Formal Observations
Dominick McKee, Principal, Northside High School
"From my initial meeting with Mrs. Gurney, and throughout the time I worked with her, I have been impressed with her initiative, determination, creativity, and ability to connect with all of her students... The ability that she possesses to not only relate to these students but to educate these students speaks volumes to her character and the ability to build great rapport with these students so that they will work hard for her both inside and outside of the classroom. She is a passionate teacher that will always be student driven, student oriented, and will see the positive attributes in every student that walks into her classroom. She is solution focused in all problems that arise. She is detail oriented, organized, and always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to make every student succeed."
Tom Creeden, Principal, Pennridge High School
"You did an excellent job setting up the various activities and using technology to reinforce those activities... Participation was very good and students were active throughout the lesson... I was very impressed by her preparation and her ability with technology...This lesson was proof that [Ms. Gurney] can do the job and do it well. She has a love for teaching and has brought great enthusiasm to the class. She continues to show true professionalism in job duties and is conscientious about the needs of the students in her class. Her continued interest in technology and integrating it into the curriculum has brought the students' interest in the German language to a higher level. Mrs. Gurney collaborates with her colleagues on a regular basis and has handled a very difficult teaching schedule with professionalism. She loves to teach and brings a positive and energetic approach to the classroom setting... she continues to work hard to make sure that she delivers high quality instruction to her students."
Keith Godshall, former Assistant Principal, Pennridge High School
"The pacing in the lesson was excellent... A nice rapport was evident in the classroom. Playing German music was a nice touch while the students worked independently. You do a good job of dignifying incorrect responses. You promptly and effectively dealt with a small group of students who were off task. Students came into the room, sat down, and started on their review- even at this early point in the year you have them trained as to the opening of the class! You reinforced in a positive way active participation in the class! Not only asking students for a response but then having them explain why they answered that way was wonderful!"
Ray Ott, Assistant Principal, Pennridge High School
"You have good rapport with your students. You work hard to move around the room and interact with your students. Your plans look great... they are well-thought out, organized, and detailed- keep up the great work!"
Nick Schoonover, Assistant Principal, Pennridge High School
"Mrs. Gurney truly challenged students to improve their knowledge of the German language through frequent questioning of students. The lesson included a large number of differentiated instructional techniques including: positive verbal reinforcement, short synergy exercise, speaking, writing, listening, questions, pair-share activity, class discussion and the use of visual aids. Mrs. Gurney also offered positive statements as well as humor (when appropriate) to help motivate students and promote interest in the class activities. Rapport and interaction between teacher and student was excellent. I highly commend her for her caring and committed approach to her students and how well respected that approach is by her students and as well this administrator."
Mr. Tim Long, Principal, Newtown Middle School
"It is apparent that you have taken on the class and have not missed a beat... the students have a clear understanding of the environment as evidence by the way the entered the class and began to work on the warm-up activity. You have developed a nice style with how you interact with your students and they have responded positively to this. You are doing a great job and we are lucky to have you."
Ron Taylor, Assistant Principal, Pennridge South Middle School
"Instructional strategies showed significant planning on the part of Mrs. Gurney. It was clear to the observer that differentiation occurred in all of her class activities. Her use of Pictionary proved to be an excellent teaching tool for this class."
Matt Cole, Assistant Principal, Pennridge North Middle School
"Mrs. Gurney delivered a thorough, nicely organized lesson... incorporating key instructional strategies into the lesson while offering activities that were engaging and motivating. Students volunteered freely and were eager to participate in class activities. Mrs. Gurney's easy-going, approachable personality created a positive atmosphere and as a result the students' learning was maximized."
C. Antonelli, Professor and Student Teaching Supervisor, St. Joseph's University
"Elizabeth consistently and thoroughly demonstrates exemplary planning and preparation. She presents a substantial knowledge of both content and pedagogical theory of the German language... she is the consummate professional."
"From my initial meeting with Mrs. Gurney, and throughout the time I worked with her, I have been impressed with her initiative, determination, creativity, and ability to connect with all of her students... The ability that she possesses to not only relate to these students but to educate these students speaks volumes to her character and the ability to build great rapport with these students so that they will work hard for her both inside and outside of the classroom. She is a passionate teacher that will always be student driven, student oriented, and will see the positive attributes in every student that walks into her classroom. She is solution focused in all problems that arise. She is detail oriented, organized, and always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to make every student succeed."
Tom Creeden, Principal, Pennridge High School
"You did an excellent job setting up the various activities and using technology to reinforce those activities... Participation was very good and students were active throughout the lesson... I was very impressed by her preparation and her ability with technology...This lesson was proof that [Ms. Gurney] can do the job and do it well. She has a love for teaching and has brought great enthusiasm to the class. She continues to show true professionalism in job duties and is conscientious about the needs of the students in her class. Her continued interest in technology and integrating it into the curriculum has brought the students' interest in the German language to a higher level. Mrs. Gurney collaborates with her colleagues on a regular basis and has handled a very difficult teaching schedule with professionalism. She loves to teach and brings a positive and energetic approach to the classroom setting... she continues to work hard to make sure that she delivers high quality instruction to her students."
Keith Godshall, former Assistant Principal, Pennridge High School
"The pacing in the lesson was excellent... A nice rapport was evident in the classroom. Playing German music was a nice touch while the students worked independently. You do a good job of dignifying incorrect responses. You promptly and effectively dealt with a small group of students who were off task. Students came into the room, sat down, and started on their review- even at this early point in the year you have them trained as to the opening of the class! You reinforced in a positive way active participation in the class! Not only asking students for a response but then having them explain why they answered that way was wonderful!"
Ray Ott, Assistant Principal, Pennridge High School
"You have good rapport with your students. You work hard to move around the room and interact with your students. Your plans look great... they are well-thought out, organized, and detailed- keep up the great work!"
Nick Schoonover, Assistant Principal, Pennridge High School
"Mrs. Gurney truly challenged students to improve their knowledge of the German language through frequent questioning of students. The lesson included a large number of differentiated instructional techniques including: positive verbal reinforcement, short synergy exercise, speaking, writing, listening, questions, pair-share activity, class discussion and the use of visual aids. Mrs. Gurney also offered positive statements as well as humor (when appropriate) to help motivate students and promote interest in the class activities. Rapport and interaction between teacher and student was excellent. I highly commend her for her caring and committed approach to her students and how well respected that approach is by her students and as well this administrator."
Mr. Tim Long, Principal, Newtown Middle School
"It is apparent that you have taken on the class and have not missed a beat... the students have a clear understanding of the environment as evidence by the way the entered the class and began to work on the warm-up activity. You have developed a nice style with how you interact with your students and they have responded positively to this. You are doing a great job and we are lucky to have you."
Ron Taylor, Assistant Principal, Pennridge South Middle School
"Instructional strategies showed significant planning on the part of Mrs. Gurney. It was clear to the observer that differentiation occurred in all of her class activities. Her use of Pictionary proved to be an excellent teaching tool for this class."
Matt Cole, Assistant Principal, Pennridge North Middle School
"Mrs. Gurney delivered a thorough, nicely organized lesson... incorporating key instructional strategies into the lesson while offering activities that were engaging and motivating. Students volunteered freely and were eager to participate in class activities. Mrs. Gurney's easy-going, approachable personality created a positive atmosphere and as a result the students' learning was maximized."
C. Antonelli, Professor and Student Teaching Supervisor, St. Joseph's University
"Elizabeth consistently and thoroughly demonstrates exemplary planning and preparation. She presents a substantial knowledge of both content and pedagogical theory of the German language... she is the consummate professional."
