To whom it may concern:

I am pleased to support Ms. Melissa Comunale’s application for a teaching position. As her Drexel
University Supervisor I have known Ms. Comunale since September, 2019. During residency at Albert M.
Greenfield Elementary School in Philadelphia she developed skill and capacity for planning, instruction,
assessment, and classroom management in a fifth grade math classroom. Most notably, she promoted a
classroom environment where all students could feel safe – physically, socially, and intellectually. Ms.
Comunale completed her residency in March, 2020, having reached a commendable level of pre-
professional practice.

From the beginning of her residency Ms. Comunale displayed energy and enthusiasm for teaching and
learning. Her coursework at Drexel University provided first-rate academic experiences but her own hard
work and commitment to excellence shaped her practice. Throughout the residency Ms. Comunale
worked closely with her mentor to research, plan, adapt, and deliver creative lessons that engaged and
challenged her students. The classroom environment was warm and welcoming; kindness, respect, and
fairness defined the relationships among students and teachers. Ms. Comunale expressed clear and
consistent expectations for students’ behavior and effort; it was not unusual to observe students taking
the lead to support one another when they worked in small groups. By planning relevant lessons,
promoting active participation, and utilizing a repertoire of cues for appropriate behavior Ms. Comunale
sustained a positive learning community. She understood her students and conveyed optimism for their
learning.

Melissa Comunale demonstrates a combination of aptitude and attitude that characterizes excellence.
Students, colleagues, and parents who will meet her can be confident that she is committed to the success
of her students. I am excited for her to embark on her career as a teacher and encourage you to extend
to her every consideration for a professional position. Please contact me if you have questions.

Sincerely,

Dianne G. Stahl
Adjunct Instructor, Drexel University
dgstahl@comcast.net
March 28, 2020