couEse OF EDUCATION Department of ‘Teacher Edvalion Mibigan Sate Univesity rikson Hal Fas ansig ML 4624-1004 Pc st74g2 402 su isan ativan costeppannty sian MICHIGAN STATE USNUIEVAESRESHIGT EY, April 19, 2010 To Whom It May Concer: As her field instructor, I had the opportunity to work with Jenny Gough during her internship year teaching at Coopersville High School in Coopersville, Michigan, Jenny was the lead teacher Of several sections of 10" grade World History and a Sociology class. Her work at Coopersville provided her with experience teaching a variety of grade levels, familiarity with state and local content standards and benchmarks, and practical skills in managing a classroom and building relationships with learners. Jenny’s excellent rapport with students, stong command of content, and professionalism in working with colleagues, administrators, and parents make her an excellent candidate for a position in your school. Over the course of her internship, Jenny planned and executed lessons drawing on a variety of learning styles that enabled every student to feel successful. She thoughtfully developed lessons that helped students make connections between the past and the present. She remained aware of and provided appropriate accommodations for students with special needs and set up clear and concise guidelines regarding her expectations for student work, participation, and behavior. She encouraged students fo ask questions, share opposing viewpoints, and debate intelligently and respectfully with one another. Because of her strong rapport with students, Jenny rarely encountered major problems with classroom management. Jenny maintained high academic standards and willingly provided extra assistance outside of class to struggling students. She made sure to provide everyone a chance to participate, Her planning of units and individual lessons incorporated reading, writing, and historical thinking with World History content. Jenny implemented instruetional activities that engaged students in ‘meaningful inquiry, problem solving, collaboration, and higher-order thinking, Jenny interacted with and invited feedback and constructive riticism on her practice from peers and colleagues and worked to incorporate it into her teaching. She remained open to suggestions and new ideas from her mentor teacher, colleagues, field instructor, and MSU course instructors. ‘She consistently assessed her students” level of understanding and engagement and adjusted her instruction to meet their needs. Jenny views herself as much as a leamer as a teacher. ‘These qualities will help her to continually refine her practice and will make her a welcome addition to your educational community Sincerely, Kiam a Solebe har Kevin Holohan Feld Instructor Michigan State Universiy helohenk@msu ed