March 2017

To Whom It May Concern,

This letter is a strong recommendation for Shelby Hurst. Ms. Hurst worked in my building (Reo
Elementary) through the Michigan State University Teacher Education program. I would highly
endorse Shelby for any position for which she is qualified.

Shelby worked in the classroom next to mine, and was huge addition to the cooperating teacher,
and the students she serviced! In the classroom where she worked the majority of the students
are not only ethnically diverse, but from low socioeconomic backgrounds. They are needy, yet
hesitant to trust. However Ms. Hurst was able to win them over immediately with her
commitment to their best interest, trust, and strong desire to see them excel. Not only did she
service the classroom next door, but she also volunteered to work with the students from my
class on the Phonics Continuum. To say she did outstanding is an understatement. She also
many times had to be the one in charge of the classroom while her cooperating teacher would be
attending meetings, or pulled to do something for the building. Every time I would look over I
would see her in complete control, of at times, a very difficult classroom.

Shelby has the true understanding of how children learn. She is one of a kind to grasp the whole
Response to Intervention process, which usually takes a magnitude of time to fully understand.
We have had many talks about understanding the child as an individual, and using that to
guide the child as a learner. Ms. Hurst is ready for what each child brings. What is so special
too, is her work ethic, which I feel is one of the best I have encountered from somebody so
young in the profession.

Ms. Hursts personal character is beyond reproach, and it was a pleasure working with her, and
noticing the positive interactions with the students. Her management skills are great and she
motivates and inspires them to do their best. You only have to spend three minutes talking to her
to sense the calm and caring concern for children that permeates from her. She truly has a love
of youth and would be a great asset to any school she joins. She is very self-motivated and
that is an attribute one in a leadership position would treasure.

Any child who is lucky enough to have Ms. Hurst for a teacher will grow and learn. We need
her enthusiasm for teaching in our professional ranks, and our children need the respect and
rapport she brings to learning. I highly recommend Shelby Hurst for any position for which she
qualifies. A staff and administrator should consider themselves very fortunate to have the
opportunity to hire this young woman.

Sincerely,

Robert (Louie) Robinson

2nd Grade Teacher
Reo Elementary
Phone: 517-648-6823 Email: lousmmatraining@gmail.com