Franklin Elementary School 282 Washington Street Keene, NH 03431 May 3, 2019 To Whom It May Concern: Than Spence has spent the last 14 weeks in my 2nd grade classroom, familiarizing himself with this age group and eventually taking over a week of teaching. Our elementary school is located in a small city, within a rural area. This class of 17 students represents a broad spectrum of learning needs as well as diverse socio-economic status. Than’s responsibilities grew as he spent time with us, and culminated in his assuming responsibility for planning and executing a full week of teaching. Prior to that week, Than took over elements of the schedule, starting with morning meeting early on, adding different academic topics throughout his time. Prior to his solo week, he had regular solo days as well. During his week of solo teaching, Than planned the daily activities, taught them, and was responsible for any follow up work. Than created and implemented a unit on habitats prior to his teaching week, and integrated many ‘engaging activities into it. From the start, Than involved himseff in observing and getting to know the students. Each student quickly recognized his genuine interest, and felt comfortable in both asking for and receiving instruction from him. Than also engaged with all of the staff, and has been a friendly and interested coworker. Than was reliable, and happily available for any extended responsibilities outside of the regular day as well. Than has been prepared for his lessons. He used the interactive whiteboard each morning for our morning meeting. He explored and gained confidence with that media, and used it in other areas of his instruction as well. He is open to ideas, and seeks help when he is unsure of something. Than researched and found resources and activities for his unit and other smaller activities he took over, as well as building on what we had already established in our class. He engages in both practical and philosophical conversations about education. Than has been pleasant to work and plan with. Than's confidence grew during his time with us. By the time he took over the class, Than was comfortable creating and building on his own ideas. Than's understanding of 2nd grade expectations also grew, and his activities reflected that. Than's managementalso evolved as the weeks went by, and he was very confident and competent in carrying out the whole day. Than's friendly ways, which are so perfect when interacting with individuals and small groups, were often his biggest challenge when keeping the whole group attentive. By his solo weeks of teaching, he was using the silent signals and his own command more regularly, and was more comfortable expecting the class to respond to his instructions for behavior. By the end of our 14 weeks together, Than has grown confident in his control of the large group, and uses numerous strategies to maintain that. | have enjoyed having Than in our class. He has strong skills for working with students and is enthusiastic about leaming. He has been a pleasant and helpful part of our group. He is friendly and open with our staff. | would recommend consideration of him as a classroom teacher. Unegddrr Melinda Belden 2nd Grade Teacher Franklin Elementary School Keene, NH 03431