January 27, 2023

Letter of Recommendation for Nicholas Anderson

I, Debra L. Jager, first grade teacher of 36 years in Grand Rapids Public Schools, am writing this letter of
recommendation for Nicholas Anderson. I came to know Nick this year as he is doing a long-term
substitute position in the first grade next to me at Buchanan Elementary School. His is a unique situation
as he is also student teaching!

As Nick’s mentor teacher, I guide him through the curriculum and skills he needs to teach and ways to
teach them. We talk daily about how things are going, what we are teaching next, and the strategies to
accomplish this teaching. Nick is a quick learner. He asks questions and strives to make sure he has
everything that he needs to teach and understand a lesson, even looking things up or buying things to
get more information or to help with a lesson. Nick evaluates how lessons are going, just as I do, and we
discuss what skills, time or materials are needed next for best student progress. He listens to and uses
many of the ideas I have gained over many years of experience, but he has great ideas of his own to
add!

Nick is hard-working and professional. He is mature - shown by his performing student teaching by
successfully handling his own classroom! He has a good rapport with the students, and he has worked
hard on classroom management and is doing well. When I walk in the classroom, his students are hard
at work or participating well. Nick works well with other teachers. In addition, Nick uses technology well,
not only as a teaching aide, but for good record keeping, for organization, and for communication with
parents and colleagues.

Nick is a terrific addition to teaching and would be a great asset to Grand Rapids Public Schools.