ALVERNO COLLEGE

SPE 614 TEACHER CANDIDATE’S SELF-ASSESSMENT

Candidate: Kelly McGonagil Check One: 1st Observation ___ 2nd Observation ___
Supervisor: Jennifer Sprague Date: 5/3/2017
Cooperating Teacher: Laura Mooney Number of Students: 3-15
School (Agency): Milwaukee Therapeutic Rec Program Grade: Subject(s): Yoga & Movement / Culture Cafe
Disability Categories Represented: Intellectual Disabilities Diverse Student Needs Represented: There was a wide
range of disabilities and cultural backgrounds
represented in the program.

Planning and Preparation (AEA: Conceptualization/Diagnosis – Evidence (Candidate)

WTS: 1, 7 – DISP: Respect, Responsibility - CEC: 1, 4, 5, 9, 10)
 Uses teaching resources and curriculum materials that are
appropriate in representing the ideas and concepts.
 Plans instruction appropriate to students’ stages of development and ____Inadequate ____Emerging ___X_Proficient ____Distinctive
learning styles.
 Provides opportunities for active engagement, manipulation and
testing of ideas and materials. Comments:
 Values flexibility in the teaching process by monitoring and adjusting
plans and adapting instruction when necessary and appropriate.
 Chooses appropriate teaching strategies, learning experiences, and I tried to assist as needed, but often struggled with the fine line
materials to achieve different instructional purposes and to meet student between Rec employee and volunteer. I allowed the employees to
needs. manage the class, while I assisted as needed. This often meant
 Varies his or her role in the instructional process in relation to the helping members with various tasks, keeping them motivated,
content and purposes of instruction. encouraging participation, and facilitating positive peer interactions.
 Plans motivational instruction by relating lessons to students’ I felt I remained flexible and allowed the class to flow as normal.
personal interest.
 Seeks to find ways to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Classroom Environment (AEA: Coordination/Integrative Interaction –

Evidence (Candidate and Student)
WTS: 2, 3, 5 - DISP: Respect, Responsibility – CEC: 2, 3, 5)
 Shows respect for the diverse talents of all learners.
 Is committed to the expression and use of democratic values in the ____Inadequate ____Emerging ____Proficient _X___Distinctive
classroom.
 Organizes, allocates, and manages the resources of time, space, Comments:
activities and attention to engage students in productive tasks.
 Respects students as individuals with differing personal and family
Respect is a non-negotiable in the field of special education. I feel
background and various skills, talents and interests.
that regardless of the disability, ethnic background, socioeconomic
status, etc. of any given person, they deserve to be treated with
respect, kindness, and dignity. I try to instill these traits in the people
I work with by demonstrating it through my own actions.

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Evidence Code Definitions:
Inadequate = Unsatisfactory Emerging = Needs Improvement Proficient = Satisfactory Distinctive = Exemplary

Instruction (AEA: Communication, Coordination, Diagnosis,

Integrative Interaction – WTS 4, 6, 7 - DISP: Respect, Responsibility, Evidence (Candidate and Student)
Communication – CEC: 4, 6, 7, 8, 9)
 Encourages discussion.
 Elicits samples of student thinking orally and in writing. ____Inadequate ____Emerging __X__Proficient ____Distinctive
 Modifies explanations when necessary to assist students’
understanding. Comments:
 Organizes, prepares students for, and monitors independent and
group work. I encouraged members to communicate with each other and remained
 Recognizes the importance of verbal and nonverbal communication. engaged in the activities through the duration of the class. I was positive,
 Is a thoughtful and responsive listener. inquisitive, and responsive in order to help meet the needs of the members
 Communicates in ways that demonstrate a sensitivity to cultural and (and to be able to get to know them overall). I often prompted various
gender differences. questions, and encouraged members to try new things during all classes.
 Models appropriate communication strategies in conveying ideas I tried to make an effort to speak with all members at least once during the
and information. class.

Assessment (AEA: Diagnosis/Integrative Interaction – WTS: 8, 9 — Evidence (Candidate and Student)

DISP: Collaboration, Communication – CEC: 1, 5, 8, 9, 10)
 Solicits and uses information about students’ experiences, learning
behavior, needs and progress from cooperating teachers and the ____Inadequate ____Emerging _X___Proficient ____Distinctive
students themselves.
 Evaluates the effect of class activities on both individuals and the Comments:
class as a whole, collecting information through observation of I often reflected on how I could have helped to make the class run
classroom interactions, questioning, and analysis of student work. smoother, upon finishing a night of field work. Observations of the
 Uses classroom observation and information about students as
members, as well as employees, had me wondering if the structure of the
sources for evaluating the outcomes of teaching and as a basis for
classes could be different. Is it possible to have Yoga and Movement in the
reflecting on and revising practice.
Gym? Could members be more involved in the Culture Café? What would
that look like?
I think I could have done a better job of inquiring about the structure of the
classes, how the program overall is run, and the overall needs of the
members in order to answer some of these questions.
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 Professional Responsibilities (AEA: Communication/Integrative Evidence (Candidate)
Interaction – WTS: 10 –DISP: Responsibility, Collaboration,
Communication – CEC: 2, 5, 10)
 Relates professionally and effectively with the cooperating teacher
and faculty. ____Inadequate ____Emerging ____Proficient __X__Distinctive
 Dresses professionally and consistently portrays a professional
demeanor. Comments:
 Is enthusiastic about teaching. I felt I conducted myself in a professional manner throughout the duration
 Seeks out the cooperating teacher to support his/her development of the field experience. I communicated as needed with the supervisor,
as a learner and a teacher. and interacted with employees of the rec department, as well as members,
in a consistent professional way.

Overall Performance: ____Inadequate ____Emerging _X___Proficient ____Distinctive

Summary Statement (Optional):

My overall experience with the Milwaukee Therapeutic Rec Program was positive and engaging. I often felt myself wanting to assist in the planning and structure
of the classes held, rather than perform my duties as a volunteer. My time volunteering, however, was nothing short of thought-provoking, insightful, and overall
lighthearted and fun! Given that I currently work in a school in a predominantly white community, with middle to upper socioeconomic status, I thoroughly enjoyed
interacting with students of a much diverse background. It gave me insight as to services available in Milwaukee, and the individuals for whom they service. I hope
to be able to give back to this program at some point, and thank them for the opportunity to assist!!

ED FORM 711
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and Universal Copyright Conventions. Reproduction in part or whole by any method is prohibited by law.