McMi | | in Cynthia Orr, Principal ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (619)397-0103 ert. 4699, Fax (619) 397.0122, 1201 Santa Cora Avenue Chula Vita, A STOIS ‘othiacr@ovess org February 17, 2019 ‘To Whom It May Concern: As you interview applicants for positions at your school and sort them into “yes,” “maybe,” and “no” piles, you might have to create a “definitly yes” pile for Alexis Cook. I had the pleasure of having Miss Cook as my student teacher from July to December of 2018, From day one, Miss Cook helped me turn our combination Kindergarten- Grade class into a "amily." Miss Cook's pretence allowed each child in both grades to grow in a safe environment with encouragement and kindness, Observing her interact with the students, it was immediately apparent that she was genuinely interested in the kids’ lives, responding rot only to their academic but also their social needs as well, We eventually became a straight Kindergarten class, and Miss Cook helped our Kindergarteners adjust to the change to our lass structure, [enjoyed watching her nurture relationships with each of our students, and even with their parents and siblings. The way the students and families responded to her was a testament to her natural charisma as an educator ‘Miss Cook.was eager to take on teaching responsibilities. She began with high engagement phonies lessons, and confidently moved on to plan our Readers Workshop lessons from Lacy Calkine's Units of Study. Although her program dlidn'Crequite it, she further demonstrated her initiative by coming 4 full days a week. his allowed her to work with the continuity of our lesson content and she was able to add our Go Math! lessons to her responsibilities. Eventually she took ‘on teaching the entire day for the last 2 weeks of her stint with ws ‘Miss Cook was a natural at making her lessons fun and for our students. She understood the importance of reinforcing key points atthe conclusion of each lesson, She used a variety of instructional materials, including the document camera, online resources, ealia, manipulatives, and clas-generated charts. She displayed good pacing during her lessons and understood how and when to adjust plans to allow for unexpected interruptions. Mis Cook was very conscientious in all her dealings with both students and stall She was a model of professionalism on ‘campus. As part of our Kindergarten team, she participated in stafand grade level collaboration meetings. She was actively engaged in our discussions, and once even created student reading pointers for every student in all the Kindergarten clases, She was well liked among staff and was looked upon highly by adminisrators. Miss Cook arranged for our principal to abserve one of her lessons and also set up a time to mect afterwards for fedtback. This exemplifies how she regularly sought and welcomed constructive feedback. [twas a pleasure having Miss Cook in my classroom and I have no doubt that she wil be an outstanding addition to any stall. I give her my highest recommendation. Fighiare _ Liza Tuseaio Kindergarten Teacher liza cuscano@evesd.org (615) 397-0103 Ext. 400410, Tome of the Beagles ig Elementary School District