To Whom it May Concern: ap7hae thas been my privilege to have Miss Jessica Andrus as student teacher in my fourth grade classroom at Challenger Elementary in Kentwood, MI. She has successfully completed her internship in a year-long, placement. |have enjoyed getting to know her and have appreciated her commitment to the students in our classroom and to her professional development. She has taken the knowledge gained from her classes at Michigan State University and implemented ideas and strategies within the classroom. Jessica was an asset to sy elassroom, and was always wing to go above-and-beyond the typical intern role. she began long-range ‘lanning and classroom setup well before the school year started and completed her responsibilities after Spring Break. She regularly contributed and implemented ideas in setting classroom procedures and ‘expectations. During her internship, Jessica performed as the lead teacher for a period of six weeks, planning and delivering lessons across all subject areas, including interactive Social studies and science units. Ms. Andrus planned and prepared rigorous, relevant, and engaging lessons which were assessed for proficiency and retaught when needed, She worked collaboratively with me and other staff including, but not limited to school-wide activities, data meetings, parent conferences, and planning. Jessica is passionate and skilled in relationship-building. She understands the Capturing Kids Hearts model that we use in Kentwood Public Schools. She applied this knowledge with student through small group lunches, individual notes home, conversation, and getting to know each student's interests and motivations, which enabled her to evaluate their performance and make adjustments to her teaching as needed. She also initiated relationships with parents through positive communication, volunteering at after school events, posting to our classroom Facebook page, and leading numerous parent teacher conferences. During her time in my room, Ms. Andrus was able to instruct learners at various levels including gifted students 28 well as numerous students with special education needs including speech and language impairments, ADHD, emotional difficulties, and Learning Disabilities, as wells ELL students, She was invaluable in anticipating the needs of these students and differentiated her instruction to meet their individual needs. | watched Jessica grow from an individual who was passionate about teaching and had many natural kil and instinets into a well-rounded teacher who is well prepared to manage students using 2 variety of, classroom management and positive behavior support techniques. Ms. Andrus listened carefully, sought feedback, and acted upon suggestions offered. | recommend Ms. Andrus wholeheartedly and enthusiastically for employment in the teaching profession. It was a pleasure to have her in my classroom this year. Wit her positive attitude, willingness to ‘observe, listen, and learn, and her strong desire to be an effective educator, |am convinced she will continue to progress as an educator and become a valuable member to any school and an asset tothe teaching profession. If you have additional questions please do not hesitate to contact me at lennifer Henderson@kentwoodps.ore Sincerely, Seif Jennifer Cole Challenger Elementary Teacher