Justine's lesson plans reflected the curriculum outcomes for the subjects

she taught. Her plans included detailed procedures and instructions. She
used pocket sized "jot notes" in P.E. as an efficient way to remember all of
the activities in a series without having to have her whole lesson plan page
in the gym. She incorporated a variety of resources (textbooks, power points,
video clips, handouts, library books, visuals/artifacts - bike helmet as part of
her bike safety lesson) to support the topics. She prepared for a "7 Habits"
lesson by bringing in a jar of rice and rocks to demonstrate the importance of
"Putting First Things First". A particular area of strength that linked directly to
one of her leaning goals for the term was her use of the smart board and
internet technology. I learned things from her about creating an online survey
to use with the students. She applied the new "air server" technology with
the i-pads to help make a lesson very interactive.
Justine demonstrated excellent knowledge in the content area of P.E.
where she provided a wide variety of activities and created a fun and safe
environment for the students. She did background research in order to be
well versed in the social studies lessons. She prepared power point
presentations with photos to enhance the lessons and to motivate the
students. She speaks clearly and with authority in the gymnasium. Her
classroom demeanor is a little bit more reserved with room for growth in
terms of expression and enthusiasm. Her lessons were focused on student
learning. She worked well with small groups in math.
The students saw Miss Despins as a leader. She was fair and consistent
with the students and established positive relationships with them. She
maintained an environment that was conducive to student learning and
made adjustments to her plans to her plans when a strategy or activity
wasn't working in a way she had hoped. She used appropriate low-key and
higher level responses ("wait time") in managing this very active group of
students. The students have grown to love her and are going to miss her.
Although there was not a great deal of opportunity for formal, summative
assessment during her time here, Justine included a variety of assessment
goals in her lesson plans. She would conduct informal "thumbs up"
assessment of student enjoyment/engagement in a P.E. lesson and used
questioning and observation to glean information in social and math. She
had a good understanding of different student's strengths and weaknesses
and made accommodations accordingly.

Justine was professional in her interaction with the students and staff at
Coalhurst Elementary School. She communicated well with her university
peers at the school and helped to keep communication going with her
university consultant in terms of organizing observation schedules. She was
punctual and willingly stayed after school to assist with setting up materials
(ie. moving our "Elf on the Shelf") and to debrief about lessons as there was
little time to do so during a busy school day. She responded well to feedback
and made modifications accordingly. Justine assisted with a large P.E. class
and took on an extra lesson at the end of the round to help instruct a lesson
with this group. Her personal vision of teaching, as outlined in her electronic
portfolio, is clear. Her vision was communicated through her conduct and
growth during this student teaching round. Her well organized, easy to
navigate web page clearly outlines her growth plans and goals. She was
particularly insightful in her reflection of what this term has taught her. She
put a delightful twist on the "list of things I learned" that paints a clear
picture of her time in our classroom. Miss Despins dis a great job of getting
to know the individual "snowflakes" in our classroom.
Justine did well this round. As the weeks progressed, her attention to
transition times improved. Elementary teachers have to project energy and
enthusiasm all of the time. Perhaps the one area of further growth is in the
realm of "presence". Students responded well to Justine, but being able to
smile at and to encourage each child is important. In her "wheel house" - the
gym - she is very enthusiastic, but this enthusiasm did not always carry over
to the classroom. A great deal of energy is demanded of teachers on a daily
basis.
One of Justine's many strengths this term was her ability to be flexible.
Although she was always well prepared for her lessons and organized with
her materials, she could quickly change gears as things came up, as often do
in the case of teaching. She showed an interest in the students. She was
sensitive to the needs of the "at risk" students. Justine is a natural in the
gym, very at home with choreographing a series of activities with the P.E.
students. She has a lot to bring to the teaching profession. Her knowledge of
technology (google drive, webpages, surveys, etc.) will serve her well in the
future. She has a good work ethic. She was able to see the needs in the room
during her assisting time and confidently aided struggling students. It has
been a pleasure to have Justine as a student teacher in my classroom and I
wish her all the best as she continues her education.