Faculty of Education

Advanced Field Experience

(9 Weeks)

Final Evaluation 2014-2015

Student Teacher:
Tasha Nielsen

Dates of Field Experience:

February 9, 2015- April 17, 2015

ID Number:
1390491

School Name & Address:

cole Innisfail Middle School
4501 52nd Ave
Innisfail, AB T0M 1R0

Course:
EDFX 425

School Telephone:
403-227-0060

Mentor Teacher(s):
Mrs. Melanie Grant

School District:
Chinooks Edge School Division No. 73

University Facilitator:
Dan Richmond

Subject(s) and/or Grade level(s):

Grade 5: Mathematics, Social Studies (2 classes)

Distribution:
Students should retain a copy of the Final Evaluation form for their own records. Please note that potential employers
may ask for a copy of this Final Evaluation.
A copy of this form will be returned by the University Facilitator to the office of Undergraduate Student Services, where it
will be retained for a period of three years; no other copies will be retained by Mentor Teachers, University Facilitators
or employees of the University of Alberta without the written permission of the Student Teacher.

It is recommended that the Student Teacher receive a grade of: Credit

Date: April 17, 2015

Winter 2015 - Final

The purpose of this Field Experience Final Evaluation document is to provide evidence and communicate
information regarding Student Teacher performance based on the Knowledge, Skills and Attributes (KSAs) for
Interim Certification.
Comments reflect strengths and areas for growth in each category.

Description of the school and context of teaching:

Suggested Topics
Not all need to be addressed.

School size
Special programs
Special needs students in class

Urban/Rural
Class size
Number of teachers

cole Innisfail Middle School is a grade 5-8 school, in the rural community of Innisfail, with
approximately 350 students. This school offers Traditional and French Immersion classes. There are 17
teachers and 10 Educational Assistants on staff. The school also has a full time RCMP Resource Officer.
Tasha worked in two different grade five classrooms each with 25 students. Her homeroom had a student
with Muscular Dystrophy, one student on an IPP and one student with OCD/ADD. The other classroom
had a student that wore hearing aids and used a special voice amplification system to allow him to hear
better. Tasha was responsible for teaching Math and Social Studies(2 classes). She assisted with Language
Arts in Daily 5/Caf. She also taught a Drama complementary class.

Preparation, Planning and Organization

KSA A: Teachers understand that contextual variables affect teaching and learning.
KSA C: Teachers use the Guide to Education and the programs of study to inform and direct planning, instruction and
assessment.
KSA D: Teachers understand the subject discipline they teach.
KSA E: Teachers know how to identify students different learning styles and ways students learn and create multiple paths to
learning for individuals and groups.
KSA F: Teachers know how to translate curriculum and desired outcomes into meaningful and incrementally progressive
learning opportunities through short, medium and long range planning.
KSA M: Teachers identify and incorporate relevant learning resources into their teaching.

Suggested Topics
Not all need to be addressed.

Curriculum expectations
Content knowledge
Lesson Plans

Organization
Time management
Diverse learning needs

Teacher evaluation including evidence:

Tasha is extremely well organized and planned. Tasha came in to meet with me prior to her practicum to
get resources to plan her units. Her units are well thought out and follow the specific curriculum
objectives from the Program Of Studies. She was able to zero in on key objectives of each unit and come
up with exciting ideas to cover those objectives. Each unit and lesson was highly organized and included a
variety of materials, manipulatives, media and technology. Tasha uses her lesson plans very effectively to
help her stay on track with pacing of her lessons. Tasha is very proficient with all aspects of media and
technology. She has developed several Google Presentations and used SMART activities to enhance her
lessons. She has also used The Learning Carpet to enhance her math lessons in motion geometry. She has
found this to be an extremely valuable resource to help her with the students that have difficulties in math.

Winter 2015 - Final

Teaching Skills and Strategies

KSA A: Teachers understand that contextual variables affect teaching and learning.
KSA D: Teachers understand the subject discipline they teach.
KSA E: Teachers know how to identify students different learning styles and ways students learn and create multiple paths to
learning for individuals and groups.
KSA F: Teachers know how to translate curriculum and desired outcomes into meaningful and incrementally progressive
learning opportunities through short, medium and long range planning.
KSA I: Teachers know and use a broad range of instructional strategies.
KSA J: Teachers use both traditional and electronic technologies to meet students learning needs.
KSA M: Teachers identify and incorporate relevant learning resources into their teaching.

Suggested Topics
Not all need to be addressed.

Learning strategies
Instructional strategies
Student interest
Pacing

Sequencing/timing
Uses ICT
Cultural sensitivity
Lesson/unit plans

Flexibility
Differentiation of instruction

Teacher evaluation including evidence:

Tasha`s enthusiasm for teaching is evident in all areas of her teaching and planning. Her respect and
appreciation for where each student is at and where they are going is evident in her planning. Tasha
worked with several individual students that were struggling to understand, or complete assignments
during recesses. She is very dedicated to her students and how well they do. Tasha used a variety of
teaching strategies including small groups, peer conferences, teacher centered learning and guided
discovery. Tasha used many different forms of assessment, always keeping the objectives from the
Program of Studies in mind. She is confident and flexible with her teaching style. Tasha had the unique
opportunity to teach Social to another Grade 5 class. During this time she was able to try a lesson with one
class, reflect, and make changes before teaching the other class.

Communication
KSA H: Teachers know the importance of respecting students human dignity by establishing relationships with students that
are characterized by mutual respect, trust and harmony.
KSA J: Teachers know how to use and how to engage students in using traditional and electronic technologies to present and
deliver content, communicate effectively with others.
KSA L: Teachers know how to develop and implement strategies that create and enhance teacher, parent, and student
partnerships.

Suggested Topics
Not all need to be addressed.

Oral and written language

Listening skills
Voice and language

Communication with parents/guardians

Teaching/learning technologies

Teacher evaluation including evidence:

Tasha has excellent communication skills. She communicates her expectations to the students both orally
and written. When finished giving direction she asks for a recap to ensure the students understand what is
expected. Tasha provides students with rubrics and clear expectations as to how assignments will be
marked. She uses a wide variety of questions in her lessons and effectively uses wait time and rephrasing
of questions to get the correct answers. Tasha paces her lessons appropriately so that none of the students
are left behind. She is aware of the many multiple intelligences and communicates with that awareness in
mind. The students enjoy sharing the many aspects of their life with Tasha as she listens carefully to them
and shows and interest in their stories. Tasha was very comfortable using the voice amplification system
to help project her voice. The students found it very easy to understand and were more attentive to
instructions.

Winter 2015 - Final

Assessment Strategies
KSA K: Teachers gather information about their students learning needs and progress by using a variety of assessment
strategies.
KSA L: Teachers know the importance of engaging parents, purposefully and meaningfully, in all aspects of teaching and
learning.

Suggested Topics
Not all need to be addressed.

Appropriate questioning
Assessment variety
Formative/ Summative
Timely feedback

Adapted assessment
Record keeping
Reporting

Teacher evaluation including evidence:

Tasha used a variety of assessments throughout her teaching. She used both formative and summative
assessments and always gave the students feedback in both oral and written forms in a timely manner.
When questioning students she made a point of selecting students in a variety of ways to ensure she was
reaching all students. Tasha was well organized and very thorough with her record keeping. She was able
to adapt assessments when needed, and helped students to achieve to their fullest potential. She modified
her assignments for students with special needs and abilities.

Management and Classroom Climate

KSA A: Teachers understand that contextual variables affect teaching and learning.
KSA G: Teachers create and maintain environments that are conducive to student learning and understand student needs for
physical, social, cultural and psychological security.
KSA H: Teachers know the importance of respecting students human dignity by establishing relationships with students that
are characterized by mutual respect, trust and harmony.

Suggested Topics
Not all need to be addressed.

Class tone
Rapport with students
Student engagement
Transitions

Routines
Conflict resolution
Leadership

Teacher evaluation including evidence:

Tasha worked to find her own style of management trying several different techniques depending on the
situation. In a short span of time Tasha developed a style that worked for her. The students responded very
well. She has developed re-direction skills, non-verbal cues and has become more assertive with off task
behaviour. Tasha moves throughout the classroom to monitor all students, while still being aware of what
the rest of the class is doing. Tasha learned how to deal effectively with the students in both classes. She
remained focused and calm when dealing with difficult students. Tasha now has the respect of all students
when she is teaching.

Understanding Students Needs

KSA E: Teachers know how to identify students different learning styles and ways students learn and create multiple paths to
learning for individuals and groups.
KSA F: Teachers know how to translate curriculum and desired outcomes into meaningful and incrementally progressive
learning opportunities. Teachers understand the need to vary their plans to accommodate individuals and groups of
students.
KSA I: Teachers know and use a broad range of instructional strategies and know which strategies are appropriate to help
different students achieve different outcomes.

Suggested Topics
Not all need to be addressed.

Winter 2015 - Final

Planning that includes all students and learning styles

Alignment of strategies to student needs
Use of varied resources to differentiate instruction

 Assists all learners

Understands contextual variables that affect teaching and learning

Teacher evaluation including evidence:

Tasha has an understanding of the various personalities and backgrounds of the students and relates well to
all of them. When dealing with any situation she takes into account all aspects of the student including any
personal trouble at home. Tasha is generous with her time and will work with students that have been
absent to catch them up and make sure they have an understanding of the concepts. She gives extra
attention to students to help them succeed. Tasha developed a good relationship with the student with
ODD. She was able to redirect him on several occasions to complete his work.

Professional Qualities and Attributes

KSA B: Teachers understand the legislated, moral and ethical frameworks with in which they work.
KSA H: Teachers know the importance of respecting students human dignity by establishing relationships with students that are
characterized by mutual respect, trust and harmony.
KSA L: Teachers know the importance of engaging parents, purposefully and meaningfully, in all aspects of teaching and
learning.
KSA N: Teachers know the importance of contributing, independently and collegially, to the quality of their school.
KSA O: Teachers assess the quality of their own teaching and use this to develop and implement their own professional
development.
KSA P: Teachers guide their actions with a personal, overall vision of the purpose of teacher and they are able to communicate
their vision, including how it has changed as a result of new knowledge, understanding and experience.

Suggested Topics
Not all need to be addressed.

Work ethics
Initiative
Attitude
Commitment

Interpersonal skills
Energy
Appearance
Reflective

Collegiality
Team work

Teacher evaluation including evidence:

Tasha was extremely professional during her time with us. She has established good working relationships
with all staff and the students in Grade 5. The Grade 5 teachers work as a team for planning and teaching,
Tasha was able to see how valuable this is. She also was able to work with another student teacher to plan
and team teach a math lesson.Tasha was very receptive to feedback and changed her lessons to reflect this.
She attended Parent Teacher Interviews and was very professional with the parents. Tasha grew
professionally by attending the Palliser Teachers Convention, as well as many staff meetings. Tasha has
taken over supervision duties while doing her practicum. Tasha has assisted with the yearbook by
supervising students at lunchtime. Tasha is very warm, friendly, encouraging and very understanding when
it comes to dealing with everyday aspects of teaching. She is a very dedicated and committed teacher.

Reflection and Self-Evaluation

KSA O: Teachers assess the quality of their own teaching and use this to develop and implement their own professional
development.
KSA P: Teachers guide their actions with a personal, overall vision of the purpose of teacher and they are able to communicate
their vision, including how it has changed as a result of new knowledge, understanding and experience

Suggested Topics
Not all need to be addressed.

Winter 2015 - Final

Establishes specific strategies to meet professional goals

Demonstrates oral/written reflective practices
Engages in goal setting
Communicates overall vision of teaching

Teacher evaluation including evidence:

Tasha completed daily reflections on her lessons, used this information to improve and help plan for the
next class. She asked for my opinion, and readily accepted any criticism both positive and negative and
altered her plan to show the changes. Tasha is very flexible and able to adapt her lessons or classes when
other activities arise and change the course of the day. By reflecting daily at the end of her day, Tasha is
more responsive and adept at setting the students up for success.

Other Comments:
I have enjoyed having Tasha Nielsen student teaching in my classroom and have seen tremendous growth in
her as a teacher over the last nine weeks. She is confident, well prepared and very knowledgeable in various
media and technology areas. She is very capable of starting the day with many established routines and
guiding the class through to the end of the day. She worked collaboratively with another student teacher in
planning math. This was a very unique opportunity and Tasha took full advantage of it. Tasha has become a
valued member of the Grade Five teaching team at Innisfail Middle School. Tasha is a very compassionate,
well-planned and organized teacher. She will be a welcomed addition to any staff and school.

Student Teachers Comments:

This has been a wonderful opportunity for me to be able to grow and establish myself as a teacher. I am
extremely grateful to have had such a knowledgeable and experienced mentor teacher who supported me in
every way. Melanie Grant helped me to grow and develop as a teacher. I am thankful that I was able to be
part of an extended practicum, where I was able to meet and observe my class before I officially started my
nine week practicum. I worked very hard to improve my abilities as a teacher every day through my own
self-reflections and feedback from others. I was very fortunate that I was able to teach two different social
studies classes. This allowed me to modify and improve my lesson for the second class and was a very
valuable learning experience for me. I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to see a
collaborative atmosphere in a school. This experience has allowed me to become a very adaptable and
flexible teacher. I have had the opportunity to team teach with another student teacher and this really
allowed me to develop my teaching abilities by working alongside another colleague during my planning
and teaching. I have also been able to observe daily five and caf in the classroom. It was great to see how
the structure and program is developed and maintained in the classroom. I felt like I was welcomed into the
grade five team and I was able to participate in the meetings that took place. I have had the opportunity to
see student led interviews and I really enjoyed participating in them. In these nine weeks, I have been able
to observe other teachers in the classroom and this allowed me to develop my own teaching philosophies.
Over these weeks I have been able to develop great relationships with my students and I worked hard to
meet the needs of each one of my students. This really has been an amazing experience for me and I am so
very thankful for everyone who has supported, encouraged and challenged me during these nine weeks. I
feel that I am confident in myself as a teacher and I am ready to journey into the teaching world as a
certified teacher.

Winter 2015 - Final