Susanna M.

Marcucci
6860 Sharon Drive
Urbandale, Iowa 50322
(515) 276-0607 (Home)
(515) 250-7828 (Cell)
April 20, 2016
To Whom It May Concern,
Please accept this letter as a letter of recommendation for Ellen Bruegger for a
teaching position. As Ellens university supervisor for student teaching, I have
worked with her since August, 2015 and will continue to work with her through May
10, 2016. I have observed her, several times, teaching 20 th Century History to 9th
grade students and U.S. History to 11th grade students at Roosevelt High School in
Des Moines Iowa.
When observing Ellens classes, one sees students engaged in a variety of activities.
Students analyze political cartoons and view short video clips that inspire them to
learn the topics for the lessons. Students also work with partners, small groups and
individually to dissect large amounts of information into digestible bites. Students
explore historical issues, such as genocide, that are related to the current time.
Students are involved in carousel activities in which they move from station to
station, read articles about historical events, discuss the articles with classmates
and answer questions. To prepare for her classes with varied activities, Ellen writes
very detailed lesson plans which address the needs of all students.
Ellen cares about her students and their success. Her learning is inclusive of all
students. She holds students accountable for their learning and throughout class,
she works with several students one-on-one. She scaffolds the learning and uses
many graphic organizers to make it accessible to all students.
Ellen works collaboratively with student teachers on her team. At student teaching
seminars, she shares ideas, concerns and strategies with her colleagues. She
collaborates with her mentor teachers and supervisor and incorporates their
suggestions into her teaching. She is also very reflective upon her practice which
helps her to grow.
Ellen is nearing the end of her student teaching experience. She has done a great
job forming relationships with students and making the classes her own. I would not
hesitate to hire Ellen for any teaching position for which she is qualified. She would
be a valuable member of any staff.
Sincerely,

Susanna M. Marcucci
Student Teacher Supervisor

Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa