April 11, 2016

Dear School Administrator:

I am writing in support of Ms. Elle Fitzgeralds application for a full-time position as an
elementary and/or middle school teacher with your school district. I have known Ms.
Fitzgerald for over three years and can attest to her excellent academic performance as well
as her dedication to helping young people to become active participants in their own
learning. Elle Fitzgerald would be an outstanding addition to your school staff.
I first met Elle when she took my EN 304: Teaching of the English Language course in Winter
2014.
Her work ethic was incredible, and she frequently shared ideas with her fellow students. Her
discussion of Creole language (based research for her annotated bibliography) helped to
illustrate
class concepts as well. Elle has gone to Haiti several times, including through an
organization called
Hands for Haiti, which provides education, services, and food. Elle served as lesson
coordinator for
the project in 2015. In that capacity, she developed lessons on clean water and taught
phonics-related
lessons to young children.
Elles unit plan for EN 304 was focused on Common Core State Standards in English
Language Arts and included activities structured to help students to learn grammatical
concepts and apply them to their writing. Additionally, Elles teaching demonstration, aimed
at having students consider how conjunctions can help them to create stronger sentences,
was well organized and interactive in nature.
This semester, Elle is completing her student teaching placement in 5th grade at Somers
Elementary School in Kenosha, Wisconsin. During this time, she has taught all subjects and
has developed successful relationships with students, families, and school staff. This
experience, combined with her coursework at NMU and her work with youth in camp, school,
and service-learning projects, has prepared her well for taking on the challenges and joys of
teaching in a full-time elementary or middle school position.
Based on my experiences with Elle over the past three years, I am convinced she will be
successful in teaching in an elementary or middle school classroom. Choosing Elle Fitzgerald
to join your staff would be a great decision. Her positive attitude, excellent organizational
and teaching skills, and her willingness to take risks will make her a great addition to your
educational team.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Best wishes,

Kia Jane Richmond, Ph.D.

Professor and Director, English Education

Northern Michigan University

krichmon@nmu.edu
(817) 683-4980