January 21, 2013 To Whom It May Concern: This letter is in reference to the excellent work that Hope Colton

did at Metcalfe Public School during her practicum as a student teacher in the fall semester of 2012. Hope was assigned to my grade 8 homeroom class and also assisted in other grade 7 and 8 classes, as well as to a special education class serving students from grades 4-8. In terms of her commitment, Hope had a positive rapport with the students from the beginning of her practicum and built on the strength of those relationships. She consistently promoted the students self-esteem and positively responded to their contributions. She genuinely enjoyed working with them and being in their company. She consistently provided extra assistance when needed in and outside of class time. In terms of her communication skills, Hope had an effective voice and presence in the classroom. She used her verbal and body language skills to deliver effective lessons to the class. She effectively modeled listening skills, used appropriate wait time and used effective prompting techniques to ensure that she brought out the best responses possible from the students. Hope is consistently professional with peers, staff and students. She had the opportunity to attend staff meetings, and she helped out in homework clubs at recesses. She always showed initiative, volunteered assistance, and submitted lesson plans on time. Hopes demeanor and actions positively reinforced school rules and procedures. In terms of her classroom management, Hope consistently demonstrated self-control, promoted class safety, maintained classroom routines and expectations and effectively utilized non-verbal management techniques. She consistently distributed materials in a well-planned and organized manner and gained the attention of the students before teaching. She has learned to deal with disruptive students in an appropriate manner and take proactive and preventative measures so that the necessity to deal with disruptions is rare. She has gained the students respect and will be missed by both students and staff. Hope prepared effective lessons that were geared to a widely diverse and difficult group. In a grade 8 class that has ability levels ranging from grade 3 to grade 8, she was consistently able to deliver a program that met student needs and fulfilled curriculum expectations. She was able to put into effect modifications and accommodations to address all student needs. Hope did an excellent job during her practicum at Metcalfe. For a first time teacher, she has instinctively found ways to encourage and accommodate the varied levels of ability in this classroom. She is professional, friendly, helpful and courteous to all she encounters. She has

been like a sponge, learning in every situation that comes her way. She was a valued asset to the class, and she will be missed by the students and by me. I know that Hope will become a valued addition to the rank of teachers when she graduates with her B. Ed. Sincerely,

Susan Brown Teacher, Metcalfe Public School 2701 8th Line Road, Metcalfe, Ontario K0A 2P0 613-821-2261