Sheldon-Williams Collegiate
2601 Coronation St.
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4S 0L4
Phone (306) 791-8335  Fax (306) 585-3153

 

December 17, 1999
 
Re: Intern summary letter for Aaron Sklar who completed his requirements for internship at Campbell Collegiate in the fall of 1999 in sciences.
 
Aaron Sklar was an intern in my senior chemistry classes for the fall semester at Campbell Collegiate. Aaron began his internship by taking on a Grade 11 Chemistry class the third week into the semester. Partially into the month of October, Aaron took on my Grade 12 Chemistry class. He also taught a Science 9 class of another colleague and as his full load of classes commenced, Aaron picked up a Science 10 class with a third teaching colleague for approximately three to four weeks.
 
Aaron provided all of the necessary requirements in fulfilling all aspects of the internship program. As far as chemistry was concerned, Aaron did an outstanding job in providing an interesting and solid course on chemistry concepts and laboratory work. He had long range plans prepared and unit plans outlined for what he was to achieve within the weeks he was teaching. With the grade 11's, he kept them at pace and provided fun and interesting material to the students. It was evident that Aaron was enjoying the class and the grade 11's reciprocated that enjoyment as they provided little if any classroom management concerns to Aaron.

"Aaron did an outstanding job in providing an interesting solid course..."
 

"Aaron was more than willing to learn different means of teaching..."

 Aaron did have struggles, as does every person who enters a profession such as teaching, but Aaron was polite and diplomatic in these tough circumstances. Aaron and I exchanged ideas on how we would get a concept across with our different approaches as well as marking schemes. Aaron was more than willing to learn different means of teaching a concept he struggled with as was I and also to develop appropriate marking techniques. With the grade 12's, a tougher crowed was presented to him with respect to his teaching format. Just when it seemed things were at a loggerhead, Aaron came up with the idea of a discussion forum with a class representative, myself, and Aaron present at the front of the classroom. Ideas of Aaron's were written down, presented to the class and the class was given time to discuss and change things from what Aaron presented. The class amazed us by selecting an excellent spokesperson and the contract went through some rough draft discussion and a final copy was made. Aaron carried through on the contract details and I was thoroughly impressed by the outcome.
 
Aaron was very creative and weighed out carefully many of the aspects of what it takes to facilitate a grade 12 chemistry program. He was consistent with achieving his targets and strived to do an excellent job. I learned some new concepts from the latest in the chemistry world and some other ideas took on different angles when Aaron taught them. It was very run, interesting, and educational for myself. Aaron, in my opinion, will make a fine chemistry teacher.

"Aaron...will make a fine Chemistry teacher."
 
As far as the grade 9 and 10 sciences are concerned, Aaron completed what was asked of him in most areas. There were struggles as well, especially with a younger and more rambunctious group of students to educate. Aaron matured a lot throughout the semester in coping with the stresses younger students posed and learned about the role of keeping others clearly informed about lessons and planning. I chalked up the semester for Aaron as a learning experience in balancing out priorities of class materials when your under full steam and teaching a full load. He learned how taxing it was. I believe the experience developed Aaron further as a teacher and was not a detrimental one to students or teachers. There was positive feedback form both of the science 9 and 10 teachers. Aaron realized how important pre- and post- conferencing is and when it was missed what a vacancy it leaves in the communications of a teaching professional. In conclusion, teachers, intern, and students learned flexibility and thinking.
 

"Aaron will fit nicely into the teaching profession..."

Beyond the classroom walls, Aaron also participated in coaching on the boys soccer team and supervising our big "Welcome Back" dance. He enjoyed himself as did the students. Aaron was always willing to help where he could. He helped judge a science fair project and assisted with some International Baccalaureate Chemistry lab work. His musical talents went to good use as he finished off the semester with a few country songs that both staff and students enjoyed. Aaron will fit nicely into the teaching profession in more than one manner.


I wish him all the best as he begins his journey into the awesome world of teaching!

Sincerely,

Colin L Beveridge BSc., BEd. (now MEd as well)
Senior/I.B. Chemistry
Campbell Collegiate