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PROFESSIONAL SEMESTER THREE: Final Report

Intern Teacher: Melissa Gillam

University Consultant: Carole Goodreau

Intern Teacher’s Descriptive Report:

I am so grateful for my placement at Coalhurst Elementary School. From my first meeting, with my teacher mentor and the
rest of the staff at the school, I felt like part of their team. I was immediately entrusted with long range plans and provided
multiple resources that I would need for planning. I completed three unit plans: social studies, physical education, and art. I
was also responsible for word work. It was a great learning opportunity to implement Words Their Way, a program which
provides a practical way to differentiate spelling instruction. Students were placed according to an initial spelling inventory
which I had the opportunity to analyze. Observing the Calkins reading and writing units for the first month was beneficial.
There was a bit of a learning curve to become comfortable with teaching them, but I think the units, the resources, and rubrics
that go with them, are invaluable.
The workshop structure for reading, writing, word work and math allow for differentiation and interaction with each student in
such a way that it is my preferred structure. When I get my own classroom I would love to continue teaching in this way.
Recognizing the need to engage students, the workshop model creates an environment where each child can work at his or
her own pace, and the teacher can differentiate according to needs. The fact that our class is a multi-age classroom provided
some challenges. We have a range of ages and learning levels which resulted in some challenges. In social studies some
students required shortened copies of the written work the class was doing, rather than copying from the board. I also tried to
find activities that were more interactive, such as playdough maps or Diyas for Diwali. Learning and implementing
differentiation techniques in the classroom is something I aim to continually work on.
Planning and teaching multiple social units has been a great learning experience for me. I have learned to find resources
that can teach about Ukraine, Tunisia, India and Peru, without depending on the textbook. I was able to integrate technology
including websites with resources to teach mapping, geography and the continents, YouTube videos for specific concepts and
topics relating to each country in order to engage the students. I also incorporated literacy using fiction and nonfiction books
to teach what life is like in these countries. By the second unit I chose to integrate technology further by using a Kahoot! Quiz
for the unit test.
I enjoyed planning and teaching art immensely. I always did my best to have all the materials prepped and made ahead to
make lessons run smoothly and efficiently. Teaching our students to understand art is teaching them to understand the world
around them. I believe students should have the freedom to find what they are passionate about and be in control of their
learning. Art can help students recognize what is personal, distinctive and unique about themselves and their work. My
teaching philosophy is based on creating a safe, welcoming and nurturing classroom community that fits the diverse needs of
all students. I feel all students need a calm and comfortable, yet stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature
emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially.
As part of my growth plan I wanted to gain more classroom management strategies. I observed and implemented a variety
of management strategies including positive reinforcement strategies, the use of attention getters, the importance of setting
clear expectations, and the use of motivation and rewards. A big part of classroom management for me is maintaining a
relaxed classroom atmosphere. This was part of the motivation for my Professional Inquiry Project, which focuses on using
music as a classroom management tool. I have implemented the use of different types of music in social studies, art, reading
and writing. I also worked to create a peaceful atmosphere for the students at the start of each day with a variety of morning
music. The aim is to compile resources that teachers can easily use in their classrooms to support student learning. Music can
be used to establish a positive learning space. The right music creates the atmosphere you want for a given lesson,
contributes to the community of the classroom, and builds connections among members of the classroom. In an ideal learning
situation, students are both relaxed and alert. This allows the mind to concentrate more easily, therefore increasing learning.
Over the course of my practicum I participated in staff meetings, professional development days, helped lead an assembly
and taught double gym and volunteered at the community turkey bingo. Parent teacher conferences helped to build
relationships and understanding to develop strategies for students. I also communicated with parents using ClassDojo and
through messages in agendas. Assessments, notes, checklists, and conversations helped me to complete report card
comments and grading for the students. I feel I have grown in confidence throughout my practicum. Emma was a great role
model. I have learned so much from her. All these experiences have helped me feel capable to be a leader in my own class.

I have read and received a complete copy of my PS III Final Report.

Intern Teacher Signature Date

This page is to be returned to the UC to be included in the PS III Final Report.

U of L: PS III Final Report: (Revised: January 2018) Page 3 of 5