21051 Twenty-One Mile Road AKOTA HIGH SCHOOL _| ize Apnl TT, 2005 ‘To Whom It May Concern: Thave had the pleasure to mentor Nikki Cardaris during her Student Teaching Placement at Dakota High School in Macomb, Michigan. Nikki has experienced working with 34 of my English 9 students, and 31of my English 9 Block students (Students with a Reading Lexile of 400 to 900). She has had a great opportunity to work in a istrict where education is viewed as a positive attribute to student success. As a resident of the community, Nikki understands the ethnic and socio-economic diversity within Chippewa Valley Schoo! district. ‘Throughout Nikki’s student teaching experience, she has worked diligently to develop the skills needed to design and implement successful lesson plans. She has used appropriate modeling and personal connections, a iety of good questioning techniques, as well as examples that stimulate thinking, attach meaning, and actively involve students throughout the lessons. Nikki has maintained a healthy climate for learning and cooperation in which high expectations were clear and upheld. She has successfully identified and enforced consequences for unacceptable behavior and has managed her classroom to promote learning and respect. Nikki consistently challenges her students to do their best and has maintained a classroom atmosphere where students feel free to take risks and ask for help. Ms.Cardaris has planned student instruction and assessment using a variety of techniques implementing the multiply intelligence theory and differentiated instruetion. Nikki plans lessons that are current and challenging and demonstrates and teaches the use of 21* century technology. Nikki has displayed an active interest in her students academically and personally. Also, Ms. Cadaris attended and actively participated in staff meetings, professional development days, and parent-teacher conferences. Ms. Cardaris has provided students with a good model from which they can pattern themselves. Nikki has displayed a professional attitude in communicating and working with other colleagues, parents, and counselors to ensure each student’s success, She exhibits and upholds a personal value system, which includes respect for others, ethical and professional behavior, regular and punctual attendance, and a commitment to high ideals. ‘Nikki has demonstrated good organizational skills by performing a variety of clerical duties such as preparing materials, correcting/grading of class work and tests, keeping attendance and grades in PowerSchool. Nikki was active not only in the classroom, but in after school activities. Niki graciously volunteered her time after school to meet with students who needed to make up assignments and tests. Tam convinced that Nikki Cardaris is ready to enter the wonderful and rewarding teaching profession, She has been successful in completing her student teaching obligation and is willing to do what it takes to get a job done proficiently. Nikki Cardaris is a “Natural” teacher! Respecttlly, nigel Impastato Educator Dakota High School