— Chaminade University May 14,2018. Sheri T. Fitzgerald 819 Kinau Street, Apt BS Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 457.9116 ‘To whom it may concer: ‘My name is Sheri Fitzgerald and Iam commending student teacher Erika Orimoto for succesfully completing the graduate program in Secondary Eduction at Chaminade University of Honolulu. Its with excitement that Ihave been able to witness Exka’s growth as a science teacher over the spring 2018 semester. As her university supervisor [can atest to the commitment and enthusiasm which she upholds. Enka has revealed herself to be a professional, cating competent, and highly organized teacher of 7 grade scince at Maryknoll School in. Honolul, Hawa ‘As.a practicing science teacher, Erika has afforded her students relevant and rigorous ‘experiences on topics of weather and climate, physical properties of matter, and more, Her lessons reveal an in-depth knowledge of the content areas and ste scaffolds the earning experiences to adapt to the needs of her diverse student population, She is always prepared for laboratory exercises and other hands-on experiences, yroup collaboration, and interactive presentations with whole class discussions. Her methods of engagement and classroom ‘management reveal a “firm but far” approach to teaching, all tke while supporting inquiry-based Jearming and critical thinking in the science classroom. Erika isinnovative and resourceful as an emerging science teacher and utilizes multiple resources and the support of her mentor teacher, Ms. Toni Nishida ‘As a practicing teacher at Maryknoll School, Erika goes beyond teaching the subjects she is assigned to, She isa committed member of the school community and contributing member to the middle school team mectings, working with her mentor teacher and others to further refine and develop her repertoire for teaching, and learning what it takes to work on a team of teachers from multiple disciplines. Erika has shown maturity and professionalism when receiving feedback from her mentor teacher, othe faculty an staff, and administration. She is respectful of students and adults atthe school, interacting with al parties with a positive attitude and open mindedness,In the 78 grade science classroom, Erika utilizes multiple teaching strategies, technologies, and forms of assessment to engage her students and add rigor tothe curriculum that addresses national science standards and schoolwide expectations. Erika’s science lessons and units of| study are naturally integrative, including writing, analytical discussions, and critical thinking. To ‘encourage student organization and preparedness, Erika consistently stressed the importance of | recording information in the student science notebook which included discussion and research notes, laboratory resuls, and key vocabulary words, “Moreover, Erika is reflective a aprcttioner, formatvely assessing students each weck to check for understanding of key concepts and for skills proficiency. She ten adapts andor reviews lessons as needed and ives students o ask quesUons. AS anew teacher Enka understands the déynamie nature ofthe school day, adapting her plans as needed and not geting frustrated when lessons are not implemented a planned duc to schedule changes. Erika never rushes through activities and ensures that ample tim is alloted, ll the while meting student learning outcomes, as planned Iti with utmost confidence and respect that I recommend Erika for secondary teaching licensure in the subject area of science, as I know that she will continue to make positive contributions to the classroom. Erika is an agent of change and will certainly inspire our youth with an inquiry- ‘based approach to learning, uncovering concepts and big ides, and making connectiens with their everyday lives. Ifyou need any clarifications with respect to Erika bilities and dispositions, then feel free to contact me at 808-457-9116 or by e-mail at shen .tzgerald@smail.com Sincerely, Dtow. } Aoy dA ‘Sheri T. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. Candidate in Education ht uly, Chane Unie of evalua