June 1, 2021

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my pleasure to recommend Marissa DeRuiter for a position at your school. Marissa brings a wealth
of knowledge in both content and pedagogy. As she served as a student teacher in my classroom, I was
able to observe her develop into a passionate and effective teacher. Throughout the course of her
student teaching, Marissa was faced with many challenges, and she rose to the occasion every time.

Upon meeting Marissa, I was immediately impressed with her willingness to jump in with both feet. She
not only observed my classroom, but also worked with students, building a rapport with them, and
assisting them with their assignments. She began teaching lessons within days of starting, and took over
my classes gradually beginning with mini lessons until she was ready to take over the full curriculum.
She was able to take over the full English 9 and English 10 schedule for more than three weeks,
planning, preparing, and delivering curriculum while also managing grading, classroom procedures,
and communication with parents.

The 2020-2021 school year provided many opportunities for Marissa to grow professionally. She was
able to manage students learning virtually while also managing a classroom full of in-person students.
Marissa never hesitated to participate in faculty meetings, department meetings, office hours, and other
professional responsibilities. She was able to update and maintain our learning management system,
Schoology, while also writing units and creating those resources. Marissa was always prepared for class
and was willing to apply constructive criticism to her practice without hesitation.

Her previous experience working with children was an asset to her practice. Marissa was able to
differentiate for all students as she planned lessons, often tiering the work for her most advanced
students as well as those who struggled. Marissa consistently put forth extra effort in working with
students with IEPs and 504 plans to ensure that the appropriate adaptations, modifications, and
specifically designed instruction were followed, as well as working with students who struggled but did
not have an identified service plan.

Marissa’s passion for teaching and desire to serve her students and their school makes her an invaluable
asset to any classroom. I highly recommend Marissa for a position in your district.

Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Dietz
English Teacher
Beaver Area High School