During the first semester, the candidate faced a significant challenge when several students in the

class were struggling with foundational mathematical concepts, which was impacting their
ability to grasp more advanced topics. This challenge was particularly evident during a unit on
fractions and decimals, where many students displayed a lack of confidence and understanding.

To address this issue, the candidate took a multi-faceted approach:

1. Diagnostic Assessment: She began by administering a diagnostic assessment to pinpoint

specific areas where students were having difficulties. This allowed them to identify gaps
in knowledge and tailor their instruction accordingly.
2. Differentiated Instruction: The candidate implemented differentiated instruction
strategies. They created small groups based on students’ skill levels and provided
targeted support through customized lesson plans and activities. For instance, they used
visual aids, manipulatives, and real-life examples to make abstract concepts more
tangible.
3. Extra Support Sessions: Recognizing that some students needed additional time and
practice, the candidate organized after-school tutoring sessions. These sessions were
designed to offer extra support and one-on-one attention, helping students to build
confidence and competence in a less pressured environment.
4. Engaging Activities: To make learning more engaging and enjoyable, the candidate
incorporated interactive activities, such as math games and group projects. These
activities not only reinforced the concepts being taught but also encouraged collaboration
and peer learning.
5. Regular Feedback and Encouragement: Throughout this period, the candidate
provided regular, constructive feedback and celebrated small successes to motivate
students. They maintained open communication with parents, keeping them informed of
their children’s progress and involving them in the learning process.

By employing these strategies, the candidate was able to significantly improve students’
understanding and performance in the subject. The students’ confidence in their mathematical
abilities grew, and by the end of the semester, the majority had achieved or exceeded the
expected learning outcomes. This experience demonstrated the candidate’s adaptability,
dedication, and ability to effectively address and overcome classroom challenges.

I had the pleasure of working with the applicant in the capacity of a mentor and colleague at San
Antonio National High School, where we collaborated closely on various teaching projects and
initiatives. During our time together, I observed the applicant's dedication to creating an
engaging and supportive learning environment for their students.
We worked together on curriculum development, and I was continually impressed by their
innovative teaching strategies and ability to adapt lessons to meet the diverse needs of their
students. Their commitment to professional growth and their passion for mathematics education
were evident in every aspect of their work.

I had the opportunity to work closely with Ms. Erica Canon in the capacity of mathematics
teaching and research at Department of Education, San Antonio National High School. She
excelled in both areas, demonstrating a deep understanding of mathematical principles and a
passion for exploring new research avenues.

In teaching, Ms. Erica L. Canon was highly effective in conveying complex mathematical
concepts to students at various levels. She employed innovative teaching methods and
personalized approaches to ensure students grasped difficult topics. Feedback from students
consistently highlighted her clarity of explanation and dedication to student learning.

In research, Ms. Canon made substantial contributions to Mathematics subjects. She exhibited
strong analytical skills and a rigorous approach to problem-solving, which were instrumental in
advancing our understanding of an approach when pandemic strikes which resulted in motivating
and encouraging the students to prepare and comply with the necessary outputs for every desired
learning outcome in their strand. Specifically, it promoted the importance of quality education
during COVID-19 crisis, motivated every learner to comply with the necessary outputs, and built
passion for learning through the reward system. [His/Her/Their] ability to collaborate effectively
with colleagues and mentor junior researchers also stood out during our time working together.

Overall, [Applicant's Name] possesses a unique blend of academic rigor, teaching excellence,
and a genuine passion for mathematics. I have no doubt that [he/she/they] will continue to make
significant contributions to the field of mathematics teaching and research.
One challenge she encountered in the classroom was during a semester when she was teaching
basic calculus course to a group of senior high school students. The material covered was
particularly abstract and required a strong foundation in mathematical theory, which some
students found daunting.

Early on, she noticed that a significant portion of the class was struggling to grasp the
fundamental concepts, despite her efforts to explain them through traditional lectures and
textbook examples. Recognizing the need for a different approach, she decided to incorporate
more interactive and collaborative learning strategies.

Firstly, she introduced small group discussions where students could work together to solve
problems and explain concepts to each other. This allowed them to engage more actively with
the material and learn from their peers' perspectives. She also started using real-world examples
and applications to illustrate the theoretical concepts, making the content more relatable and
understandable.

Additionally, she made herself more available outside of class hours for one-on-one
consultations and encouraged students to ask questions freely. This personalized approach helped
identify specific areas where individual students were struggling and allowed her to provide
targeted support and clarification.

Over time, she noticed a marked improvement in the students' understanding and confidence in
tackling the course material. Their participation in class discussions increased, and their
performance on assignments and exams showed significant progress.

By adapting the teaching methods and fostering a supportive learning environment, she was able
to help the students overcome their initial challenges with the basic calculus course. This
experience reinforced my belief in the importance of flexibility and empathy in teaching, as well
as the transformative impact of tailored educational approaches on student learning outcomes.
I worked with the applicant, Ms. Erica Canon, in the capacity of a co-teacher at San Antonio
National High School. During this time, Ms. Erica and I co-taught 10th-grade Mathematics. We
collaborated closely on lesson planning, classroom management, and student assessment.

She demonstrated exceptional skills in curriculum development and engaging teaching methods.
Her innovative approach in the field of Mathematics greatly enhanced our students' learning
experiences and fostered a positive and inclusive classroom environment.

Our professional relationship involved regular meetings to discuss lesson plans, joint efforts to
address student needs, and coordinated strategies to manage the classroom effectively. She
consistently showed dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to student success.
Her ability to connect with students and inspire a love for learning was evident in their improved
performance and enthusiasm for the subject. Overall, Ms. Canon was an invaluable partner in the
classroom and contributed significantly to the success of our teaching team.
Ms. Erica Canon’s teaching style in Mathematics is both innovative and student-focused, making
complex concepts accessible and engaging for learners at both the elementary and secondary
levels. Her approach is characterized by the following key elements:

1. Engagement and Interactivity:She uses a variety of interactive tools and activities to

keep her students engaged. In elementary classes, she incorporates math games, puzzles,
and manipulatives to make learning fun and hands-on. For secondary students, she
utilizes technology, such as graphing calculators and interactive software, to bring
abstract concepts to life.
2. Differentiation: She is adept at tailoring her instruction to meet the diverse needs of her
students. She differentiates her lessons to provide appropriate challenges for all learners,
using small group instruction, individualized tasks, and varied problem sets. This ensures
that each student, whether in elementary or secondary school, can progress at their own
pace.
3. Conceptual Understanding: She emphasizes a deep understanding of mathematical
concepts rather than rote memorization. She uses visual aids, real-world examples, and
step-by-step explanations to help students grasp the underlying principles of
mathematics. This approach helps students build a solid foundation that supports more
advanced learning.
4. Problem-Solving Skills:She fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills in her
students. She presents them with challenging problems and encourages them to explore
multiple solution strategies. By guiding students through the problem-solving process,
she helps them develop persistence and confidence in their mathematical abilities.
5. Collaborative Learning: She creates a collaborative classroom environment where
students work together to solve problems and share their thinking. Group activities and
peer discussions are common in her classes, allowing students to learn from each other
and develop their communication skills.
6. Assessment and Feedback: She uses formative assessments to monitor student progress
and inform her instruction. She provides timely and constructive feedback, helping
students understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Her assessments are
varied and include quizzes, projects, and performance tasks to capture a comprehensive
picture of student learning.
7. Real-World Connections: She connects mathematical concepts to real-world
applications, helping students see the relevance of what they are learning. She integrates
examples from everyday life, such as budgeting, measuring, and data analysis, to make
math meaningful and practical.
8. Supportive Environment: She creates a supportive and inclusive classroom
environment. She is approachable and empathetic, always ready to offer additional help
and encouragement. Her positive attitude and patience help students feel comfortable and
confident in their mathematical abilities.

Overall, Ms. Canon’s teaching style in Mathematics is effective and inspiring. She combines a
thorough understanding of mathematical content with innovative teaching methods, fostering an
engaging and supportive learning environment that motivates students at both the elementary and
secondary levels to excel in math.
Throughout my academic journey, I have actively participated in and contributed to a variety of
extracurricular activities, each of which has shaped my skills and interests in unique ways:

1. Mathematics Team:
o Participant: In high school, I was a dedicated member of the mathematics team,
competing in regional and state-level competitions. I enjoyed solving challenging
math problems collaboratively with my teammates and sharpening my analytical
and problem-solving skills.
2. Arts (Visual Arts):
o Artist: I have always had a keen interest in visual arts and have participated in art
clubs and competitions. I enjoy exploring different mediums such as painting,
drawing, and sculpture, allowing me to express my creativity and develop my
artistic skills.
3. Reading (Book Club):
o Book Club Member: Throughout high school and college, I actively participated
in book clubs where I engaged in thoughtful discussions about literature. Reading
a wide range of genres has broadened my perspective and enriched my
understanding of diverse cultures and ideas.
4. Scholastic Bowl:
o Team Member: I was a member of the scholastic bowl team, competing in
academic quiz competitions. This experience enhanced my knowledge across
various subjects and improved my ability to think quickly and critically under
pressure.
5. Publications (School Newspaper):
o Writer and Editor: In high school, I contributed articles to the school newspaper
and later served as an editor. I enjoyed researching and writing about current
events and school activities, honing my writing, editing, and communication
skills.

Each of these extracurricular activities has played a significant role in my personal and academic
development. They have taught me valuable lessons in teamwork, leadership, creativity, and time
management. I am passionate about continuing to explore these interests and contributing to the
enrichment of school and community life through my involvement in extracurricular activities.
Sample Response:

Throughout my academic journey, I have been actively involved in a variety of extracurricular

activities that have enriched my skills and experiences:

1. Mathematics Team:
o Participant: I was a dedicated member of the mathematics team in high school,
competing in regional and state-level competitions. Working collaboratively with
teammates to solve challenging math problems sharpened my analytical skills and
fostered a passion for mathematics.
2. Arts (Visual Arts):
o Artist: I have explored my creativity through visual arts, participating in art clubs
and competitions. Experimenting with painting, drawing, and sculpture has
allowed me to develop my artistic skills and express myself through different
mediums.
3. Reading (Book Club):
o Book Club Member: Throughout high school and college, I engaged in book
clubs where I discussed literature and expanded my understanding of various
genres and authors. Reading has broadened my perspective and enhanced my
critical thinking skills.
4. Publications (School Newspaper):
o Writer and Editor: I contributed articles to the school newspaper and served as
an editor, covering school events and sharing student perspectives. Writing and
editing for the publication enhanced my communication skills and taught me the
importance of journalistic integrity.
5. Volleyball:
o Team Player: I played volleyball throughout high school, competing in both
intra-school and regional tournaments. Volleyball taught me the value of
teamwork, sportsmanship, and resilience. As a team player, I contributed to our
collective success and enjoyed the camaraderie of being part of a competitive
team.

Each of these extracurricular activities has contributed to my personal growth and development,
providing opportunities to learn valuable skills, build relationships, and contribute positively to
my school and community. I am passionate about continuing to explore these interests and
contributing to the enrichment of school life through my involvement in extracurricular
activities.