Grand Rapids Public Schools Buchanan Elementary School : Evelyn Ortiz, Principal To whom it may concen: Ms. Morgan Denyes very successfully completed her student teaching experience with my partner teacher, Mrs. Stacy Grey, in a third grade classroom at Buchanan Elementary of Grand Rapids Public Schools. Although she was not in my classroom, we worked very closely together throughout the year and I was able to observe a great deal. During her time in our school from August 2018 through April 2019, Morgan observed, assisted, and taught, The class was comprised of 28-30 students, many of whom were English language leamers at various proficiency levels and all qualifying for free lunch. The diverse levels of abilities in language and academies coupled with many students dealing with difficult life situations could be a challenge for even the most experienced teachers. Yet, Morgan was able to excel. Right from the beginning, Ms, Denyes was warm and built a great rapport with the students. Her willingness and desire to grow, adapt, experiment, and reflect throughout her teaching experience demonstrated to both staff and students how much she cared and desired to do her best to help students do rheir best. Morgan was always extremely prepared and knowledgeable. Her efforts were noticed by myself and other teachers in our grade level, as | Morgan was always willing to share and help prepare materials for our classes as well as her own. Ms. Denyes was extremely dependable and was excellent at being flexible, which is a skill that all educators need to possess. She went above and beyond her requirements. Throughout the school year, Ms. Denyes was responsible for teaching all subjects, including whole-group reading, differentiated small groups for reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. She assumed the responsibility of planning and teaching several entire units. Her enthusiasm, creativity, and knowledge of the subject matter led to students to be highly engaged and excited about learning. Ms. Denyes also monitored, modified, and prepared materials for small groups in reading which were implemented within the Daily 5 framework. Through the differentiation, students of varied reading abilities were all able to be challenged yet feel success. During her teaching time, Ms. Denyes was exemplary in her student management, utilizing different strategies of positive behavior intervention and support (PBIS). Students were able to make great academic gains because the environment created was one of mutual respect and desire to grow. In my opinion as a teacher who has prepared several student teachers during my 17 years of teaching, Ms. Morgan Denyes would be an excellent candidate for your school. She has enthusiasm and a pure love of teaching, willingness to work hard and grow, and dedication to the profession and to children. I strongly encourage you to consider adding Morgan to your school faculty. It is without hesitation that I can say Ms. Denyes will be an outstanding teacher at any school that is fortunate enough to have her. sincerely, Sarah Garcia ~ 3” grade teacher Grand Rapids Public Schools Grand Rapids, MI 1775 Buchanan SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 - Phone: 616-819-2252 - Fax: 616-819-2249