Benjamin Franklin Elementary School Cooperation * Achievement * Respect * Effort (5 Erik Kress Celia Siason Ceil Scranton Principal Counselor Administrative Assistant May 3, 2019 To Whom This Concern, I am writing this recommendation for Nathaniel (Than) Spence. Mr. Spence worked at Benjamin Franklin School where I am the site supervisor for Keene State College student teachers. Than worked in a second grade classroom for fourteen weeks. The class consisted of seventeen children ranging in abilities. There are four children in the class that receive special education support as well as a child who was recently released from English Language Leamer services. Mr. Spence also helps to support a child who receives behavioral support. In his time at Franklin School Than was required to take on the role of lead teacher for several days throughout his placement and one week at the end, Than was also given the opportunity to take over as the classroom teacher’s substitute in her absence. Than was eager to take on these roles. As the site supervisor, I went into the classroom to observe Mr. Spence with the children and met with him on a regular basis to keep abreast of the activities happening in second grade. Than was always on time and eager to chat. He had great questions and was. always looking to grow as a teacher. It was in my visits to the classroom where I got to see Mr. Spence’s calm and peaceful demeanor. He was kind and caring while very supportive and intentional in his work. The children responded to his gentle ways. Than confidently spoke to the children on their level. This second grade class was not without its challenging behaviors. Several times throughout lessons Than would have to redirect children, often slowing the pace of the lesson. Than did his best to keep the flow of the lesson going while addressing behavior. We often talked about strategies to best manage these behaviors and Than certainly grew in the area of behavior management in his time at Franklin. Mr. Spence planned and implemented a science unit on Habitats. The children participated in an experiment with a family engagement project component. Than was reflective and well prepared for the possibility that some children would not have the home portion complete. His forethought helped to keep the experiment fun for al. 217 Washington Street Keene, New Hampshire 03431 + Telephone 603-352-1712 + Fax 603-357-9015It was a pleasure working with Than at Franklin School. He was always so happy to be there and work with the children and adults alike. Than certainly became an active part of Franklin School. Please contact me if you have any further questions. ‘Sjngerely, Le aA ‘Ln bo Te ite Abbott First Grade Teacher Benjamin Franklin School Keene, NH kabbott@sau29.org 603-313-1280