GL@BAL Thinking ©rmge Elementary Schoo! i 5805 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, [A 50701 __ *Limitless Choices (19) 433\7980-office (319)433-2888-fax Waterloo scHooLs April 13, 2017 To Whom It May Concern: lis my pleasure to recommend Ms. Natalie Haller for any openings that are available in you schoo! istrict for the upcoming school year. Natalie student taught for seven weeks in my all-day kindergarten classroom at Orange Elementary School in Waterloo, lowa. Under my guidance, Natalle was in charge ofa classroom of 20 kindergarten students. Our student population is made up of mostly middle socioeconomic families. in the classroom, Natalie had a wide range of student learning abilities that she needed to modify lessons for. This included students with learning challenges (Le. 2 English Language Learners, 1 student with a behavior IEP, students with low-end academic skills, and 3 children with extremely high ability skills). During Natalie's assignment she planned a two-week science unit based on the following criteria: Teaching a kindergarten unit focusing on living and nonliving characteristics. She accessed videos and trade books, the internet, did hands on activities, led class discussions that were age and developmentally appropriate as well as constructing a flipchart ‘that was used during direct instruction on our classroom Promethean (Active) Board. She also was able to Implement interactive Writing with many of my students during small group reading instruction. The children ‘were excited and learned many new things during Natalie's teaching duties. They were actively involved at all times and applied many different skills especially from the Depth of Knowledge (DOK) chart. Natalie was also able to observe how we asa kindergarten team collect and use data driven information to help make curriculum decisions, helped prepare for Kindergarten Orientation, attended our winter Student-Led Conferences and accompanied us on a kindergarten team field trip to a local hands on museum. Natalie learned our school expectations and management system and used that language almost immediately which was helpful for her in gaining respect from all of our student community. Natalie possesses many good competencies that make her a strong candidate for any teaching position. One of these is her ability to understand and implement appropriate activities to support the curriculum. Natalie has a strong sense of what the children understand as far as subject matter and is able to successfully differentiate instruction accordingly for each individual student. Natalie also possesses an ability that is rare. She came into my classroom and was able to very effectively continue to implement my classroom management routine. My management system is highly structured and at ‘times its difficult for pre-service teachers to come in and continue to keep this routine consistent. To Natalie's credit, she observed my management style, asked questions, and during her stay with us implemented the ‘management techniques | use very successfully. It was easy for me to step back into my role once Natalie left and continue my management without a lot of re-teaching and re-direction. This tells me that Natalie wll be able to successfully manage her future classroom. Natalie is extremely dedicated to her future profession. Her lesson plans and organization shows that she spent time preparing her lessons and activities and that is why things ran so smoothly for her. Natalie accepts constructive criticism well and asked every day how she might have improved on something she had done. She dresses for success and professionally every day. You can tell by looking at this young professional that she has confidence and pride in doing her job well and itis reflected through her mannerisms and dress. Natalie also took special time to get to know and set a positive tone with my classroom families as wel {In my professional opinion, Natalie Haller will make an exceptional teacher. She will be an excellent asset ‘to your school district and you will be fortunate to have access to her knowledge and talents. It was an extreme pleasure to be a part of Natalie's earning process and experience. =e = Sincerely, Pah WW! Janelle M.Kimpston Kindergarten Teacher Orange Elementary Schoo! Waterloo, lowa 50701