaborative discussions, and hands-on creative activities before designing and producing their own original zines. By combining writing, art, and personal reflection, students develop their unique voices while strengthening their communication, literacy, and creative thinking skills. The unit culminates in an authentic, student-centered project that celebrates individuality, creative freedom, and the power of storytelling.

Connection to the Framework

The zine-making process provides opportunities for ongoing formative assessment as students develop their ideas, draft content, and refine their final publications. Through feedback, reflection, and revision, students can evaluate their progress and make intentional choices to strengthen their work. The culminating zine serves as an authentic demonstration of students' ability to apply literacy skills, communicate ideas, and express their individual perspectives.

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3e Demonstrating Flexibility and Responsiveness

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04 Professional Responsibilities Reflecting on practice, collaborating with others, and continuing professional growth.
4a Reflecting on Teaching

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4b Maintaining Accurate Records

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4c Communicating with Families

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4d Participating in a Professional Community

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4e Growing and Developing Professionally

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4f Showing Professionalism

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