April 19, 2013 To Whom it May Concer, As cooperating teacher for Ms.

Allison Millea, I wholeheartedly recommend her as a candidate for a secondary Language Arts and/or Reading Resource teacher position. Since January, Ms. Millea has been student teaching at Valley High School in Reading Resource classes, (Young Adult Literature I, II), and Creative Writing. Ms. Millea is passionate about literature and writing and the power that both can have in student lives. Her strengths include a clear focus on student learning and achievement, rapport with students and peers, background knowledge, expertise in her subject area, and valuable creativity and organization. Ms. Millea brings all these talents and abilities to bear on each task in an exemplary fashion. She is open to learning and creates new lessons based on research and reflection. Ms. Millea uses effective instructional practices in her teaching to maximize student learning. Our classroom is filled with students from many cultures and diverse backgrounds; she uses formative assessment to address all needs and implements a variety of assessment tools to accurately gauge each students progress. Ms. Millea embeds differentiation within her lessons, and her process of reflection guides revision, where needed. Ms. Milleas summative assessments involve a high degree of student synthesis and promote creative thinking and expression. Initially, I pursued Ms. Millea as a student teacher because I noted that she had her Reading Endorsement, and I appreciated her letter of intent and record of service to others. She has been able to use these background skills and experiences at Valley High School. I am confident that her subsequent teaching practice at the high school level will provide for a smooth transition as a successful secondary classroom teacher. Despite the age group or course curriculum, Ms. Millea will be able to accommodate students who are strong in skills, as well as those who struggle with reading and writing. She will also be a valuable asset to building staff and administration in promoting reading strategies and reading engagement across the curriculum. Though she will leave us soon, Ms. Millea will be remembered by her students and peers at Valley High School; each of us has benefitted from her enthusiasm, expertise, and encouragement. Her qualities of passion and compassion will be the foundation for a successful career in education. Sincerely, Pamela Thomason BA Language Arts MA Secondary Education, Reading Endorsement Valley High School