August 1, 2014

Dondero Elementary School

32 Van Buren Avenue
Portsmouth, NH 03801
To Whom It May Concern:
It is my pleasure to recommend Kyleigh Pharris for a teaching position at your school.
Kyleigh conducted her yearlong internship in my first grade classroom for the past school
year at Dondero Elementary School. Having taught under the supervision of a mentor
teacher and advisor from the University of New Hampshire, Kyleigh is more than ready
to run a classroom of her own.
Kyleigh brings many past experiences to her teaching, including proficiency in American
Sign Language which she wove into our word study program. She displays maturity
beyond her years which was often observed and commented upon by other teachers at
Dondero. Kyleigh is a talented and confident educator. She asks thoughtful and reflective
questions aimed towards improving her practice. She also listens and responds to
feedback and always has her students best interests at heart. Kyleigh is cooperative,
dependable, sensitive to others, and committed to the education of each child. She relates
well to children, staff, and parents. She is well planned and enthusiastic about work each
day.
Kyleighs organizational skills were evident when she planned and implemented her two
solo weeks. In February she followed the students interest in our world map and
curiosity about flags with a unit about the 2014 Winter Olympics. Kyleigh also noticed
the students natural excitement for math centers. She designed and organized an amazing
math unit which focused on in-depth work at a series of math activities and games each
week. The students thoroughly enjoyed participating in learning math through math
centers and many said that it was their favorite time of the day.
The Portsmouth School District has already begun implementing the Common Core State
Standards. Kyleigh participated in meetings and workshops which familiarized her with
the standards and our districts most current curricula.
I believe that Kyleigh will be an asset to any educational community that is fortunate
enough to hire her. Please contact me if I can be of any further assistance in supporting
Kyleighs application to your school.
Sincerely,

Jena Bulger-Judd
Mentor Teacher
Dondero Elementary School
603-793-8550