Jennifer Branch was observed teaching a 2nd grade reading lesson on folktales. She demonstrated strong content knowledge and conveyed enthusiasm for the subject. Jennifer activated students' prior knowledge and supported their intellectual development. Her lesson was geared towards all learning abilities and she had high expectations. Jennifer used multiple teaching strategies and engaged students through critical thinking questions. She managed student behavior well and established a positive learning environment. The assessment of student understanding through a Venn diagram will help drive further instruction. Overall, Jennifer reflected thoughtfully and is establishing professional relationships to continue growing in her practice.

1. Evaluation Criteria for Student/Intern Teachers
Student/Intern Teacher: Jennifer Branch Date: 9/25/15 Time: 10:15AM
University Supervisor: Elaine Slott Grade/Subject: 2/Reading
LessonTopic: Folktales: Compare and Contrast
Directions: For each of the outcomes, use one of the following marks: S-Satisfactory; NI-
Needs Improvement; U- Unsatisfactory; NA- Not Applicable.
Principle 1: The teacher candidate understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and
structures of the discipline he or she teaches and can create learning experiences that make
these aspects of subject matter meaningful for all students. PA 354.33.(1)(i)(A)
S_ _1. demonstrating content knowledge.
S___2. representing content.
S___3. conveying enthusiasm.
Comments: It is apparent that Jennifer loves reading and her enthusiasm is contagious. She
presented a new version of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka and the students compared and
contrasted this with the old story of the Three Little Pigs that they had previously read.
Principle 2: The teacher candidate understands how all children learn and develop and can
provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social, career, and personal
development. PA 354.33.(1)(i)(B)
S__1. demonstrating knowledge of developmental characteristics.
S__2. activates prior knowledge and experience.
Comments: As indicated above, Jennifer activated prior knowledge thus allowing her to avail
herself of all developmental characteristics.
Principle 3: The teacher candidate understands how students differ in their approaches to
learning and creates instructional opportunities that foster achievement of diverse learners
in the inclusive classroom. PA 354.33.(1)(i)(C)
S____1. teaching to individual learning abilities.
S ___2. expectations for learning and achievement.
Comments: Jennifer has high expectations for learning and achievement and geared her lesson
to reach all students incorporating techniques to achieve maximum participation and learning.
Principle 4: The teacher candidate understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies
to encourage students’ development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance
skills. PA 354.33.(1)(i)(D)
S_ __ 1. multiple teaching strategies, active learning, modeling.
S___ 2. student teacher role in instructional process.

2. Comments: Jennifer used a variety of strategies to insure that all modalities were being met.
She motivated the students by her enthusiastic rendering of the story and paused at strategic
points to encourage critical thinking. Her questions were of higher order thinking skills (HOTS),
encouraging the students to think outside the box.
Principle 5: The teacher candidate uses an understanding of individual and group
motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social
interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation. PA 354.33.(1)(i)(E)
S___1. management of transitions.
S___2. management of time and materials.
S___3. directions and procedures.
S___4. pacing.
S___5. performance of non-instructional duties.
S___6. positive climate for intrinsic motivation.
S___7. establishing expectations for behavior.
S___8. monitoring student behavior.
NA _9. response to student misbehavior.
Comments: It is evident that Jennifer has established high expectations for behavior and the
students responded in kind. They transitioned well from entering the room to sitting in the
Reading corner and back to their desks for independent work. The time management was very
good and the materials were in keeping with the lesson. Her directions were clear and she did
not have the students proceed until she was sure they knew what was expected of them. Prior to
reading from their books, at their desks, Jennifer asked if they knew what a fig was because the
story was “The Ant and the Three Little Figs”. After hearing what the students thought it was,
Jennifer took out a fig and had the students examine it carefully.
Principle 6: The teacher candidate uses knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media
communication techniques supported by appropriate technology to foster active inquiry,
collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom. PA 354.33.(1)(i)(F)
S___1. oral and written language.
S___2. quality of questions.
S___3. discussion techniques with student participation.
S___4. use of media and technology.
Comments: The questions Jennifer asked were of high quality and the student participation was
excellent. They were attentive and eager to participate throughout the lesson.
Principle 7: The teacher candidate plans instruction based upon knowledge of subject
matter, students, the community, and curriculum goals. PA 354.33.(1)(i)(G)
S___ 1. developing different types of goals.
S___ 2. short- and long-term planning (including unit plans).
S___ 3. lesson plans: monitoring and adjustment.
S___ 4. establishing goals with high expectations.
Comments: This lesson was part of a unit on Folklore and it was handled very well. Jennifer’s
lesson plan was comprehensive and had high expectations for achievement which were met.

3. Principle 8: The teacher candidate understands and uses formal and informal assessment
strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social, and physical
development of learner. PA 354.33.(1)(i)(H)
S__1. using a variety of formal/informal assessment techniques.
S__2. assessment data used in lesson planning/adjustment.
S__3. recording and monitoring assessment data.
Comments: After reading The Ant and The Three Little Figs Jennifer showed them a Venn
Diagram and explained the elements needed. The students offered their views, a few of which
Jennifer put on the board and then had them continue on their own. She circulated among the
students offering assistance, praise and encouragement where needed. The Venn Diagrams will
be used for assessment to further drive instruction.
Principle 9: The teacher candidate thinks systematically about practice, learns from
experience, seeks the advice of others, draws upon educational research and scholarship,
and actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally. PA 354.33.(1)(i)(I)
S___1. reflection on teaching.
S__2. professional growth.
Comments: Jennifer’s reflection on the lesson was on target. She has excellent rapport with the
students as well as with her cooperating teacher and her professional manner leads to her growth.
Principle 10: The teacher candidate contributes to school effectiveness by collaborating with
other professionals and parents, by using community resources, and by working as an
advocate to improve opportunities for student learning. PA 354.33.(1)(i)(J)
S___1. sensitivity to student needs and awareness of community resources.
S___2. establishing professional relationships.
S___3. respectful and productive communication with families.
Comments: Jennifer avails herself of all resources available to her and, therefore, her students.
She has attended Back to School Night, book fair and parent conferences. She is establishing
excellent professional relationships with all personnel in the school as well as with the parents of
her students.
Signature of Observer: Elaine Slott______________________________ Date: 9/25/15
Signature of Student/Intern Teacher: ____________________________ Date: