PREPROFESSIONAL FIELD EXPERIENCES for ED 321

Evaluation by Cooperating Teacher

Directions: To provide feedback on the candidates performance, please circle the appropriate number on the Likert Scale at the
right of each category below using the following descriptors: 1= Inadequate; 2 = Emerging; 3 = Proficient; 4 = Distinctive.
IN ADDITION, for each category, please comment on the candidates strengths or areas in which s/he can improve. When
possible, please provide specific examples or comments to support your view.

1. Conducts self in a professional manner (e.g., attendance, preparation, respect).

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(Dispositions: Respect, Responsibility, Communication)
Libby came on time or early and also stayed later on several occasions to discuss the lessons. She was always very
respectful to students and staff. She was prepared at an appropriate level for this part of her teaching experience, and was
a quick learner after teaching a lesson to modify subsequent planning to more finely-tune her transitions or change
directions.
2. Encourages development of a positive self-image in learners (e.g., gets to know students,
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positive interactions with students). (Dispositions: Respect, Collaboration)
Libby interacted well with students from day one. Her whole group teaching style was calm but had purpose so students
knew what was expected of them. Her strength in one-on-one conversations was noticeable from the beginning and
continued to build relationships with students throughout the experience. Students appreciated Libby's genuine interest
and help during labs and activities.She has a good sense of humor.
3. Interacts effectively with students, colleagues, administrators, parents.
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(Dispositions: Respect, Collaboration, Communication)
It was said in earlier evaluations, but must be said again: other teachers who worked with Libby also came up to me to
praise her work. Libby completed hours in the Special Education field and did very well connecting with students and
teachers; many of the students had significant special needs. Her work needs to be recognized in this area as well as her
interactions in the regular classroom. I appreciated collaborating with Libby on lesson planning. Her insight in students'
needs and perspectives was valuable and I was impressed at her skill set and genuine concern in students' growth. She
combines a practicality with her concern that will serve her well as a classroom teacher.
4. Demonstrates effective pre-professional teaching skills. (e.g., planning, implementing
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lesson) (Dispositions: Respect, Responsibility, Reflection, Collaboration, Communication)
It can be challenging as a field student to design lessons for students when you're not in the classroom everyday and don't
have the advantage of knowing students for several months. In some ways, it's like an EMT arriving at the scene. Libby
collaborated well with me, being flexible and modifying her lesson with feedback either gathered herself or offered by
me. Considering her current time in the program and not having taken a science methods class yet, Libby had a good
sense of transitions, having students work in groups, asking questions of students and offering feedback. She was very
attentive to our established classroom expectations and continued with them, making changes when appropriate to offer
variety for students. Libby's teaching, though fine at the beginning, improved with time reflecting her ability and
willingness to learn throughout the weeks in our classroom.
The only advice I would offer is making sure to write down/keep organized on dates and times right away particularly
when our school schedules get rearranged for special events or testing. Libby was always where she said she would be,
but this generally proves more challenging in student teaching, when other obligations like classes, work and regular life
still are part of one's day, so having a system that bridges all worlds smoothly can become invaluable for continued
success.
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5. Communicates effectively through speaking, writing, and listening (e.g., gives clear
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directions, listens to students, uses media). (Dispositions: Respect, Communication)
Libby was an attentive listener to both colleagues and students. This served her very well when she was asking questions
for students to extend or justify their thinking and statements. Also, it worked to her advantage when she was
collaborating with me on lessons. I appreciated Libby's willingness and work on Google Docs, a system we use in our
school district and which Libby began to learn more in depth as part of the experience. She created a slideshow with video
for one of her lessons using the presentation program in Google Docs. The directions she gave in class were clear to
students; it was obvious she had thought them through before incorporating them in her lessons. Libby was also effective
communicating with me through email as well as in regular conversations. Our planning time in the classroom was limited
in some ways due to our schedules, so Libby and I worked quite a bit online. I was impressed by her willingness to initate
discussions and ask questions.
Final Comments/Suggestions for Candidate:
Thank you, Libby, and good luck! Your future students will be lucky to have you!
Date: 5/17/15

Candidate Name: Elizabeth Kent

Grade/Subject: 8th grade Earth Science

Cooperating Teacher: Marlene McIlheran

School: Greendale Middle School

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