March 18, 2020 Letter of Recommendation Asa college supervisor from Winona State University, I am delighted to recommend an outstanding teacher candidate, Ellyn Dankers, and to write this letter on her behalf Recently she completed her student teaching experience in a fourth classroom in the Zumbrota-Mazeppa Public Schools. Ellyn did a fantastic job! Miss Dankers made well-thought-out plans that used the appropriate materials needed for her students. Her lessons encouraged independence, used hands-on activities, integrated subject areas and were developmentally appropriate for her students. She stated the learning goals for her students, so expectations became clear. As she became more familiar with her students, she adapted lessons as needed while instructing, It was amazing to watch her teach because she sees everything. She was fun to watch teach because of her energy and enthusiasm! Ellyn consistently displayed a positive, caring demeanor, with some humor, always expecting the best from her students. Working with 120 students, she experienced some behavioral challenges. But she developed good rapport with those students, When needed, she was firm with a student, while remaining respectful of the child’s feelings. Observed her making a connection with a student no one else had reached. Her students demonstrated a great deal of respect for her as their instructor. Miss Dankers became a valued member of the fourth-grade team, providing suggestions and sharing with the other teachers. She did work with all four team members and all complimented her. A unique working relationship developed between her and her classroom supervisor, Todd Cordes. Other staff members felt comfortable working with her and often spoke highly of her. Ellyn’s education background, knowledge, and classroom skills give her the tools to be an effective educator for each in the classroom, Her desire to become a teacher began when as a teenager she worked with an autistic child. She promotes a positive classroom with encouragement and enthusiasm. Plus, she is a quality individual, (Over the years I've had the pleasure of working with over a hundred seventy student teachers. Some are just natural teachers and Ellyn is one of them, Any district that hires Ellyn Dankers will be getting an excellent teacher! Sincerely, Shon Ganeth- Larry Rouhoff larouhofti@icharter, ‘