Summative Evaluation of

Practicum
Master of Teaching

Teacher Candidate: Brendan Douglas Clements

Year: 1 Practicum Session: 1
Dates: October 31, 2016 to November 25, 2016

Associate Teacher: Susan Hubert

Grade level and/or subjects: Gr 1/2
School: Sunset Heights P.S.
Board: DDSB

PROFESSIONALISM
Brendan has consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism while at Sunset Heights P.S. with
administration, other teachers, students, parents, and class volunteers. He has shown initiative and engaged in
thoughtful reflection since his first observation day. He very quickly learned the routines and behavior
expectations, which he puts into place on a daily basis. He is always thinking reflectively about student strengths
and needs, so he can plan and engage all learners. Brendan arrived punctually every day and dressed
professionally. He always made himself available before and after school to discuss upcoming lessons and
reflect on lessons taught that day. Brendan incorporated questions from his Learning Plan into daily practice.

DIVERSITY AND EQUITY

Brendan was always sensitive to the diverse student needs and backgrounds in our room. He treated all
students with respect and care. He incorporated our cultural diversities into his Social Studies unit on "Global
Communities". Brendan consistently made accommodations and modifications for struggling students, ensuring
that all students felt successful at the end of the lesson. He effectively used instructional strategies
encompassing whole group, small group, and independent activities.

INVOLVEMENT IN SCHOOL / COMMUNITY LIFE

Brendan developed positive relationships with staff and students in a variety of settings within the school. He
participated in Primary Choir and our weekly "Reading Buddies" with another class. He attended a monthly Staff
Meeting, School Leadership Team planning session, Parent/Teacher Interviews, and helped to run a center
during Scientist In The School. He also interacted with many staff members, asking questions and visiting
classrooms.

UNDERSTANDING CURRICULUM AND THE LEARNER

Brendan actively researched curriculum specific to the Grade 1/2 classroom. He displayed excellent knowledge
of subjects across the curriculum. Brendan was a promoter of technology in the classroom. He incorporated
appropriate visual aids such as videos, images, and the Elmo to enhance lessons. Brendan set up "Skype In
The Classroom" to help us connect with a class in another community at another date. Brendan assisted with
our "Learning Journey Into Math" hall display. Brendan provided Learning Goals and Success Criteria before
each lesson. He effectively used the "brainstorming" strategy before lessons to access student prior knowledge
and to begin whole group discussions.

ASSESSMENT, PLANNING AND INSTRUCTION

Brendan's lessons were always well planned and organized. He ensured understanding of the Learning Goals
before each lesson and referred back to these during consolidation. All lessons were sequenced logically and
day plans included 3-part lessons. He used a variety of instructional strategies such as whole, small, and guided
groupings, as well as independent tasks. He Brendan willingly participated in collaborative planning with his
Associate Teacher. His lessons were set up to facilitate Pre/Mid-Point/Final assessments. Brendan engaged in
descriptive feedback, both oral and written. He also provided students with opportunities for peer and self-
assessment. Brendan consistently made sure students had a variety of appropriate resources available for
research and inquiry.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Brendan very quickly learned the routines and behavior expectations within our classroom. We have several
challenging students, which necessitated many different behavior management strategies. He ensured that
students were calm and alert before starting his lessons. Brendan incorporated our "Zones Of Regulation" into
his practice, as well as Mindfulness Exercises to promote calming behavior. Brendan used the following
strategies as successful management tools: verbal/non-verbal cues, reasonable consequences, positive
reinforcement, preferred seating for students during whole group discussions, specific pairings for small group
work, class "5-point check" listening scale, peer modelling, visual schedule, break and transition cards for one
specific student.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Brendan's enthusiasm and commitment to our students has made this placement an extremely positive
experience for all those in the room. He built many positive relationships with both staff and students during his
placement. Brendan always showed initiative to step in when he saw things that needed to be done and
completed them without asking. His love of learning and the teaching profession shone throughout the day. I
have thoroughly enjoyed working with Brendan and wish him all the best in his teaching career. He will make a
valuable addition to any school and classroom.

Overall appraisal: Pass Fail