April 22, 2022

Dear Selection Committee,

I am writing on behalf of my intern, Spencer Price, and her application for a

teaching position in your district. I have known Spencer for one year as the Co-Coordinator
of her Residency Internship. During this year I have observed her teaching, met with her
individually to discuss her progress and experience, and seen her interact with various
stakeholders across the internship experience. My opinions are based on direct observations
of her work ethic and competency as a teacher. In this letter I will address her commitment
to education and why she will be an incredible asset to any school district.
When I think about the kind of teacher I want my own children to have, I think of
someone who is, first and foremost, a fellow learner. I think of a person who dedicates their
time and energy to serving the unique needs of each student; someone who is critical and
self-reflective both personally and professionally. From the day I first met Spencer, I saw
evidence that she embodied those qualities. Her energy for teaching was infectious during
her interview for a Residency placement, and she was eager to learn. She asked thoughtful
questions and spoke eloquently about the ways she centers justice and equity in her teaching.
As a part of the inaugural cohort of Michigan State University’s Residency Program, she
stood apart from her peers in both her teaching experience leading up to the internship and
the way she articulates her passion for education.
Spencer also stands out in the way she faces challenges. Her third graders this year
have had a disrupted schooling experience since kindergarten, which meant that most of her
students came in below grade level expectations. Now, after a year with her, those same
students have grown impressively in reading and math. I believe that this is because Spencer
prioritizes relationship building and small group instruction above all else. She places student
humanity at the forefront of every decision she makes and leads simultaneously with
empathy and high expectations. This combination creates a classroom culture that is warm,
fun, and productive. Having witnessed her teaching first-hand, I can confidently say that she
College of is one of the most natural teachers I have ever seen. Her innovation also extends beyond the
Education classroom. When she saw a need for the kids at her placement school to gain exposure to
more social justice topics, she worked with her fellow Residents at Pleasantview Elementary
Teacher Education to start an after-school book club. The care and intention that went into designing this
program was nothing short of incredible. She worked with her peers, parents, and school
Michigan State administrators to secure time, transportation, and snacks for the participants. She then led
University students in a project-based learning experience where they designed posters, poems, dances,
620 Farm Lane,
313 Erickson Hall and songs to show what they learned and what proactive actions they can take to fight
East Lansing, MI 48824 racism. This presentation was attended by city council and school board members as well as
parents and building administrators. It was a truly impressive undertaking.
517-353-5091
Fax: 517-432-5092 In her resume, you will find that Spencer has volunteered her personal time to
education.msu.edu myriad causes she cares about: enhancing literacy skills of emergent bilingual students,
working with special education students, teaching the Hebrew alphabet and prayers to
students prior to their Bar and Bat Mitzvah, and more. These spaces of deep reflection are
the places where she feels the most at home, and that is because, to her, becoming a
humanizing educator is a never-ending process of personal growth. You will also find that
she has received many honors and awards throughout her time at Michigan State University.
I have yet to find an area of Spencer’s professional and educational experience where she is
not distinguished.
To summarize, Spencer easily builds friendships with her classmates and colleagues
and displays the utmost respect for her instructors and mentors—whether in the classroom,

MSU is an affirmative-action,
equal-opportunity employer.
field placement, or internship settings. In my observations of her teaching and reflections on
her teaching practices, she has been incredibly receptive to (and hungry for) feedback. She
shows genuine and thoughtful care for students of all ages and backgrounds, the ability and
willingness to work collaboratively with a variety of personalities, and a mature and critical
consideration of issues related to teaching. I believe, without a doubt, that Spencer will
become an indelible part of your school community. I give her my highest recommendation.
Please do not hesitate to reach out should you have any additional questions.

Respectfully,
Ashley E. Moore

Assistant Professor of Teacher Education

Co-Coordinator of Residency Programming
Michigan State University