SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY Catherine Close SCHOOL OF TEACHER EDUCATION, COLLEGE OF EDUCATION 3 STATE UNIVERSITY CA 92182-1153) PHONE/ Fax: (858) 481-0076 E-MAIL: czclose@san.rr.com Dear Sir or Madam, December 14, 2014 | am pleased to recommend Amy Jorgensen for a teaching position. As both her university supervisor and a methods instructor, | observed many strong skills for a beginning student teacher. She demonstrated positive growth and proficiency throughout her student teaching experience, showing good initiative and ability in using a Personal reflection, course work and feedback to adjust and improve her teaching practices resulting in the achievement of high levels of competency for a frst semester student teacher. 2 Ms. Jorgensen planned and executed many successful lessons that demonstrated strong comprehension of the content area and an appropriate selection and application of instructional materials, strategies and student groupings to meet the identified learning goals. She clearly communicates the instructional objectives so ‘Students understand the purpose and outcomes of the learning and she extends student thinking during the lessons by asking stimulating questions and encouraging students to share and examine points of view. Ms. Jorgensen sequences instruction so that the skills and concepts being taught connect to 2 oa ‘subsequent lessons. She plans appropriate assessments to monitor and evaluate student learning and information gathered during instruction to adjust her teaching. Ms. Jorgensen taught in a class that included GATE students, students below proficiency, Ente leamers, special education students and students with behavioral challenges. In this situation, Ms. ‘continually looked for ways to support student leaming and engagement and to teach d behavior and respect. She has strong classroom management skills and teaches and models expectations and is consistent in enforcing them. Additionally, she monitors student progress to learning objective(s) and makes appropriate adjustments to address any confusion and/or ‘support for individual students who are struggling. Ms. Jorgensen presents herself professionally in the fulfilment of her in recognizing the potential of teacher candidates and would inc! only exhibits many strong instructional skils for a fist semester: pursuing excellence and in doing everything she can to provide program. | am confident she will make a positive addition to a