October 16, 2015

To Whom It May Concern:

Im writing this letter of recommendation on behalf of Lauren Bennett who successfully
completed a 7-week student teaching placement in the preschool classroom from August 31
October 16, 2015 at the Child Development Center at Keene State College. The CDC at Keene
State College is a best practices demonstration site for early childhood development majors
enrolled in the teacher education certification program (Birth to age 8). The center serves 50
families from the surrounding Keene community and the program includes preschool through
preschool classrooms. The center is open 10 months a year for full days from 7:30-5:30. Keene,
NH is a small city of 22,000 located in the southwest region of the state.
Lauren demonstrated understanding of best practices in the preschool setting, including
building positive rapport with children, engaging families, designing the learning environment
and building supportive relationships with colleagues. Lauren utilized her understanding of
developmentally appropriate practices when creating meaningful curriculum that met the
needs and abilities of each preschooler. Lauren effectively led the daily transitions and
managed the routines well in the busy classroom environment. She gave good direction to her
team and was organized throughout the placement.
Lauren developed positive rapport with each child and understands how critical the teacherchild relationship is for healthy child development. She set a calm tone, provided a loving
atmosphere and was respectful of each child as an individual. Lauren communicated effectively
with each family and was caring in each of her interactions with parents. She values the diverse
characteristics of each family.
Lauren is highly skilled as a teacher of this age group. Her curriculum integrated the childrens
interests in Trucks and Buildings, a project based on a real-life building construction children
viewed outside their classroom. Lauren planned group time activities, provided related
childrens literature, developed a story table to extend a childrens book on building, and
integrated arts, dramatic play and blocks throughout this theme. When leading an activity or
group time, Lauren asked open ended questions to extend discussion and kept the pacing
appropriate for children to explore at their rate. Additionally, Lauren connected the seasonal
theme of Autumn with family involvement. She asked families for nature collections from
home. This family engagement project fostered a connection to a special time of year in New
England and gave families an understanding about an aspect of the preschool curriculum.

Lauren is a mature student teacher who takes her responsibilities seriously. She strives to
improve her work, accepts feedback openly and makes appropriate changes to her teaching.
Lauren attended a professional training on Using the IPad for Photo Documentation, a Parent
Open House, a Family Picnic and an interdisciplinary team meeting. Additionally, Lauren
attended daily seminar with the cooperating teacher and weekly seminar with the site
supervisor and other student teachers.
Lauren is an excellent teacher. Children enjoy her steady presence and her light hearted spirit. I
recommend Lauren Bennett for a teaching position in an early childhood setting with children
ages Birth to Age 5.

Sincerely,

Deirdre McPartlin
Deirdre McPartlin, M.Ed.
Academic Program Coordinator and Associate Director
Child Development Center at Keene State College
229 Main Street, Keene, NH, 03435
603.358-2244
dmcpartl@keene.edu