February 28, 2015

To Whom It May Concern;

I am very pleased to recommend Andrew Didden for a teaching position with your school or
district. Andrew was a student in my spring 2014 EGEN4110, Analysis of Teaching course at the
University of Connecticut. Students take this course concurrent with their student teaching
practicum. As part of that course, I also observed Andrew student teach at the Sage Park Middle
School in Windsor, CT. In addition, Andrew served as a Discussion Leader for the EDCI3000
Introduction to Teaching course that I taught fall, 2014. That course introduces students just
entering into our teacher preparation program to issues of educational equity and culturally
responsive teaching. Andrew was one of eight Discussion Leaders who facilitated introductory
activities and small group conversations and assisted me in developing curricular and instructional
activities. Andrew is a very impressive beginning teacher with strong pedagogical and classroom
management skills. He also has a strong work ethic and an ability to work with and learn from
supervisors and colleagues.
Andrew has very strong pedagogical and classroom management skills. The assignments in my
EGEN4110 course related directly to Andrews student teaching practicum. They required
students to develop and analyze their instructional planning and classroom management skills and
approaches. Andrews work was consistently of high quality. For one assignment, Andrew
designed a sequence of lessons that built students understanding of and skill in interpreting the
political meanings and references of visual texts. The lessons were well organized and highly
engaging. They maintained a clear focus on key learning objectives and integrated formative
assessments. I observed Andrew teach one of the lessons during his student teaching. Andrew
kept all students on task through his careful structuring of the activities, focused discussions and
ability to identify and immediately redress emerging management issues without interrupting the
flow of classroom activity. When one student entered significantly after the bell, the student went
directly to his seat and completed his work with the class without interrupting class activities. He
was able to do this because of Andrews strong organizational skills. It was also clear that Andrew
had gained the respect of his students and was able to build on that respect to support their learning.
Neag School of Education
Teacher Education
249 GLENBROOK ROAD, UNIT 3064
STORRS, CT 06269-3064
PHONE
860.486.3065 FAX
860.486.1367
www.education.uconn.edu
An Equal Opportunity Employer

An NCATE Accredited Institution

Andrew also has a very strong work ethic. Completing full-time student teaching and course work
is very demanding. While a student teacher, Andrew consistently met classroom deadlines. He
did so while also taking on significant responsibilities at his school. For example, Andrew served
as a chaperone for the schools trip to Washington DC. This required significant pre-planning and
considerable work supervising students. Andrews cooperating teacher emailed me to praise
Andrews work on the trip and noted, in particular, how well Andrew did building positive,
respectful relationships with students.
Finally, Andrew works very well with both peers and supervisors. As a student and discussion
leader, Andrew was always willing to collaborate with his peers to develop and teach activities
and lessons. He provided thoughtful feedback to his peers on their lessons and teaching. He also
took criticism well and worked hard to put it into action to improve his teaching.
I am certain that Andrew Didden will be an excellent teacher for your students and a valued
colleague. He has excellent preparation in social studies methods, a strong work ethic and a
commitment to building positive relationships with students that will all enable him to build a
highly effective teaching practice.
Please feel free to contact me at the email or phone number below if you would like to speak
further about Andrews qualifications.
Sincerely,

Dorothea Anagnostopoulos, PhD

Executive Director of Teacher Education
249 Glenbrook Road, Unit 3064
Storrs, CT 06269
860-486-0401
dorothea.anagnostopoulos@uconn.edu