Credit

Non-Credit

Central Michigan University

EVALUATION OF STUDENT INTERNING
Student Intern's
Name:

Tessa Heeringa

Student ID#:

462256

Major(s):

Special Education

Certification:

Elementary

Special Education:

Secondary

Reading

Minor(s):

Emotional Impairment

Cognitive Impairment

K-12
Mid Level

Student Interning
Start Date:

September 2015

Student Interning
End Date:

December 2015

Graduation Date:

May 2016

Grade(s) Taught:

9-12

Subject(s) Taught:

Language Arts, Social Studies, and Community Based Instruction

Mentor Teacher's
Name:

Marcey Brown

School:

Rockford High School

District:

Rockford Public Schools

City:

Rockford

Describe the diverse nature of the classroom as it relates to: ability levels of students, teaching methods used (lecture,
discussion, demonstration, small group, independent study, cooperative learning, hand-on activities, field trips, team
teaching, etc.), extra-curricular activities, special experiences, etc.

Miss Heeringa has been student teaching in a high school, self-contained CI classroom. The ability levels of the students in
this program range from students with learning disabilities, autism, physical and cognitive impairments. Methods of instruction
used are; whole group discussion, small group work, hands-on activities, and community based instruction. Many of our
students participate in after school programs and sports. Special Olympics offer many opportunities for sports that our
students take advantage of throughout the school year.

Please type a narrative evaluation for each criterion in the space provided.
1. Concept and Knowledge-Driven Practices (student intern demonstrates understanding of academic
content and effective instructional practices):
Miss Heeringa has demonstrated throughout her placement here at Rockford High School that she understands
and can deliver the academic content needed for the diverse population and needs of the students in this program.
She has researched many of the methods used in the classroom with respect to language arts (reading and writing)
at various academic levels. She has made sure the delivery was at the student level and still followed the common
core essential elements (state standards). Miss Heeringa has gone above and beyond to deliver meaningful
content to the students while always focusing on their level of understanding and adjusting instruction when
needed.

2. Learner-Centered Practices (student intern demonstrates understanding of the importance of

assessment, instruction, practice, and feedback, uses data-driven decision making, considers student
interests in developing instruction, attends to the cognitive, affective, and physical needs/
characteristics of students):
Miss Heeringa constantly asked for feedback and reflected on each of her lessons. She researched ways to pre
and posttest students. Her methods of assessment were both fun and engaging for students and produced the
results she needed to guide her instruction. During this period of student teaching, Miss Heeringa was given time to
try new things, research various teaching methods, follow a curriculum that was already set in place and adjust it to
make it her own. She was able to apply what she was learning about the academic curriculum, life skill instruction,
and behavioral interventions/classroom management and target all student needs with respect to how they learn on
an individual basis.

3. Reflective Practice to Diverse Roles and Settings (student intern demonstrates understanding of
importance of engaging in reflective practices such as identifying strengths, and needs in instructional
practices, seeking support, pursuing additional knowledge and resources. Student also demonstrates
responsiveness to racial, socio-economic, linguistic, ethnic, gender, and other cultural differences):
Miss Heeringa sought out feedback and reflected daily on her instructional practices. This practice helped her
understand and identify her strengths and areas of need as an instructor. She utilizes the help provided by the
Child Care Worker in the classroom and respected her position as a co-worker; however, Miss Heeringa felt
comfortable working with the Child Care Worker in manner that was both leading and collaborating. As well, Miss
Heeringa recognized the many needs of our students with respect to racial, socio-economic status, and gender.
Miss Heeringa built a rapport with each student and was understanding and interested in them as individuals.

4. Personal Characteristics (Describe additional characteristics specific to the student intern that have
supported and/or enhanced his/her internship experience, professional qualities, etc.):
Miss Heeringa has from day one made a lasting impression on all the staff and students that she has interacted with
in our building. She is professional in all aspects of the position she held here, she has gone out of her way to build
relationships with other staff members by coming to meetings, participating in IEPs and behavioral intervention
meetings for students on our caseload. She took the time to really get to know each student so that she could
speak to any staff member or parent about the student. Miss Heeringa comes in early and has stayed late many
times during her internship to work on projects and/or plan for instruction. She participated in professional
development and attended after school meetings when she could.

5. Teaching Potential:
During this period of student teaching, Miss Heeringa has become much more than a student teacher in our
program. She is definitely considered a teacher by all who have had the opportunity to work with her. From the
very beginning, Miss Heeringa displayed the maturity, desire, and compassion for working with students that have
cognitive and emotional challenges. She was an asset in our classroom, and she will be an excellent teacher for
any school district that hires her.

Mentor Teacher's
Signature:

Marcey Brown

School Phone:

(616) 863-6030

Student Intern's
Signature:

Tessa Heeringa

Phone:

(616) 238-7305

Email:

mbrown@rockfordschools.org

Email:

heeri1tr@cmich.edu

Administrator Comments (optional): Writer must sign below.

Administrator's
Signature:
Title:

School Phone:

Student Intern's
Name:

Tessa Heeringa

Field Supervisor's
Name:

Pamela Rzepecki

Field Supervisor Comments:

Tessa completed her student teaching semester in a secondary special education classroom with student of varying
degrees of cognitive impairment. I observed Tessa teaching on several occasions and was very impressed with her
creative well-organized lessons and enthusiastic presentations. She developed a very positive rapport with each of
her students, fostering a warm and caring classroom environment. Tessa exemplified great patience, a steady
positive nature, and positive demeanor that supported open communication and her sincere interest in her students.
She developed creative and engaging lessons and always worked to address students' IEP goals and objectives.
She structured daily activities to meet the individual needs of all of the students and worked diligently to make her
instruction interesting and motivating. She developed a strong working relationship with support staff, her mentor
teacher, and many faculty members, earning their trust and respect. Ms. Heeringa was very reliable and highly
responsible and always prepared for her daily lessons. She will be a very dedicated strong educator for an district
that is fortunate enough to hire her.

Field Supervisor's
Signature:

Pamela Rzepecki

Phone Number:

989-400-3003

Email:

rzepe1pj@cmich.edu