May 6, 1998
College of Education
University of Cincinnati
PO Box 210105
Cincinnati OH 45221-0105
Division of Teacher Education
Curriculum and Instruction
Early Childhood
Elementary Education
Literacy
Secondary Education
Special Education
Fax (513) 556-3764
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this letter in support of Roxanne Your's application for a teaching position.
I have known Roxanne for approximately eight months during which time I have served as the
university resource person for her internship experience. In addition, Roxanne has been a
student in two classes I teach which are required for all interns.
The Early Childhood Education teacher preparation program here at the University of Cincinnati prepares students to be certified pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade. As
part of this program, each student must complete a year-long internship during the filch
year in either a kindergarten or primary grade classroom. The student's experience begins
before the school year starts for the children in the classroom. The intern meets with his
or her mentor teacher in August to organize the room and plan curriculum. The intern is in
the classroom all day from the time the elementary school begins in August until
university classes start in late September. The intern then teaches a half day, every day,
in the classroom for the remainder of the school year. The intern quickly assumes full
responsibility for planning activities, implementing activities, and carrying out all of
the basic responsibilities of a teacher. The intern has experience with all aspects of
teaching: planning, teaching large and small groups, meeting with parents, filling out
report cards, and consulting with other support personnel in the school (e.g., school
counselor).
Roxanne is completing her internship year in a half-day kindergarten classroom. As her
university resource person, I have observed Roxanne on almost a weekly basis since
September. I have been impressed with how well and how quickly she established
relationships with the children and learned the routines of the classroom. She has a good
working relationship with her mentor teacher and together they form an effective team.
As note above, Roxanne has had experience carrying out all of the responsibilities of a
full-time teacher - and she has done this professionally and competently. She plans
appropriate and effective lessons and implements them smoothly. She has a good sense of
the abilities and needs of kindergarten age children and is able to adjust activities
accordingly. She guides behavior well and is not hesitant to take appropriate action when
necessary.
Roxanne has also had the experience of working with a special needs child in this
classroom. She appears to have a good grasp of the issues related to inclusion and has
worked well with other professionals in the building to make the necessary curricula
adaptations for this student. In addition to this experience, Roxanne has also been hired
as a substitute teacher which has given her the opportunity to work with students in other
grade levels. The fact that the school district continues to call her for substitute
teaching positions suggests that she has performed well in this context.
I feel confident that Roxanne's internship year experience has prepared her well to assume
full responsibility for a classroom. I also am confident that Roxanne would be successful
in not only a kindergarten classroom but in a primary class as well. She is dedicated to
the education of children and would be an asset to any school system.
If I can provide any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
David Kuschner, Ed.D. Associate Professor