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Recommendation for Andrew Didden

I have recently had the pleasure of being the University Supervisor for Andrew Didden. He served exceptionally well during
his weeks of student teaching at the Sage Park Middle School, Windsor, CT. He was eager to take on the responsibilities of
teaching and progressed rapidly.
Planning: Andrew is a very careful and conscientious planner in lesson design. He translates standards, strands and objectives
into solid classroom instruction. His plans show insight into pro-actively working to lessen problems and meet the realities of
teaching at this level.
He is most comfortable being well organized, thus comes fully prepared and ready due to diligent effort ahead of time.
He seeks to find illustrations for students that will compliment their major concepts within the lesson at their middle school
level. His initiations target situations that would be familiar to all students, and he extends it into the topic for the lesson.
Classroom management: Andrew worked with his students to promote order and reasonable discipline.
His classes are orderly, yet relaxed. He interacts comfortably with his students and shows them acceptance and interest.
Students feel valued and genuine contributors to the class. He is learning to anticipate problems and is proactive to solve them.
His effort gaining rapport, respect and planning to provide solid lessons have won his students over. He has dealt well
managing the distractions and adjustment to schedule that come with the job.
Instruction: Andrew has built lessons that incorporate content and skill building. His activities reflected careful thought. He
has dealt well with the importance of being flexible and having the ability to change gears when the situation demands it. He is
aware that variety within a lesson structure is important and has worked to develop ideas that are varied, educationally sound
and refreshing. He also tailored student groupings and cooperative learning to most effectively meet the lesson design. During
class discussions Andrew guides students with provoking questions and weaves in terms and ideas previously learned. He is
well developing in questioning techniques, probing for more insightful answers, giving positive reinforcement, and being an
interested listener. He has a good knowledge of using technology, and makes good choices when incorporating it into his
lessons. His classes had daily access to use of chrome books and he worked to use them to student advantage.
He has observed the preparation and process of the Conn. Mastery Test.
Communication: He is very capable in communicating directions that are on target with his students. His classes included
special needs students. He had to coordinate with special needs teachers and meet their specific needs.
Assessing: He was very involved in the student evaluation process. Andrew used procedures that reinforced strategies that lead
students to success. He was consistent in grading and worked to hand back papers in a timely fashion. Andrew stressed and
maintained reasonable, academic standards and has motivated students to improve themselves. He understands and nurtures
many skills that students need at this level; such as organization and writing skills. He understands that data in some form is the
basis for knowing if students have met his goals. He is also in a school that is piloting the New Teacher Evaluation System for
Connecticut.
Professional Conduct: He serves as an important and positive role model for students. He dresses appropriately. Andrew has
taken opportunities to be involved in his Teaching Team, Department, and Data Team. He has served as a useful resource for
them. He has thought through and avoided pit-falls that many new teachers have.
Self Reflection: He is a very willing listener to suggestions and takes constructive criticism seriously. He was fortunate to have
an expert Cooperating Teacher to guide him. He took advantage of learning from his modeling and guidance. His attitude
throughout was to absorb and be appreciative for what he could learn from the experiences. His reflections were extensive and
honest. I enjoyed his willingness to learn and achieve.
I believe that Andrew is a solid, creative and knowledgeable teacher. Further experience will make him an excellent
educator. Were I in a position to, I would feel fortunate to hire Andrew Didden, as he would be a positive force in a school.
Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Scott Tinti