Date: April 22, 2003
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND EXERCISE SCIENCE
RECOMMENDATION FORM FOR RECONTRACTING
Candidate’s Name _____Dr. Peter J. Rattigan_____ Present Rank __Assistant Professor___
Department ____Health and Exercise Science_____ Ext. ____3766______
Application for: (Circle One)
2nd3rd4th5th6th (tenure) Year Candidacy
Year of Service: (Circle One)1st2nd3rd4th
ASSESSMENT OF TEACHING EFFECTIVENESS/PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE:
Dr. Peter Rattigan has continued to grow as a teacher since joining Rowan University in 2000, demonstrating the performance expected of a faculty member. His self-reflection, student evaluations and peer evaluation all demonstrate his commitment to excellence in teaching.
Dr. Rattigan models best practices in pedagogy to the pre-professionals whom he is teaching. He is concerned that his students understand both the theory behind and the practical application of teaching strategies. He incorporates micro-teaching experiences, student-led discussions and other interactive tools in this process. Equally important, he cultivates positive dispositions necessary to be an effective teacher. This includes enthusiasm for teaching and learning, genuine concern for the well-being of others and a willingness to accept responsibility for and take initiative to achieve goals. His use of technology, including the WebCT and his professional web page, is also commendable and clearly an asset to his teaching performance.
Dr. Rattigan supervises student teachers and teaches three different courses. Student course evaluations are very positive, with average cumulative scores of 4.7 and 4.84 out of 5.0 points for the two course evaluations included in this portfolio. Students identify several strengths through these evaluations, including his commitment to teaching and high level of preparation for class. Dr. Rattigan also noted an increase in score of 4.2 in an earlier semester to the present score of 4.7 for the evaluation item related to explaining course requirements early in the semester. The department commends his responsiveness to student feedback and effort to achieve excellence in all aspects of teaching. His peer evaluation corroborates the students’ feedback. Most noteworthy from this evaluation is the recognition of his use of classroom time while guiding students through several types of learning activities and his facilitation of self-evaluation among the students as they engaged in these activities.
It is evident to the Department of Health and Exercise Science Tenure and Recontracting Committee that Dr. Rattigan is meeting the expectations of a third-year faculty member in the area of professional performance.
ASSESSMENT OF SCHOLARLY RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ACTIVITIES:
Dr. Peter Rattigan has demonstrated the ability to set and accomplish personal goals in the area of Scholarly Research and Creative Activity since he arrived at Rowan almost three years ago. He has submitted copy for a proposed textbook, one article to a professional journal and is in the final stages of publishing a nutrition and exercise training manual. He is currently involved in four research projects that will be submitted for publication and has two more in the data collection phase. Dr. Rattigan has delivered ten presentations or workshops and has already had a paper accepted for next year. He is immersed in his scholarship program.
As a faculty member, Dr. Rattigan maintains an active research agenda. His research plan has focused on professional development schools, student teacher perceptions and the impact of fatigue. His work has been submitted to Benjamin Cummings Publishing, the Journal of Strength and Conditioning, and Strategies: A Journal for Physical and Sport Educators.
As a presenter, Dr. Rattigan has delivered papers at the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) Convention (2002, 2003), the Eastern District Association/AAHPERD Convention (2002), Mid Atlantic Region of the American College of Sports Medicine Clinic (2002), New Jersey AHPERD Convention (2001, 2003), New Jersey Strength and Conditioning Association Clinic (2002) and the Nevada AHPERD Convention (2000). His presentations have included such varied topics as a high school exercise physiology program, health in the middle school, psychology of athletic performance, and exercise adherence.
Dr. Rattigan is committed to reaching his scholarly goals. His pursuit and dissemination of knowledge addresses the requirements in this category.
ASSESSMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS TO DEPARTMENT, COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY:
During his tenure at Rowan University, Dr. Peter Rattigan has established himself as a productive faculty member. His contributions to Rowan University can be viewed in three distinct areas: membership on the department committees; contributions to the College of Education Professional Development Schools (PDS) and Professional Development District (PDD) Networks; and implementation of technology applications in various university settings.
Dr. Rattigan’s committee work is noteworthy. He consistently offers thoughtful ideas as a member of the departmental Curriculum, Student Issues and Pedagogy Committees. He serves on a number of College of Education committees including subcommittees of the K-12 Research and Communications PDS Network. Much of his input involves the use of technology in teaching and the development of curriculum.
Dr. Rattigan has proven himself to be a valuable member of the College of Education PDS and PDD initiatives with his knowledge of technology. He is a Rowan/Monroe Township PDD district contact person and a member of the Winslow Township Professional Development Initiative Group. He acts as the WebCt Coordinator for the Department of Health and Exercise Science student teaching, Winslow Township Professional Development Initiative group and Rowan PDS Network. It is also important to note his involvement with the NCATE Accreditation program.
Dr. Rattigan has become a valued member of the Health and Exercise Science Department. His initiatives, cooperation and involvement in Department, College and University affairs are commendable. We are pleased to have Dr. Rattigan’s enthusiasm and collegiality within our department.
ASSESSMENT OF FULFILLMENT OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Dr. Peter Rattigan meets his professional responsibilities to Rowan University, the Department of Health and Exercise Science, and to his profession in a variety of ways. Dr. Rattigan is a member of no less than nine local and national associations, among these are: the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; the Association for Curriculum Supervision and Development; and the New Jersey Consortium for Health and Physical Education in Higher Education.
Dr. Rattigan continues to attend state, regional, and national conferences on a regular basis. Conferences within the past two years include: the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance National Convention (2002, 2003); the New Jersey Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Conference (2002,2003); and the Holmes Partnership National Convention, Washington, DC (2003). In the past two years, Dr. Rattigan has attended two professional workshops at Rowan University. He was a guest speaker at the WebCT round table in January, 2003 and an attendee at the iMovie workshop in January, 2002.
Dr. Rattigan has demonstrated his expertise by attending and presenting on a wide variety of topics, including: Experiential and Adventure Education; WebCT; iMovie; Teaching and Assessing large groups; Law and Legal Liability in Physical Education; Technology in Health and Physical Education; and the use of State Standards in Curriculum and Development.
It is clear that Dr. Peter Rattigan meets the professional responsibilities expected of a third year faculty member. His work at the local, state, and national level make him an asset to our profession and to Rowan University.
OTHERCOMMENTS:
Dr. Peter Rattigan has established a consistent record of contributions and accomplishments in all areas reviewed for recontracting and tenure. He is a valued member of our department and we continue to encourage and support his professional growth and the many contributes he will continue to make to the Department of Health and Exercise Science, the College of Education and Rowan University.