The qualities of a student teacher are often an index of his suitability for teaching positions. The letter of nomination for a student teacher can therefore provide selection boards with a significant insight into the candidate's personality. When you write such a letter, provide specific information that helps emphasize the student teacher's positive qualities. Use examples, personal anecdotes and figures that present the candidate as being apt for the position under consideration.
Instructions
1. Focus on the student teacher's classroom management skills. Maintaining discipline in the classroom is one of the key skills a teacher should have. Include examples in your nomination letter that explain how the student teacher handled students as well as the time available in the classroom in an effective manner.
2. Provide information about the instructional skills of the student teacher. Use anecdotes that present the nominee's abilities to encourage students to learn with enthusiasm. Highlight the student teacher's abilities to harness technology to the learning process. Give specific examples of the use of computer software and online resources to demonstrate the candidate's being in-sync with the times.
3. Use numbers to prove your point. Mention the number of courses, sections and students the nominee has handled. Specify the time over which these responsibilities were handled. If the student teacher has graded papers as part of his assignment, mention how many. Use these figures to prove not just the level of experience, but also qualities like patience, zeal and a willingness to shoulder responsibility.
4. Include a couple of personal anecdotes that show you know the candidate on a personal basis. Describe instances and state specific positive qualities. Simply stating, "Ms. ABC is a nice person" conveys no information. But "Ms. ABC is always ready with a quick word to cheer up a glum student", shows the student teacher is observant, cares about students and connects well. Use incidents that draw attention to the student teacher's strengths like communication and interpersonal skills. If possible, use wording that implies a similar positive opinion from other teachers as well as students.
5. Present information about the student teacher's team spirit. Talk about the nominee's flexibility, ability to get along with people and positive approach to criticism. Emphasize his willingness to learn from mistakes and accept suggestions for improvement.
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