References

LETTER OF REFERENCE

To Whom It May Concern,

  Ian was my Teacher Candidate from September 2019 to January 2020 at East Elgin Secondary School.  Below you will find a summary of my observations during his time here.  Please feel free to contact me anytime if you have any more questions.

Teaching Assignment

Grade 11/12 Electrical Technology (College)

Grade 9 Exploring Technologies (Open)

Personal Attributes

  There are a number of personal attributes that I feel contributed to Ian’s success in the classroom, as his dedication to teaching was evident from the first day.  Ian is very punctual, organized and showed a sincere interest in developing his teaching skills.  He was open to new ideas, accepted constructive criticism well and reflected on his practice to get better all the time.  Ian’s patient and respectful demeanor when working with both staff and students helped him gain trust, build relationships and ultimately helped him manage his classroom well.  His good communication skills and commitment to improvement will ensure that he continues to be successful both in and out of the classroom in the future.

Content Area Background and Knowledge

  Ian’s depth of knowledge was appreciated by his students.  The difficult task of teaching outside of ones area of qualification was one that Ian took on readily.  He used his extensive knowledge of industrial electrical systems to help create new projects and curriculum for students going forward in our school.  He worked during his prep and lunch periods to become familiar with other areas covered in the grade 9 curriculum like Communications, Custom Woodworking and Manufacturing so that he was able to effectively assist students in the shop.

Organization and Preparation

  Ian has quickly learned the importance of planning and time use.  Ian always came to class prepared with exemplars, lessons and assessments.  When tasked with improving certain areas of lessons, he used his lunch time to change lessons and use the new lesson to more effectively engage the afternoon grade 9 class.  Ian was quick to learn the appropriate amounts and types of information the different grades and levels were capable of and made appropriate adjustments to ensure all learners were included in his lessons.

Teaching Effectiveness

  Ian effectively used a variety of teaching strategies, techniques and methods to appeal to the varied learning styles in the classroom.  Ian utilized classroom demonstrations, videos, exemplars, web based information, and one-on-one lessons to engage students.  He reviewed IEP’s when required and used the information to guide his lessons and student-teacher interactions.

Rapport with Students

  Ian relates well to students.  He quickly found himself working alongside students in the class and helping them with their projects, which helped students get to know him.  A student’s respect takes time to earn and Ian was able to gain their respect quickly in his classes while still maintaining a position of authority.

Communication

  Ian is an effective communicator.  He explained projects and their expectations very well.  He also spoke with every student when assignments where handed back and explained where they made mistakes and how they can improve for next time.  With more experience Ian will become more confident in the classroom and will continue to learn how to project his voice over the noise in a technology classroom.

Classroom Management

  Keeping an eye on all of the students in a busy shop atmosphere was a task that Ian handled well.  Moving around the room, using verbal cues as well as preferential seating were skills that Ian developed as the semester progressed to help him effectively manage the classroom.  These skills will continue to develop as he gains more knowledge and experience.  

Personal Work Habits

  Ian’s work habits were very evident from the beginning of his placement.  He was always early for class, prepared before students arrived and had any handouts copied for students as soon as the bell rang.  Ian attended meetings for our school literacy team during his lunch hour and watched other exemplary teachers in the school to learn new teaching strategies.  During times that I was away from school, Ian assumed the role of the leader in the class very well and kept students on track and completing projects on time.  It is clear that Ian is very willing to do more than the minimum for the students, the school and the community.

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Adam Bengen

East Elgin Secondary School

a.bengen@tvdsb.ca

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