meghan farley

8702 Sicily Isle  Universal City, TX 78148  Phone: 210-867-0197  E-Mail: mfarley@judsonisd.org

School: Ed Franz Elementary  District: Judson ISD  Position: 4th grade teacher (20 years experience)

To Whom It May Concern:

I, without a doubt, recommend Julianne Gamez for a teaching position at your school. Julianne
worked under my supervision as a student teacher at Ed Franz Elementary School. Ed Franz is a
Title I campus where 100% of our kids receive free lunch and breakfast with about 72% (and
growing) low income families. Our demographics are varied with about 61% Hispanic, 20%
White, 12% Black, 5% 2 or more, and 2% Asian. Franz Elementary has a high mobility (23% as
compared to state at 15.4%) because we are the designated school for Boysville, a large foster
home facility which provides a safe environment for children affected by abuse, neglect, or a
family crisis.

Before the pandemic and closure of schools nationwide, Julianne was the absolute best student
teacher I have ever had. She created and taught lessons which were aligned to the TEKS and
standards. Miss Gamez took over my Reader’s Workshop seamlessly and taught mini lessons
and carried out individual book conferences with each of our 57 4 th graders. During these weekly
book conferences, she maintained focus, stayed on schedule, and executed the workshop model
perfectly. She became aware of each student’s likes and dislikes, genre preferences, reading
issues, comprehension troubles, and many more things. Julianne was able to accommodate each
student’s educational goal by modifying the individual conferences to meet the needs of each
student. Not only did Miss Gamez shine in reading she also excelled in teaching history and
math. She also took part in grade level meeting, faculty meetings, and any other after school
events I attended without hesitation.

When distance learning became our reality… Miss Gamez really shined. Julianne stepped up in
more ways than one, and honestly did way more than most of the teachers I know during the
distant learning. Julianne called our kids from all 3 classes weekly. She still held book
conferences with the kids... just like we did in the classroom but now over the phone. This was a
great way to have continued contact with our kids and families during this difficult time and to
have some normalcy in this digital learning.  In addition to her book talks...She was also in
charge of her own Google Classroom.  In the GC she was in charge of all the 4th graders and
their history assignments. She set up the assignments, sent out a weekly email to parents about
the assignments for clarity, responded to student and parent questions, and monitored the
turned in assignments. I never had to worry about her because she was efficient and organized. 
During the distance learning, Julianne also attended all grade level meetings and faculty
meetings.  As a grade level we were constantly communicating via Zoom and texting. We met at
least twice a week to talk about various things such as work turned in and plans of action... she
was always able to contribute and was ready and prepared for the meetings!!! Again, I must
reiterate that she was doing way more than most of the teachers - not too many teachers I know
were reaching out on a daily basis and talking to each one of their kids individually.  Julianne was
also continually monitoring progress of the kiddos’ work and connecting with parents daily.  She
once again went above and beyond what is expected!!! 
I really cannot say enough about Miss Gamez. I know she will be an asset to any school that
hires her. She is a hard worker, excellent communicator, and a fabulous teacher. If you have
any questions please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Meghan Farley