STATE UNIVERS. 1801 Eost Cotati Averue Fohnent Park, CA 94926-3609 DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM STUDIES AND SECONDARY EDUCATION School of Education 707 684.3115 « Fox 707.664 2483, uy Bakersfield + Channel ‘April 22, 2017 ‘To Whom It May Concer: Lam writing this letter on behalf of Ms. Katie Benson. Katie is currently working at Santa Rosa High School as a student teacher in 2 9 grade English class and 2 12 grade English clas. I have served as Katie's supervisor as part of the Single-Subject Credential Program at Sonoma State University. ‘Additionally, during my 39 years of high school teaching, I served as a Resident Teacher for several student teachers. Consequently, I am qualified and able to observe Katie's progress first hand, hold ‘numerous discussions with her about teaching, and overall get a good feel for her potential in teaching. Since February, I have had the opportunity to observe Katie several times altemating between the two ‘classes she teaches. Katie has been fortunate during her time in student teaching to be working with two ‘excellent mentor teachers. They have been positive role models for her. Right from the beginning, what Jumps out is Katie's preparation and organization. Every time I come to visit Katie, she provides me with a lesson plan that i followed perfectly as I observe her class. Her lesson plans are well organized and keep the students busy throughout the entire class. The lessons provide @ good variety of teacher instruction, individual, and group interaction. Katie's lesson plans also provide a wide variety of activities that ‘encourage all leaming styles. It is always evident that much preparation and care has gone into her lesson planning. Katie has also shown strong skills in classroom management. She does exceptionally well at keeping the students focused and on task. There are no big problems because she minimizes every potential disruption by paying close attention to her students. She deals with the students promptly and in a fair and positive manner. Katie has clearly created a comfortable environment for herself and her students. In subsequent visits, I have watched that environment strengthen each time. It is evident that the students like and respect Ketis and thi ing factor to her success in running the class. Overall, the students seem to be well versed in the material being covered. In summary, Katie has clearly demonstrated that she has what it takes to be a successful teacher, She is positive, enthusiastic, and seems to genuinely enjoy what she is doing. She will be an excellent addition to ‘aay English Department at the high school or middle school level. If you have any questions regarding Katie's abilities please feel free to contact me. oe ‘Student Teacher Supervisor ‘Sonoma State University Rohnert Park, CA ‘THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY nds + Chico « DomgueeHils » East Bay « Fresno » Fullerion » Humboldt + Long Beach - Los Angeles » Markime Academy ‘Monterey Bay - Northridge - Pomona‘ Sacramento San Bernardino San Diego San Francisco San Jose «San Luis Obispo San Marcos «Sonoma « Stanislius