516 S. Washington St.

Russell, IA 50238 April 8, 2011 To Whom It May Concern:

It is a distinct pleasure to recommend to you my colleague Jayme Braida. I had the privilege of being Jaymes mentor during her first two years at Van Allen Elementary in Chariton, Iowa. Jayme has impressed me with her enthusiasm and eagerness for teaching. As Jaymes mentor, I know I gained as much from her as she did from me. Jayme came to Van Allen upon the completion of her bachelors degree. She is a self-confident teacher that immediately settled into the teaching profession. Jayme has impressed me with her ability to differentiate her classroom instruction by using multiple teaching strategies to meet the individual needs of her students. Jayme continues to broaden her knowledge of current research-based trends in education by reading professional books and journals and participating in a variety of professional development opportunities. One of Jaymes strengths as a teacher is her classroom management. The atmosphere in Jaymes classroom is inviting and reflects the learning that takes place each day. Her lessons are well-prepared as well as engaging and challenging for her students. Jayme effectively communicates her expectations to her students and their parents. Jayme is highly skilled in the use of technology. Shes developed a wonderful website for her fourthgrade students and their parents at http://braidaj.iowapages.org which includes student work, educational resources to use and websites to visit, a student link to a blog, and a Wikispace where the students can present information. This is a great way to keep her students involved in their education as well as strengthen the home/school connection with families and the community. Jayme has recently started a professional blog for the purpose of sharing ideas and collaborating with other teachers. Since Jayme has joined the Van Allen staff, her leadership skills have blossomed. Jayme works well with the fourth-grade team and the Van Allen staff. She is quick to share ideas, gratefully accepts suggestions from others, and is more than willing to take an active role in building and district committees. Jayme is admired and respected by her colleagues. I highly recommend Jayme for employment in your district. She is an energetic, dedicated, and skilled teacher and would be a valuable member of your teaching staff, district, and community. Sincerely, Cynthia Bedford Fifth-grade instructor