sitdeaeaion ‘To whom it may concer, Lam writing to you with my endorsement of Ms Allison Fudge for a position as an English Language Ais teacher at your school. { was Ms. Fudge’s supervising teacher during her nine week long internship at P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School in Gainesville, Florida. Mis. Fudge planned for and taught five classes of freshman English Language Arts, Ms. Fudge’s intellect, creativity, rigor, and passion make her an obvious choice for any teaching position. (Ms. Fudge isa studious and quick learmer unafraid of tackling new challenges. These traits were made apparent when we had one brief meeting before the intemship in which | told her that our schoo! had revently implemented a one-io-one Chromebook initiative and the core lasses at PK. Yonge are “de-tracked,” meaning all ofthe students are enrolled in the rigorous English honors course. Bath the “de-tracking” and Chromebook tative are real ovechauls of how traditional courses are scheduled and instructed; needless to say this was would be a unique challenge for any teacher, especially an inten ‘Yet Ms. Fudge walked into clas te first day already versed in the language and interface of Google Classroom and differentiated instruction. Ms. Fudge created, assessed, and provided feedback through the onlin platform by the end of the frst week. Additionally, she thoughtful planned and implemented instruction and assessment that the needs of various learners. “Meeting the needs ofall leamers slways poses a challenge for new teachers. This challenge feels amplified ina “de-racked” classroom where traditionally high-achieving students are seated next to students who struggle to pass mandated test. It was very impressive to see Ms Fudge not only survive but thrive inthis environment. She always. planned lessons that provided multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate their ‘mastery of standards whether it be using art to make poetry accessible, using student choice in literature circles, providing choice in project options, or allowing students to create their own prompts for literary responses. Ms. Fudge truly taught the studemts and ‘not merely the contentMs. Fudge created and provided feedback for two practice Florida Standards Assessment \writing tests. That said, Ms. Fudge does not make test-taking the pivotal piece of her curriculum. Rather, she creates daly opportunities for students to grow as readers and. ‘writers to help them flourish beyond the dates of the mandated tests. | was most impressed by the way Ms. Fudge gives feedback: she validates the strenghs ofthe student's paper and then identifies a key area for growth. A high standaré for quality ‘writing always guides her assessment and planning. This type of assessment and Feedback centers the conversation on student leaming. In shor, she grourds her feedback ina “growth mindset” framework. Its always difficult to let another teacher instruct ‘one’s own classioom. This difficulty is heightened during the testing calendar, especially in the high-stakes accountability world we currently operate under. But Lalways knew ‘that students ané their learning were in safe, caring, and competent hands with Ms. Fudge. tis important for any teacher to be able to balance the responsibility of greparing students forthe future and meeting them where they are presently. Ms, Fudge is able to 4o this in a manner that seems natural. Equally important, in my opinion, is an ability to ‘connect with students and be a caring, safe adult figure, Ms. Fudge’s time in my this tral. She prepared letters for students on thei ist day’ ining who she is as a person, a leamer, and a teacher. This type of relationship ‘building was a deliberate part of her classroom management plan. Additionally, Ms. Fudge wrote every single student a letter atthe end of her internship praising the progress students made throughout the quarter. I believe the best way to know a good teacher isto see how student respond to the teacher. My ninth grade students were more than saddened to see Ms, Fudge go. Several students continve to ask me if there will be an ‘opening at our school because they would love to see Ms, Fudge as a faculty member. ‘To say I recommend Ms. Fudge asa teacher for your school would be an understatement. | actively encourage you to consider her for a position as an English Language Arts teacher, She is diligent and reflective, caring yet stem, and welcome to feedback that will help her grow asa professional Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions regarding the content of this, fetter. Sincerely, Cody Miller Ninth Grade Fplich Language Ars Instructor P.X. Yonge Developmental Research School