April 9, 2021

To Whom It May Concern:

It is a pleasure to write a letter of recommendation for Marissa Whitey. Marissa was my student teacher
from January 11th, 2021 to April 23rd, 2021. She became responsible for five sophomore classes. Her
responsibilities included taking attendance, creating lesson plans, teaching lessons, grading papers, and
teaching with dual modality. Dual modality required teaching in-class students at the same time she was
teaching at-home students.

Marissa was an active learner who got involved and was very dedicated. She truly loved teaching and it
showed in her interactions with the students. She wished for their success and was adamant about finding
the best way possible to help all students achieve their greatest potential. She believed that all students
can succeed.

Marissa was creative in her lessons. She was responsible for creating her own unit for Sandra Cisneros’s
The House on Mango Street. She created many interesting activities that engaged her students such as
Philosophical Chairs and a creative writing assignment where students were asked to share their own
vignettes. Her lessons incorporated state standards and included instructional outcomes and objectives,
specified teaching procedures, and provided for differentiation of instruction for both gifted and special
needs.

Marissa showed compassion and empathy toward my students; one incident in particular impressed me. In
one class, a student was struggling with virtual learning; once students returned to school, this student
improved dramatically. Ms. Whitey had a few conversations with this student and she opened up to her
about some issues she had been struggling with such as staying on top of her homework while balancing a
part time job. Ms. Whitey gave her some words of encouragement and reinforced praise for the work that
she had already turned in. She also helped her start an essay she was struggling with; she encouraged her
to realize that she has intelligent ideas that just needed to be put on paper. The few times Ms. Whitey was
able to talk with her were helpful, and this student felt comfortable confiding in her. This individualized
attention showed me that she cares for her students and their success.

Marissa portrayed the qualities necessary in maintaining a positive classroom and online environment.
Marissa had a very calm voice and demeanor in class. Students felt comfortable approaching her in
person or online for additional help or simply for answers to their questions. She also communicated with
them regularly via an online portal and well as emailed them personally when needed.

I am confident in my recommendation of Marissa for a teaching position. Her love of teaching and
students was evident and her passion contagious. I highly recommend Marissa Whitey and will miss her
presence in my classroom.

Sincerely,

Evangeline M. Fotias