Lincoln Southwest High School 7001 South 14% Street Lincoln, Nebraska 68512 (402) 496-1306 Fax (402) 436-1085 February 1, 2016 To Whom It May Concern 1am writing this letter in support of Mr. Andy Heusinkvelt. [have been associated with Mr. Heasinkvelt for approximately six months. During this time, I had the privilege to serve as his cooperating teacher fora practicum that he completed at Lincoln Southwest High School. During Mr. Heusinkvelt’s time at Lincoln Southwest High School he worked with 9* and 10" rade Differentiated (Horors) Biology students. He worked with these students for 1 block (90 minutes) each day for aperoximately 4 months. ‘Asa practicum student Andy completed all tasks that were asked of him and did so in a high ‘quality and timely manner. Besides his day-to-day tasks, what impressed me the most about ‘Andy was his desire to leam. Whenever my students were doing an activity Andy wanted to ‘observe my teaching style, the way students lear, and the way thatthe activity was conducted. He continually asked questions about teaching strategies that work and don't work. This ‘documents Andy's desire to lear about the art of teaching inorder for him to be the best teacher he ean be. During his time as a practicum student, Andy showed a good work ethic. He was always on ‘ime and was well organized. Furthermore, Andy showed a strong knowledge of the subject and various teaching strategies when he presented material and content tothe students. However, what realy impressed me about Andy was the way that he interacted with the ‘students.’ Many practicum students are quite timid and are fai to jump in and help students. “Andy however, was very much interested in helping students by answering questions and giving hhelp in any way that he could. This documents Andy's desire to help students learn and shows Inia desire to be a cuoceasful teacher. His work as a mentor forthe Nebraska College Prsp “Academy and his work as diector forthe Science/Nature Chipinaw Summer Camp also ‘documents Andy's desire to work with kids and help them reach ther fll potential Sir he Jason Thomsen M.A.Ed Differentiated/AP Biology Teacher & Science Olympiad Coach Lincoln Southwest High Schoo! 402-436-1306 (ext. 66106)