MAT Reflection:

Final MAT Reflection

           

My journey toward becoming a professional educator has been an adventurous one. Some parts have been entertaining, life changing, true “ah-ha” moments, where others have been difficult or have stretched my abilities in such a way that I have discovered my limitations, as well as my strengths as an educator.  Under the first Learner Centered Proficiency: Knowledge, I have been able to build my knowledge base on subject matter, content and pedagogy through course work as well as real time class interactions and observations.  I have enjoyed discovering new strategies for learners and new ways to reach every learner on their level.  I hope to help students learn that their voice matters and what they dream, desire, and need is within their reach with hard work and determination.  Within Learner Centered Instruction I believe that my experiences within the clinical teaching experience have enabled me to be a better leader, coach, facilitator and manager of students and their view on their community and their learning.  I plan to have a classroom where respect of others and self are paramount.  I have learned that teachers must continually “take the temperature” of her students in order to link learning to the student’s ideas and interests.  To make an impact on student learning it is important to make the student feel invested in their own learning and that their ideas are valued.  As a Learner Centered Instructor it is important that I am continually, informally and formally, assessing where my students stand, both educationally as well as emotionally, in this way I am able to create a classroom that is a safe environment where learning is encouraged and grows.             

When a learner feels safe then it is more likely that that learner will take risks and try new and innovating ways to learn and express themselves.  Excitingly, the same goes for myself.  I have had the opportunity to grow myself and learn new ways of thinking.  In my Clinical Intern experience, I have had the opportunity to be a part of A.V.I.D. and No Excuses University schools that teach that learning is life long and that anyone who applies themselves can go to college or pursue higher education in any format that they desire.  As a Paraprofessional at Lillie J. Jackson E.C.C. I had the privilege to work with three and four year olds from diverse cultures.  I was able to put into practice Learner Centered Proficiency: Equity for all learners by establishing relationships and making connections with students through their heritages and designing experiences that explored each student’s uniqueness as well as help students to discover connections with others who are different from them culturally. 

This in turn creates a classroom where unity and understanding is fostered early.

I believe that a teacher must be able to express the mission of their school and is therefore an extension of the public education system itself.  As a part of Learner Center Communication, I have had the opportunity to work on social media sites that help build and maintain this relationship with students as well as parents (@CrimRobin) as well as crate newsletters and media/video to keep positive ties between parents, community and the school.  I have also had the privileged to sit in on ARDs and RTI meetings that have help with my understanding of how to successfully advocate for the student and use all strategies and resources to help make the classroom the least restrictive and most effective learning environment.  Communicating with parents and the community are not the only important ways to engage and encourage feedback.  It is also important that I create a professional dialog amongst peers and leaders within the education field.  LISD and TWU have

opened up countless doors to these learning opportunities.  

I have been able to make connections with a multitude of educators and colleagues that have I collaborated with and have exchanged of ideas with.  I have been welcomed into the LISD learning community and I am part of a group of people who are intent on continuing in their educational growth and effectiveness in the classroom through problem solving and contributing to the improvement of education.

Cooperating Teacher Final Evaluation

Timestamp :: 10/6/2015 11:29:25
Student :: Robin Crim
Classifications :: Clinical Student Teacher (MAT)
Practicum Beginning Date :: 8/21/15
Evaluator's Name :: Tally Wing
Evaluator's Title :: Cooperating Teacher
Date :: 10/6/2015
Grade Level :: 5
Subject :: English Language Arts and Reading
School/District :: Central Elementary, Lewisville ISD
Certification  :: EC-6 English as Second Language (ESL)/Generalist

In your professional judgement, is the teaching performance of the clinical teacher sufficient to recommend for a Teaching Credential?  :: Yes

Evaluator's Comments :: Robin did a great job with me in fifth grade.  She was always energized, eager to learn and help, and the students really enjoyed working with Robin too.

Creates a physical environment that engages all students. :: 1
Encourages students to actively participate. :: 1
Connects learning to real-life applications. :: 1
Insures the success of all students. :: 1
Stimulates critical thinking. :: 1
Provides opportunities for problem solving. :: 1
Commended Areas for Domain I :: Students love working with Mrs. Crim, she has a great attitude with them and always engages them in conversation about their learning.
Improvement Areas for Domain I ::
Plans and implements learner-centered instruction and procedures that support students. :: 1
Conducts lessons based on appropriate goals and objectives, following approved scope and sequences. :: 1
Establishes and communicates learning goals for all students. :: 1
Organizes written lesson plans according to a prescribed format and maintains lesson pace. :: 1
Organizes curriculum to support student understanding through appropriate instructional strategies. :: 1
Demonstrates sound knowledge of subject matter. :: 1
Provides adequate wait time during questioning. :: 2
Focuses student attention by motivational techniques connected to learner interests. :: 1
Builds on students' command of basic skills and understanding while providing intellectually challenging academic expectations. :: 1
Demonstrates knowledge of students' developmental levels and uses a variety of instructional strategies and resources to respond to students' diverse learning needs and abilities. :: 1
Respects diversity among students. :: 1
Uses appropriate equipment and technology effectively. :: 1
Improves teaching practice by soliciting feedback and engaging in cycles of planning, teaching, reflecting, discerning problems and applying new strategies. :: 1
Commended Areas for Domain II :: Students are engaged when Robin is teaching.
Improvement Areas for Domain II ::
Engages students in problem solving, critical thinking, and other activities to make subject matter meaningful. :: 1
Aligns assessment and instruction, including goals, objectives and strategies. :: 1
Utilizes multiple tools for assessment. :: 2
Facilitates students self-assessment. :: 1
Monitors students' performance and participation. :: 1
Provides immediate and constructive feedback. :: 1
Adjusts teaching according to students' performance and re-evaluates. :: 1
Reinforces student learning. :: 1
Communicates with students, families and other audiences about student progress. :: 1
Consistently maintains student records and data. :: 1
Commended Areas for Domain III :: Reading Conferences with students during independent reading, and has students make weekly and yearly reading goals
Improvement Areas for Domain III :: Continue practicing different types of formative assessment- exit tickets, quick checks, writing tips for student on index cards, etc.
Implements approved campus/district discipline-management policies. :: 1
Establishes a climate that promotes effective instruction. :: 1
Uses instructional time effectively. :: 1
Starts class promptly with little confusion. :: 2
Maintains established rules and enforces procedures for student behavior consistently and fairly. :: 1
Redirects inappropriate, off-task, or disruptive behavior promptly and establishes a risk-free environment. :: 1
Effectively and efficiently manages materials. :: 1
Uses a variety of appropriate materials. :: 1
Engages students and moves freely around total class during lesson. :: 1
Remembers and refers to students by their names. :: 1
Encourages self-discipline and self-directed learning. :: 1
Promotes social development and group responsibility. :: 1
Commended Areas for Domain IV :: Is well prepared and I have enjoyed seeing her classroom management grow
Improvement Areas for Domain IV :: Remind students to stay on task when they first come in and during transition times
Complies with all verbal and written directives. :: 1
Teaches sessions with enthusiasm and confidence. :: 1
Uses correct oral and written grammar. :: 1
Uses effective verbal and nonverbal communication with students. :: 1
Uses appropriate and accurate written communication with parents, staff, and community. :: 1
Provides genuine encouragement for all students. :: 1
Displays professional courtesy. :: 1
Maintains professional image through appropriate dress and behavior. :: 1
Exhibits respect for students, parents, staff, and community members. :: 1
Communicates on students' level of understanding. :: 1
Listens carefully to others and accepts constructive feedback. :: 1
Adapts in a flexible manner. :: 1
Commended Areas for Domain V :: Robin does a great job and is known for her enthusiastic personality by both kids and adults.  She is great to work with!
Improvement Areas for Domain V ::
Maintains a professional relationship and works cooperatively with colleagues, staff and University Supervisor. :: 1
Collaborates with colleagues and is receptive to suggestions. :: 1
Uses ethical judgment and discretion with confidential information. :: 1
Demonstrates a commitment to students, district and community; dependable. :: 1
Abides by school operation schedule (arrival/departure). :: 1
Attends student teacher related activities. :: 1
Attends school related meetings such as PTA, in-service and events. :: 1
Complies with all campus, district, state, and national policies and procedures. :: 1
Commended Areas for Domain VI :: Robin attended all my after school activities, meetings, etc. and was always willing to do whatever she could to learn more about teaching
Improvement Areas for Domain VI ::
Demonstrates an ability to write clearly and to organize and present materials effectively. :: 1
Demonstrates the student has acquired the kinds of knowledge and skills he or she needs to be an effective, entry-level teacher. :: 1
Demonstrates student's ability to synthesize and apply knowledge acquired in the program. :: 1
Includes a professional résumé, philosophy of education, student centered management plan, and other supporting artifacts. :: 1
Commended Areas for Domain
VII ::
Improvement Areas for Domain VII ::
Number of Unexcused Absences  :: 0
Number of Unexcused Tardies  :: 0
Suggested Grade  :: Pass
Builds on students' command of basic skills and understanding while providing intellectually challenging academic expectations.o ::