Student Teacher Name: Michelle Landis Mentor Teacher Name: Mike Cramer University Field Instructor Name: Tami

Vollmar School: Burns Park Elementary School District: Ann Arbor Public Schools Ann Arbor, MI Term: Winter 2013 Michelle's student teaching placement was at Burns Park Elementary in a 5th grade classroom. Michelle began her internship placement at the beginning of the school year. This provided her with the opportunity to develop good working relationships with the students. Burns Park has a diverse population, including English Language Learners. Burns Park implements a building-wide Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) program; which includes "true blue" behavior management strategy and giving out "penguin positives" as positive reinforcement. Burns Park is a Title 1 school, and Michelle had exposure to the plans in place to help close the achievement gap. Differentiated learning at all levels offers students the ability to be successful in the classroom. Michelle had opportunities to develop and teach lessons that were part of a research-based curriculum. The Every Day Math program is a proven curriculum that emphasizes the application of mathematics to real world situations. The Language Arts program includes reading and writing curriculums that address word study, guided reading, "just-right" reading selections as well as writer's workshop to teach effective writing methods. Michelle is a highly organized, enthusiastic and reflective teacher. Her lessons were well designed, with a clear purpose and set of objectives established to achieve set learning goals. She has a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses in her class and she was able to plan lessons that would be interesting and engaging for students. Michelle was also able to provide support for struggling students, and provide opportunities for more capable students to extend their learning. The evaluations she developed were authentic and informative. She used the assessment data to guide the development of her lesson plans. Michelle maintained an active role in lesson planning, evaluating students and creating and interpreting assessments throughout the school year. She utilized all of these elements in the development and implementation of the Social Studies Unit she created and taught. Michelle plans lessons in advance, so she is able to have materials organized and ready for instruction. Michelle offers positive feedback and reinforcement to the students daily. She is respectful in dealing with both the students and parents. Michelle always worked to provide a safe and supportive classroom environment, in which learning is valued and participation encouraged. Michelle worked effectively with the PBIS model in place in the classroom and building, encouraging and shaping appropriate behavior to meet expectations across the day. Michelle always participated in professional development opportunities. She actively pursued opportunities to grow as a teacher. Michelle is always supportive and respectful of her peers. Michelle is very reflective and is always open to suggestions. She will be a valuable to asset to the profession and future school placement. I highly recommend Michelle as a teacher candidate. Please feel free to contact me. Tami Vollmar University of Michigan Field Instructor (517) 282-7986