Richard M. Machesky, Ed. D. ‘Superintendent of Schools ‘Smith Middle Schoo! Timothy Fulcher ‘Jennifer Hartenburg 15835 Donaldson Principal Counselor Troy, Michigan 48085 ‘Amy Buchanan ‘Michael Denyes (248)823-4700 / FAX# (248)823-4713, Assistant Principal Counselor April 14, 2016 To Whom It May Concern, This letter should reach you regarding Sara Zielinski and her many fine attributes and accomplishments. These comments and observations regarding Miss Zielinski’s professional behaviors come from my role as a teacher at ‘Smith Middle School in Troy, MI. Miss Zielinski was my student teacher during her education field experience through Central Michigan University during the 2015 ~ 2016 school year. Miss Zielinski exhibited abilities during this time that show her to be a highly capable teacher. Throughout this time, I have observed a wonderful commitment to students and an outstanding ability to work with fellow staff members. Miss Zielinski showed exceptional commitment to the students in my eighth grade English classes. She created Unit and lesson plans grounded in the Common Core, managed the classroom, instructed students in whole group, small groups, and individually, and took over completely for several weeks. Sara did a wonderful job working collaboratively with me and with the rest of the English department. Miss Zielinski developed a wonderful rapport with the students, many of whom speak very fondly of her and miss her. She used her own experiences to create relationships and guide students toward self-improvement and better decisions. Among Miss Ziclinski’s most special characteristics are kindness, ambition, and diligence. She exhibited the ability to blend in well with our staff and students. Miss Zielinski has demonstrated that she is excited to be an educator and is willing to commit time and energy to self-improvement and new understanding. Miss Zielinski worked hard at getting assignments and assessments graded and returned in a timely manner. She was a very ‘conscientious student teacher, continually coming up with new and better ideas for the classroom. She has been active in school life and joined our Relay For Life Committee, a charity-based after-school club for students. In addition, she volunteered to chaperone our four-day eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C. Sara also became a morning media center aide each week to enable students to use the facility. Miss Zielinski possesses those qualities one wants to see in a teacher; she loves kids, she self-reflects and improves her instruction, she collaborates with fellow colleagues, and she supports and values the vision and mission of the school and district. Thighly recommend Sara Zielinski for a teaching position. She is a dedicated, lifelong learner and leader who is eager to be an educator. She continues to take advantage of opportunities to work with students. Miss Zielinski would be an asset to any school district and should be considered for any teaching position, For any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at 248-823-4753 or jtrice@troy.k12.mi.us. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Pari Tevec Jennifer Trice ‘Teacher, Smith Middle School ‘Troy School District