May 2, 2013

Dear Prospective Employer: Margaret Kulzick successfully completed her final student teaching experience in my fifth grade classroom at Elsie Johnson Elementary School. We worked together from January to May of 2013. Mrs. Kulzick was responsible for working with nineteen mixed ability students, seven of whom are English Language Learners or Bilingual. The students sensed Mrs. Kulzicks preparedness and energy and responded positively to the learning activities she crafted for them. I witnessed the variety of instructional formats she employed in class. She encouraged discussion, provided for small group endeavors, and allocated time for individual exploration of learning by the students. The children respected and responded to her teaching by earnestly contributing in class, and wasting little time in transition from task to task. Throughout the day, they were challenged by the creativity of the learning activities she devised for them. Mrs. Kulzick was consistently alert to the needs of the reluctant learner. She provided students who struggle with additional attention and support along with the persistence and patience needed to enable these children to achieve success. Unquestionably, Mrs. Kulzick is committed to excellence in her work. She is very reflective in her practice, and always sought constructive criticism and advice concerning all aspects of the teaching day. Mrs. Kulzick continually incorporated feedback into her work, demonstrating a tremendous amount of professionalism and expertise for a pre-service teacher. Her efforts to implement new strategies or assessments as necessary improved the quality of student learning, as evidenced with their growing skills. In my opinion, Mrs. Kulzick is a mature and capable individual who is studentcentered and dedicated to teaching. She stands out in the field of student teachers I have worked with because of her previous experience abroad, in the work force, and as a multilingual individual. Her background sets her apart as a poised and confident leader ready to assume the responsibilities of a supportive learning environment. For these reasons, I believe she would be an asset to any staff. Mrs. Kulzick is an excellent teacher candidate, and I have grown from working with her. I would be pleased to speak with you further regarding Margaret Kulzick. Respectfully,

Elizabeth Manders, Cooperating Teacher Elsie Johnson Elementary School 1380 Nautilus Lane Hanover Park, IL 60133 (630) 671-8837, work (847) 945-8405, home (847) 702-3344, cell