7 March 2022

Dear prospective employer,

Ms. Michelle Nitchman very successfully completed her early childhood practicum field experience under my
mentorship at Riverside Elementary School in Little River, SC during the 2021 spring semester. She spent 12
weeks observing, assisting, and teaching in my class of child development students, which is a pre-k program
in Horry County Schools that is offered by application process where priority spots are given on an at-need
basis to students in the community. Our school is noted for a diverse student population and reception of title
one funding, as well as students who qualify for services such as free breakfast and lunch.The students had
half of their year in a hybrid situation with the class divided into A day students and B day students. When
Michelle joined our class, our district opted to allow all students to return to a normal schedule for 5 days,
which was a huge transition for them. She integrated seamlessly into our classroom family from the first
moment she stepped in.

Ms. Nitchman’s warm personality and rapport with the students were excellent. From the first day she started,
she made an attempt to foster independent relationships with each of the students in our class. She knew
each of them by name, sat with them, played with them throughout the day, and helped them in all of our daily
activities. Her willingness to take suggestions, modify lessons, and experiment with new strategies
demonstrated her motivation and reflection about teaching and learning.

Michelle communicates effectively, is approachable and amiable, and she displays many fine personal and
professional qualities normally attributed to outstanding teachers. Her heart is completely invested in this
profession, which was truly an inspiration to witness. She reminded me of my own love of students first and
foremost that propelled me into a teaching career 6 years ago. She carried out her responsibilities in a
responsible and dependable manner and consistently asked to participate in commitments outside of her
designated duties.

During the semester, Ms. Nitchman took responsibility for working with two MLL students in a small group to
help them with vocabulary retention. She also planned and taught reading lessons as well as science lessons.
Because of her creativity and enthusiasm, students responded positively to her lessons. As a result of her
small-group teaching, many of my students who needed extra support were able to flourish and get the
one-on-one approach they needed to prepare them for kindergarten. Her ability to manage a daily routine and
stay organized were exemplary. Her classroom management skills improved greatly in the weeks she spent in
the classroom, and by the end of her field experience she was able to confidently redirect students in a firm
and gentle manner.

In my 6 years of teaching grades 5, pre-k, and 2, I’ve had the opportunity to mentor 3 future teachers from
various programs. Ms. Michelle Nitchman is the most promising and hard-working candidate that I have ever
had the privilege of mentoring. She has tremendous initiative, a desire to continue to learn, and a reflective
practitioner outlook. Along with her passion and enthusiasm for teaching young learners and her effective
teaching strategies with primary students, she is a model of an excellent teacher. I would strongly encourage
you to interview and to give serious consideration to this prospective teacher. She is an excellent candidate for
any school and her future students are beyond lucky to have her as their teacher.

Sincerely,
Ms. Alexandra Mead
2nd grade teacher,
Riverside Elementary School
amead@horrycountyschools.net