December 15, 2012 To Whom It May Concern: I met Emma Gustafson at Kramer Elementary School in Oxford, Ohio.

She did her student teaching experience in a kindergarten classroom at Kramer. Miss Gustafson worked closely with her host teacher, Mrs. Birchfield, to create a caring, loving, learning environment for the twenty-five students in the kindergarten class. The student population in the class was diverse economically, socially, educationally, and culturally. I had the pleasure of witnessing Miss Gustafsons caring, compassionate, and engaging teaching style first-hand. Her host teacher, Mrs. Birchfield, was pregnant and delivered several months early. I was called in to take over as a long-term substitute for Mrs. Birchfield after her unexpected early maternity leave. Miss Gustafson lead the kindergarteners and myself through this transition with great calm and strength of character. Miss Gustafson is organized, efficient, extremely competent, and flexible. Her communication skills are superior and she has an excellent rapport with people of all ages. She managed the kindergarten classroom very effectively and was able to communicate to me all of the necessary information I would need to take over the classroom after her departure and the earlier, unanticipated medical leave of her host teacher. Miss Gustafson patiently helped me plan lessons and learn the classroom routines when most student teachers are busy phasing out of the student teaching experience and planning for their upcoming holiday break. She selflessly gave of her time and knowledge so that the kindergarten classroom she had helped nurture and guide would continue to thrive and grow after her departure. In summary, I highly recommend Miss Gustafson for any position or endeavor that she may seek to pursue. She will be a valuable asset for any school or organization. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Brandy Rucker, Substitue Teacher at Kramer Elementary