Macomb County 2009 Outstanding Teacher of the Year

NOMINATION FORM AND PROCEDURES

INSTRUCTIONS: In order to nominate a teacher at each level

(elementary, middle/junior high, high school), please have the
nominator complete a separate form. All nomination materials must be
checked by the OTA coordinator, then submitted via e-mail attachment
to Colleen DeMerse at cdemerse@misd.net OR faxed to Colleen at
586.286.2809 OR dropped off to her (Room 216-S) at the MISD.
Teachers, administrators, students, family members, or the general
public may make nominations. Teachers may not nominate themselves.

NOMINEE’S TEACHING LEVEL: (please highlight only one level)

Elementary School Middle/Junior High School High School xxx

NOMINEE’S FULL NAME: Chris Carpenter

NOMINEE’S SCHOOL: Clintondale High School

NOMINEE’S DISTRICT: Clintondale Community Schools

NOMINEE’S SCHOOL PHONE NUMBER: 586-791-6300

NOMINEE’S HOME ADDRESS: 36477 Haley Drive

NOMINEE’S CITY/STATE/ZIP: New Baltimore, Michigan 48047

NOMINEE’S HOME PHONE NUMBER: 586-716-7689

NOMINATOR’S NAME: Greg Green

NOMINATOR’S POSITION/TITLE: High School Principal

NOMINATOR’S BUSINESS PHONE NUMBER: 586-791-6301 x2003

COORDINATOR’S NAME:
Mr. Chris Carpenter- Clintondale High School and CCS

Please list the outstanding achievements and service demonstrated by the nominee
during the last two years. In fairness to all, we ask that you limit your testimony to
this assigned sheet and one additional blank sheet following.

• Evidence of teacher’s evolving knowledge of Planning and Preparation: How

does the nominee demonstrate his/her knowledge of content, pedagogy,
students, instructional goals, and the design of coherent instruction (25
points).
Examples might include:
• Teacher’s translation of instructional goals into meaningful learning experiences
(i.e. adapting standards and benchmarks to their teaching, organizing and
sequencing activities in learning and reflecting)
• Adjustment of instructional goals to accommodate the diversity represented by
their students (i.e., knowledge of resources, varied approaches to learning, student
interests and abilities)
• Use of assessment to inform the instructional process and plans for the next steps
(i.e. student feedback, reflecting on learning)
• Professional development in curriculum or in general teaching techniques

Mr. Carpenter exemplifies what a great teacher must do in order to stimulate

student learning and that is plan and prepare, prepare and prepare!!!!! It is no secret that
my best educators are the ones in which are the best prepared. Their desks are not always
the neatest, nor their room always the quietest, however, they have the uncanny ability to
shift directions quickly and grab a hold of those teachable moments because they have
prepared and planned for those moments in which they can stimulate their students’
thoughts. The following are some of the ways in which Mr. Carpenter has prepared to
meet the needs of his students:

• Prepared intricate lessons in order to meet state expectations

• Used station style teaching approach in order to reach student learning
styles
• Integrated technology to meet his current student academic needs at
www.mrcarpenteronline.com
• Volunteered to be part of literacy team, NCA/school improvement
committee
• Used test item analysis assessment model in order to assess student
learning and provide framework for planning next lessons
• Part of numerous committees and community organizations in order to
understand our student academic expectations and community
pressures
B. Evidence of a teacher’s ability to establish a Classroom Environment:
How does the nominee build a respectful learning community where there is
respect, safety, and high expectations for all students? (25 points)
Examples might include:
• Existence of relationships grounded in respect, dignity, safety, and caring
• Strong culture of learning where everyone is engaged in pursuits of value on high
quality of work
• Student pride in work
• Procedures for a smooth operation of the classroom efficient use of time (i.e.
management of classroom procedures, standards of conduct)
• Enhancement of the physical environment and use as a resource for learning

Within Mr. Carpenter’s classroom, I have found Mr. Carpenter to

demonstrate a caring, respectful rapport with his individual students. One
example is the development of his website at www.mrcarpenteronline.com.
Through the implementation of his website he is able to provide educational
services outside the regular school hours without inconveniencing parents and
students. Through his own individual efforts he provides a forum for students and
parents to have an unlimited amount of reviews and re-teachings in order for his
students to gain a better understanding. He also provides real time updates
regarding class assignments and provides an excellent forum for make up work.
Through his commitment to integrating technology, his students perform well
under challenging circumstances and provide for smooth transitions throughout an
ever-changing diverse educational climate. Furthermore, his visionary style also
provides his students a fun and futuristic approach, which enables him to develop
an instant connection with his students, and allows them to distinguish themselves
as a select group of students who have high expectations. Mr. Carpenter uses his
time effectively classroom as every minute is accounted for through his daily
agenda and lesson plans. Lastly, Mr. Carpenter takes pride in his students work as
his room is decorated with various student works that provide examples for other
students to look at and recognizes those who have done a great job.
 C. Evidence of the teacher’s evolving knowledge of Instruction:
How does the nominee promote student engagement in learning the content
which instructional strategies are used for?
• Communication skills (i.e. vivid and expressive language, quality of oral and written
communication)
• The uses of questioning and discussion techniques (i.e. elicits students reflection,
framing questions of high cognitive challenge, use of questions to extend learning)
• Active construction of learning (i.e. intellectual involvement with the content,
participation, problem-solving activities, student choice and initiative, use of higher-
order thinking skills, learning designed to be relevant, diverse grouping strategies, use
of instructional materials and resources, lesson structure and pacing)
• Provision of high quality feedback
• Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness (i.e. sense of efficacy, commitment to the
learning of al students)

Mr. Carpenter has a true passion for the topic of social studies. Along with his
passion he has a desire to be the most effective teacher he can be. The following
is a list of instructional strategies that he used within his lesson plans:

• Required student oral reports and senior projects using power point,
individual and group reflection, visuals and technology components
• Required students to do a reflective warm up exercises at the
beginning of class in order to frame group activities
• Created a self-pacing guide that correlates with our High School
Curriculum Map
• Provided students with various societal problems and students respond
to them using the writing MME format
• Developed various rubrics in order to enhance student organization
and clear expectations of classroom work and environment
• Allowed students to address important individual issues but also
required student to acknowledge another point of view in order to
create balance and acceptance thorough his questioning and discussion
techniques
• Returned student work within 24 hours using a grading rubric which
enables him to give thorough written feedback and provide clear
understanding
• Accommodate lessons to meet special needs students
 • Implemented technology to advance communication and learning
needs of students and parents
• Provided instruction using a variety of approaches in order to meet the
learning styles of all his students
• Used various instructional approaches and but relates complex topics
around central themes in order for his students to gain a better
understanding of a topic
• Created a blog in order to keep parents informed

D. Evidence of a Teacher’s evolving knowledge of Professional Responsibilities:

How does the nominee reflect on his/her teaching and foster relationships with
colleagues, parents and agencies in the larger community? (25 points)
Examples might include:
• Reflection (i.e. sensitivity to the engagement of students, accurate assessment of a
lesson’s effectiveness, use of reflections in practice)
• Maintaining accurate records (i.e. records of competencies, portfolios)
• Communicating with families
• Contributing to the school and district (i.e. collegiality, leadership, volunteering)
• Growing and developing professionally (i.e., professional organizations,
conferences, local and state agencies, conducting research, supervising teachers,
mentoring teachers)
• Showing professionalism (i.e., professional standards, advocacy)

Mr. Carpenter has been a sterling example of how a teacher can become part of the
educational culture. He has shown a tremendous commitment to our students and
community which is represented in the following examples:

• Innovative website for students and parents at

http://www.mrcarpenteronline.com
• Member of the district literacy, crisis and NCA teams
• Regularly attends district sporting events
• Coached 9th grade football
• Class sponsor
• Participated in “Population Connection” workshop
• School improvement team
• Chaperoned numerous school dances and events
• Developed a blog page for parents to view classroom activities
• Develop instructional and grading rubrics in order to provide clear
expectations and understanding