6039 Robert Drive

Brook Park, Ohio 44142

216-372-9530
alambert10@mail.bw.edu

July 1, 2014

To Whom It May Concern:

During the 2014 spring semester at Baldwin Wallace University, I had the pleasure of co-teaching with
Alexandra Shaw at Normandy High School in Parma City Schools. Alex and I had the opportunity to teach four
senior English inclusion classes together. I would like to share the highlights that influenced the way we taught
and the great qualities that Alexandra possesses.

Meeting Alex for the first time and learning about our placement in 12
th
grade British Literature was stressful
for me. Thankfully, she was extremely knowledgeable with the secondary level English content, whereas I was
out of my comfort zone, as all my experiences were at the elementary level. Alex reassured me that we were a
team, teaching together and learning from one another, and I can truly say I learned a tremendous amount from
Alex.

Her expertise in English was demonstrated consistently by her creative, engaging and motivating lessons.
Alexs creativity allowed her to make difficult and bland content come to life. She made the content relevant to
the students lives by bringing in current events and journals that allowed the students to relate content to
personal experiences. Since we began our teaching experience towards the end of the year, Alex created a
lesson to have the students write a letter to us explaining their interests, background and future goals, that we
used to get to know them. Alex made it a point to establish and build rapport with the students by asking how
their weekends were, how sporting events went, etc.

Alex was a member of the BWU track team and one of her goals is to be an English teacher and a track coach.
During our teaching experience, Alex was offered a job to assist the Normandy track coach. She would stay
after school a few days a week to coach the players and she supported the Normandy track team at their meets.
Alexs dedication to being more than just an English teacher is what makes her a role model for her students in
the classroom and on the track.

Alex was very open to learning about differentiated instruction and how to accommodate students on IEPs.
Alex and I had two planning periods every day, where we would create agendas and determine how to integrate
all learning styles. Alex is an excellent team teacher, and her drive to learn about the inclusion setting will be
beneficial for her in the future.

Baldwin Wallace University made a wise choice in having two student teachers teach together and we were
grateful for the opportunity. I have no doubt that Alex will be a great addition to any district with her
knowledge of the English content, making learning relevant, establishing rapport and dedicating her life to work
with students.


Sincerely,



Alicia Lambert