"Kristie is creative in her lesson planning. She is able to take the lesson’s objectives and develop rich learning tasks that would require the students to think deeply, participate in class discussions, and engage in hands-on activities. She plans her lessons with a variety of whole group, small group, and individual instructions in mind. Moreover, she designs learning activities that are age-appropriate and fun, but she also thoughtfully considers how to modify the activities to support the diverse learners in her class. Because she is in tune with the students’ interests and needs, she is able to create instructional opportunities that would help maximize their learning.
In addition to her thoughtful lesson planning and instructional pedagogy, Kristie also has excellent classroom management skills. She has a calm and gentle presence in the classroom, and she establishes a classroom environment that is safe and positive. Kristie is a self-initiator, a hard worker, and a reflective individual." Evelyn Young Lecturer, Multiple Subject MAT Program Supervisor of Teacher Education University of California, Irvine "Kristie creates and maintains an effective environment for her fifth grade students. Her lessons often begin with an overview, explanations of what students will engage in, as well as clearly stated expectations. Her students respond well to her and mutual respect is evident.
Kristie carefully plans instruction and designs learning experiences to meet a variety of student needs in the classroom. She understandings California State Standards and makes the content of the standards accessible to her students using a variety of effective strategies including partner shares, graphic organizers, and math manipulative. In a recent social studies lesson, Kristie's fifth grade students analyzed two images portraying the same historical event and examined descriptions of the event from different points of view which they later used to write personal narratives. Kristie seamlessly connected language arts and social students standards into her lessons and planned a coherent learning sequence for her students." Jody Guarino Lecturer, Multiple Subject MAT Program Supervisor of Teacher Education University of California, Irvine |
"Throughout her time in my second grade classroom, Ms. McKenzie actively participated in supporting students during lessons and eventually took over teaching all the subject areas. She planned and executed math units on time and measurement. In language arts, she planned grammar lessons, supported and guided students through their cooperative group animal habitat projects, and created lessons to teach the branches of government in social science. Ms. McKenzie has a natural talent in planning and implementing lessons for the students that are engaging and hands-on. Her lessons foster critical thinking and are engaging for all students."
Cynthia Almeida Second Grade Teacher and Mentor Teacher Davis Magnet School Newport-Mesa Unified School District "Miss McKenzie instantly became a contributing member within the fifth grade team, accepting responsibility for core academic instruction and for designated small group instruction in ELA and Math. During daily math problem solving Kristie allows students to investigate multiple strategies in order to emphasize critical thinking and problem solving skills, yet also understands the importance of procedural fluency. Miss McKenzie values formative assessments. She incorporates exit tickets, student reflections, and anecdotal notes daily. Recently, she thoughtfully developed and implemented a series of Choral Counts, which incorporated ongoing, individual student monitoring for a group of 5th grade students who had not developed conceptual understanding of decimals. Miss McKenzie has delivered engaging social studies and integrated arts lessons. She sets high standards for herself and her students. She has held multiple Morning Meetings in order to develop collaborative classroom expectations. She revisits concepts as needed to ensure she has provided all students with ample amount of time to develop and apply essential understandings.
As a project-based learning school it is extremely important that our teachers work cohesively to develop high-level instructional plans across the grade. Miss McKenzie has been fully invested in our collaborative bi-weekly PLC meetings. During these meetings we spend valuable time unpacking Common Core standards, creating units and assessments, and analyzing student work and interpreting assessment data. Not only does Miss McKenzie engage in these meetings and weekly staff professional development, but she contributes valuable observations and ideas. Miss McKenzie has conducted herself professionally at all times, therefore creating positive relationships with the school staff, the students, and classroom parents. I have no doubt that she will be an asset to your school. " Ingrid Beaty Fifth Grade Teacher and Mentor Teacher Community Roots Academy Laguna Niguel, CA |