I have really appreciated working with my DPI mentor.  She has really helped me to hone and refine my work for my unit.  Her feedback is constructive and she is careful to include positive and motivating comments, as well.

My experience working with Anna has influenced my interactions with my students.  I have always felt it was important to respond with consideration, but I have learned to be much more specific with my feedback, too.  Instead of telling students they have a strong opening in a paper, I tell them what makes it strong.  I name the specific grammatical errors that need to be addressed and tell them what paragraph they’ll find them in.  Students are showing quicker and more lasting learning with this style of feedback, too.

I can’t conclude my comments without adding a word about the Summer Institute experience.  It was definitely a highlight for me.  The DPI team that I was working with was kind enough to invite me out to dinner with them and include me in their social times.  I enjoyed getting to know the people who work so hard to improve our teaching experiences and influence the curriculum for our students.  I was very appreciative of their openness and direction about my work for Kenan, as well.