PETER

HOWELL ElEMENTARY
.February 1, 2016

TUCSON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

401 NORTH IRVING AVENUE TUCSON ARIZONA 85711 520 232 7200 520 232 7201 FAX
JAQUETTA ALEXANDER, PRINCIPAL

To Whom It May Concern:

Tyler Kiecolt is currently student teaching in my 2nd grade classroom. She is an excellent teacher. I was
fortunate enough to have Tyler as a methods student last semester as well. In the short time that I have known
Ms. Kiecolt, I have had the opportunity to observe her in a variety of areas. She demonstrates many qualities
and skills of a seasoned educator. She is very knowledgeable about curriculum and content standards. If she
does not already have the information she needs to help students succeed, she actively seeks out new knowledge
through reading literature, searching the internet or asking questions. Her knowledge base has grown
tremendously because of her desire to learn more.
Our school is a very collaborative professional learning community (PLC). The entire staff works together to
help students meet rigorous standards. Tyler eagerly joined us in this endeavor. In PLC meetings she listens
carefully, thinks critically about the needs of students and has contributed multiple ideas to increase student
achievement. She plans and implements lessons that not only meet the Arizona College and Career Ready
Standards, but are also fun and highly engaging. She uses differentiated instruction to meet students where they
are for maximum growth. Ms. Kiecolts teaching style in not only highly engaging, but also communicates that
she has high expectations that she believes all children can meet. She has maintained a positive learning
environment where students are not afraid to take risks. This has also contributed to student learning.
Ms. Kiecolt has excellent communication skills. She gives clear directions, explanations and direct instruction
in whole class, small group and one-on-one teaching situations. Her ability to communicate clearly is further
exemplified when she talks with parents, other teachers and staff members. She handles sensitive situations with
parents with tact and a positive attitude, which has led us to work with the parents to help the student.
In the short time that Ms. Kiecolt has been at Peter Howell, she has attended many extra events that were not
required of her. These events included fall parent-teacher conferences, the PTAs fall carnival, Fall Literacy
Night and she is working with our Kind Kid Club after school every other Tuesday. She attends all professional
development sessions. She reflects on these sessions and begins to implement ideas immediately. In meetings,
she listens and offers meaningful input that helps us to collaborate to improve student achievement.
Tyler Kiecolt demonstrates the skills of a life long learner. She is enthusiastic about teaching and anyone can
see that she loves the job. It is with great enthusiasm that I nominate Tyler Kiecolt for Spring Outstanding
Student Teacher. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 982-9749. Thank you for your time
and consideration of my nomination.
Sincerely,

Janice Byrd
2006 Rodel Exemplary Teacher

OPENING MINDS through the ARTS GOLD