Pamela Hanson-Bender Nikkari Elementary 301 W. State St St.

Louis, MI 488880 April 1, 2013 To Whom It May Concern, Jonathan Randall has been a student teacher in my fifth grade classroom for 16 weeks. Prior to his student teaching semester, Jonathan took it upon himself to become familiar with our twenty-eight students. Because of his preparedness, he knew the schedule, atmosphere and personalities of the class prior to his official start date. Mr. Randall started his instruction with social studies and then added core subjects until he took over the entire class. This included the planning and implementing three units of social studies. In addition, Jonathan initiated a new unit in Language Arts using the science fiction novel, City of Ember. It was important to Jonathan to encourage reflection and a deeper understanding of the novels themes and characters. He accomplished this by engaging students through various activities and thought provoking conversations and questions. These conversations and questions initiated by Jonathan as the leader, as well as by student led groups. The students loved these activities. Jonathan quickly adapted to modifying assignments for our two SLD students as well as the four deaf members of our class. More impressive was his ability to communicate effectively with the 3 to 4 other adults in our classroom. Jonathan provided his colleagues with lesson outlines well in advance so the interpreters could prepare their signing vocabulary. His willingness to take suggestions, modify lessons, and experiment with new strategies demonstrated his motivation and reflection about teaching and learning. Jonathan developed a rapport with our classroom family very quickly. He was able to show his sense of humor while maintaining structure in the class. He developed a monetary system in which students had jobs to earn money. This led to a sense of pride in the class. He was fair and impartial in his distribution of jobs and money and he allowed students to use their strengths to prosper while improving their weakness. Mr. Randalls most prominent strength hands down is his work ethic. He is very reflective and analyzes his lessons, going through them with a fine tooth comb. His instruction was constantly improving because of his reflections. Jonathan is not afraid to spend time tweaking and perfecting his lessons. He is very aware of the time and effort quality lessons take, especially the first time they are taught. He wants to reach each student and is willing to do what it takes to produce these kinds of lessons. As a classroom teacher for 21 years who has worked with five student teachers, Mr. Randall is an excellent candidate for your school. He has tremendous initiative in planning lessons, a desire to continue to learn, and a reflective outlook. I would strongly encourage you to interview and to give serious consideration to this prospective teacher. Sincerely,

Pam Hanson-Bender