500 Atlantic Avenue Boston, MA 02210 April 1, 2015, To Whom It May Concern: | have been Brigid Houlihan's Simmons College Practicurn Supervisor for the schoo! year, 2014-2015. Brigid is a candidate for Educator Licensure, Moderate Special Needs, Grades 5-12, in Massachusetts. Brigid currently holds both a Rhode Island Teaching License in Mathematics, grades 8-12, and a Massachusetts Teaching License in Mathematics, grades 5-12, Brigid has been at the Landmark School, a private school for students with language based leaming disabilities, in Beverly, Massachusetts, since the Fall, 2010. Brigid teaches geometry and algebra as well as one on one language arts tutorials. Brigid plans her lesson based on the Massachusetts Frameworks. Brigid uses the information ‘rom her students’ IEPs when planning her lessons. Lesson goals are specific with measurable ‘outcomes. Brigid provides her students with multiple learning activities that allow them to become engaged and meet the lesson objectives, Brigid is a very effective teacher. Brigid builds on her students’ experiences and prior knowledge. She modifies the academic content to ensure that all students succeed. All of her lesson activities are multi-modal and interactive. Brigid provides many opportunities for students to succeed. Brigid also integrates study skills into her classes to provide her students with strategies that not only can be applied to math but to other academic areas as well. Brigid has developed a classroom climate conducive to leaming. Her love of teaching is evident ‘when one observes in her classroom . Her teaching style encourages students to ask and answer questions. There is a feeling of mutual respect between students and between students and teacher. Brigid has high expectations for all of her students. Brigid is respected by her colleagues. She assumes many roles at the Landmark School Besides teaching , she is a Houseparent and Residential Advisor. She is responsible for thirty- five female residents, ages 15-19. Brigid is also the Varsity Swim Team Head Coach since 2012. itis my pleasure to highly recommend Brigid Houlihan for a teaching position in your school or district. Brigid's experience will be an asset to any school. If you have further questions about this candidate, please feel free to call me. (617 428 9358) erely, aula Koch | Simmons College Supervisor