May 4, 2016

Dear School Administrator:

I am writing to recommend that you hire Grace Williams as a secondary teacher at your school. Having had Grace in several
courses while she was earning her Bachelor of Science in English and History Education, and having observed her directly
during her sixteen-week student teaching placement at Gwinn High School, I can say with confidence that Grace would make a
great addition to your instructional team.
At Northern Michigan University, Ms. Williams took my English 304 (Teaching of the English Language) class in 2014 and my
English 350 (Methods and Materials of Teaching English) in 2015. In both classes, she created effective unit plans focused on
grammar, writing, literature, and/or vocabulary. In EN 304 Grace researched code-switching and dialects for an annotated
bibliography and created an inquiry-based lesson plan inviting students to examine parallel structure while generating
brochures. She also participated in an academic service learning project with high school students from Nah Tah Wahsh
Academy in which she mentored students during a unit on gothic literature and performing arts.
In EN 350, Grace developed a unit on Romeo and Juliet focused on teaching students to annotate the text, research
Shakespearean vocabulary, write and edit a compare/contrast essay, and interpret and discuss symbols and themes in the play.
In the same class, Ms. Williams completed four projects focused on young adult literature such as Sherman Alexies The
Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian and Laurie Halse Andersons The Impossible Knife of Memory. Because of her
familiarity with the text, Grace taught the Alexie novel to 11th grade classes at Gwinn High School for the first time in the
schools history. She also developed and effectively taught units on Tuesdays with Morrie, Fahrenheit 451, Julius Caesar, and
SAT preparation.
During my monthly observations of Ms. Williams, I saw her use a variety of questioning strategies that invited students to
consider multiple perspectives, to make arguments supported by textual evidence, and to share their ideas with classmates.
Grace has also worked to adjust expectations for students with special needs and to challenge advanced thinkers. She created a
positive classroom environment in which all students were challenged while being included and appreciated.
Moreover, Ms. Williams has consistently volunteered in the local community. While an NMU student, she participated in events
such Relay for Life, YMCA Walk-Run, and the Mom Prom; during her student teaching, she also chaperoned the Homecoming
Dance at GHS. Her cooperating teacher, Mrs. Hollands, noted that Ms. Williams is viewed by staff at the school as
approachable, personable, and dependable. In fact, because of her familiarity with school policies, students, and staff, as well
as her excellent communication and record-keeping skills, Grace was hired as the substitute for the school secretary after her
student teaching. She also worked as a substitute teacher for the district this year.
Grace Williams is fully committed to helping young people to learn, both in and out of the classroom. She is empathetic and
flexible while being clearly goal-oriented. I wholeheartedly recommend that you give her the opportunity to interview for any
open position you have available in English and/or History. Adding her to your faculty would serve to enhance the academic
lives of both students and teachers at your school.
Feel free to contact me by phone at 817-683-4980 or by email at krichmon@nmu.edu if you have any questions.
Sincerely,

Kia Jane Richmond, Ph.D.

Professor and Director, English Education
Northern Michigan University