Laura Alluin, Principal . TE Hardy Elementary School San Diego Unified SO renee SCHOOL DISTRICT San Diego, CA 92115 619 — 582 - 0136 lalluin@sandi.net December 19, 2014 To whom it may concern: 1am writing in regard to Ms. Amy Jorgensen as she applies for a teaching position. | have observed Ms. Jorgensen as a 4th grade student teacher over the course of one school semester. Ms. Jorgensen has been able to apply effective teaching strategies and behavior management techniques in a purposeful manner. In a 4" grade class that includes mainstreamed students with special needs, she employs many valuable techniques on a regular basis During direct instruction, she pulls the whole group together in a rug area, to present the lesson demonstration without distraction and to facilitate student discussion about the concepts and themes. She keeps the students involved in learning new information whether it is about story comprehension, number sense, earth science or social studies. She demonstrates and explains clearly the steps for solving problems or stating a claim and citing evidence in the text, and the students show that they understand what she has taught. For guided group practice and independent practice, Ms. Jorgensen plans activities to allow for either homogenous or heterogeneous groups, depending on what kinds of re-teaching the students need. She collects data on a continuous basis, both summative and formative, to help her reflect with the guide teacher on what and how to teach the next lesson or elements that need reinforcement. In addition to her strengths of planning instruction and designing learning experiences for all students, Ms. Jorgensen conducts herself in a professional manner at all times. She fully participates in other duties, such as morning supervision, operational staff meetings, and professional development sessions. She goes above and beyond what many veteran teachers do, making the effort to connect with students in a way that facilitates academic progress and achievement. highly recommend Ms. Jorgensen as a full-time elementary school teacher. | would be interested in supporting Ms. Jorgensen as she develops her teaching career. If you have any further questions, | can be reached at 619-582-0136, Thank you, fo Qh Laura M. Alluin Principal