Seven Mile Elementary School 200 W. Ritter Street, Seven Mile, OH 45062 | Phone: (513)-726-6234 Principal: Lori Harrison December 1, 2015 To Whom It May Concern: Lauren Flot has been a student teacher at Seven Mile Elementary in Seven Mile, Ohio for the Fall Semester. Seven Mile Elementary educates approximately 300 students in grades Kindergarten through Five. The school is situated in a rural, low-income, working class community in northeastern Butler County, Ohio. During her placement in my First Grade classroom, Lauren planned lessons and taught all subject areas, including Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science. The classroom that Lauren worked in has 27 students with a wide variety of ability levels and educational skills. Within the class, there were eighteen students who attend Title One Reading Intervention, and two that receive both occupational therapy and speech services. During her placement, Lauren was included in an established team-teaching partnership. She learned to collaborate with another first grade teacher to develop instructional lessons based on the District’s curriculum and pacing guide that is rooted in Ohio’s Learning Standards. Lauren was very conscientious of each student’s needs and abilities as she created her activities as well as when she implemented them into her daily instruction. Lauren successfully utilized technology in her teaching, using creative interactive whiteboard lessons that she often designed herself. Lauren asked for feedback frequently, welcoming praise while remaining open to constructive critique. Her adjustments and flexibility mirrored her willingness to refine her teaching skills. ‘Though Lauren always expected her students to perform at their greatest ability, she also realized that she would need to give some of the students extra support. She has an excellent ability to predict when a student will need help while working independently, so she often used strategies such as modeling and scaffolding to intercede before he or she reached any level of frustration. ‘These practices to differentiate learning promoted confidence and pride for at-risk students. Lauren also exceeded expectations when she created a disciplinary plan for students who needed new strategies to help them recognize and address their behavior. ‘The classroom climate that Lauren created was exceptional. Though she did not grow up in this area, she respected the traditions of the community and embraced its people. She was consistently compassionate and kind as she worked to enhance educational and personal growth. Professionalism was at the center of Lauren’s experience. She was dependable, enthusiastic, and hardworking in each of her endeavors. She collaborated with members within her grade level, attended professional development and Building Leadership Team meetings, participated and led parent conferences, and often contributed ideas during Response to Intervention meetings. Lauren also immersed herself within the community by attending the District’s Homecoming Parade as well as meetings for the Parent Teacher Organization. She understood her professional responsibilities and maintained a positive rapport with the entire Seven Mile staff. Lauren Flot would be a wonderful addition to any school district. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any further questions. Sincerely, Mavyfion Lrauille, Mary Ann Linville