April 17, 2015

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with great pleasure that I offer this letter of recommendation for Kelsi Trest. In my position
as Student Teacher Field Supervisor at Albion College, I have become well acquainted with
Kelsi during this past semester as she completed her internship at Pennfield Schools in Battle
Creek, Michigan. I have observed her teach and conduct bands numerous times at both the high
school and middle school levels. In addition to several face-to-face conferences, Kelsi, her
mentor teacher, and I have corresponded continually throughout the semester.
During her internship at Pennfield, Kelsi displayed impressive patience and nurturing ability as
she worked with her students. Her caring attitude and determination to meet the needs of every
student were evident as she strove to know and understand each individual. She was never
satisfied with letting students slide by or give less than their best effort. She exhibited
outstanding rapport with middle school and high school students alike.
I was also impressed with Kelsis musicianship and teaching ability, as well as her preparedness
and organizational skills. Her lessons were planned and executed in a manner most appropriate
for the content and grade level. Her classroom management techniques were excellent as her
style of control was firm, yet gentle. She spoke to her students in terms that were informative
and instructional, but never condescending.
Kelsi interacted with the teachers and staff at Pennfield in a highly professional manner. She
was always positive and friendly. Her attitude and demeanor, as well as her temperament and
personality are well-suited for teaching at all grade levels. She has demonstrated her
commitment to her craft by going above and beyond what would normally be expected of
student teachers. She has spent weekends at the Michigan Music Conference, Solo and
Ensemble and District Band Festivals, and has stayed after school late into the evening with the
Pep Band on several occasions during basketball season. Kelsi has also volunteered to continue
helping the bands prepare for their Spring Concert, and to conduct during that concert, even
though it is three weeks after the official end of her internship.
I am confident in recommending Kelsi Trest. I believe that you will be as impressed as I have
been with her many outstanding attributes, some of which I have described above.
Sincerely,
Steven J. Claar
Student Teacher Supervisor
Albion College 517-750-2146

Education Department | 611 East Porter Street, Albion, MI 49224 | 517/629-0588 | Fax 517/629-0151 | www.albion.edu

Education Department | 611 East Porter Street, Albion, MI 49224 | 517/629-0588 | Fax 517/629-0151 | www.albion.edu