Title of Artifact: Written critique from cooperating teacher

Date Completed: Fall 2014

Description:
This artifact is a sheet of notes regarding my first time teaching a lesson to the students, written
by my co-operating teacher at Iowa-Grant Middle School. Mrs. Allen has been teaching for
many years and proved to have much wisdom to share with me about teaching and children in
general. In her notes, she wrote praises for things I did right and gave me suggestions for how to
improve for the next time. The note is symbolic of the cooperating work we did together in Fall
2014.
Alignment
Wisconsin Teacher Standard Alignment
I believe this experience best aligns with standard ten of the Wisconsin Teacher Development
and Licensure Standards which states: The teacher fosters relationships with school colleagues,
parents, and agencies in the larger community to support pupil learning and well-being and acts
with integrity, fairness and in an ethical manner. This experience aligns with standard ten
because I built a relationship with my cooperating teacher during my professional development
semester and was able to use that relationship to strengthen my abilities as a future teacher
myself. Though the semester began with me merely observing the class, I soon moved on to
helping with small classroom tasks, then spending time helping individual students, and
eventually taking over entire lessons. Those small steps are indicative of the level of trust gained
from Mrs. Allen over time. That I was able to build a relationship and gain her trust boosted my
self-confidence and consequently encouraged me to do the best I could in the classroom.
By having Mrs. Allen jot down notes while I taught was incredibly valuable to me. I respect her
opinions and know that I can learn a lot from a seasoned educator. Her honest feedback helped
me reflect upon the lesson from an outsider's point of view and learn from any mistakes I made.
Likewise, the positive feedback was encouraging and let me know what went well and what I
should continue doing.
Collaboration, whether it be in the case of developing professional and experienced teacher or
teacher and parents, is key to providing students with the best quality education possible. When
all parties responsible for their learning are on the same page, teaching and learning goes much
more smoothly for everybody.
UW-Platteville School of Education Knowledge, Skill, Disposition Statement Alignment
I believe this experience best aligns with KSD4D of the UWP School of Education Knowledge,
Skill, and Disposition statements which states: The candidate is able to assume a leadership role
among colleagues and is supportive and cooperative with peers and volunteers, and serves as a
participant and leader in school events and school and district projects. I was fortunate to be
given to opportunity to assume a leadership role in the form of teaching full lessons to the class.
To be able to take over and fill the shoes of somebody with decades of experience is an honor.
When I was not at the front of the classroom teaching, I still maintained a sense of leadership by
offering individual help and setting a good example.
Secondary Alignment:
KSD4E: Grows and Develops Professionally

Reflection
What I learned about teaching/learning:
I learned what it is like to spend my days in a real classroom with a full sized class of middle
school children. I got to experience first-hand the challenges and joys of working with
adolescents and seeing them learn and grow. From feedback and personal reflection, I learned
the importance of both thorough planning and flexibility when it comes to doing lessons and
activities with the class.
What I learned about myself as a prospective collaborator:
I learned the importance of accepting both criticism and praise from those who have been in the
profession longer than me, and that it is okay to offer to them as well. Respectful collaboration
between tried-and-true methods of experienced teachers and the fresh ideas of those new to the
field can lead to great things, and that is a lesson I will keep at every stage of my career.