Hickory Grove Elementary Jeremy Etnyre, Principal 2514 W. Hickory Grove Road Phone (309) 243-8711 Dunlap, lines 61525 Fax (309) 24351075, April 10, 2017 To Whom It May Concer: Gabrielle Visconti is currently a student teacher in my first grade classroom this semester beginning in mid-January. Hickory Grove Elementary School is one of five elementary schools in the Dunlap School District with approximately 740 students, pre-k through 5" grade. We have six sections of fist grade this year. My classroom Is self-contained with twenty-three students who have a variety of needs. During this student teaching experience, Gabrielle has transitioned from small group teaching to full ime teaching. She is planning lessons that accommodate a variety of abilities, within the context of a lesson, She demonstrates good knowledge of her subject content, and works diligently to meet the needs of each of her studenis. Gabrielle uses a variety of teaching techniques to keep her students engaged, such as singing, movement, and gestures. Gabrielle interacis well with students. She shows students that she cares about them while at the same time maintaining an atmosphere that encourages respect and is conducive to student leaming. Her calm, soothing demeanor facilitates a trust from her students. Gabrielle is mature and self-motivated, setting high standards for herself. At the same fime, she is eager to leam and willing fo try and implement new ideas. Gabrielle interacts well with other staff and shows appreciation for their experience and expertise, At this point in her student teaching experience, | highly recommend Gabrielle for a teaching position. She is growing daily, and stands out as a candidate worthy for consideration in the field of teaching. | strongly believe that she will be a positive addition to the professional staff of any school district, Respectfully, Recall Kos? Rachel Knapp. : - First Grade Teacher