December 7, 2017

To Whom It May Concern,

Over the past 3 months I have had the pleasure of having Ms. Grace Barone in my First Grade
classroom as a student observer. From September 21st to November 9th, Ms. Barone observed,
assisted, prepared lesson plans, and even taught my classroom of 30 students.

I am proud to say that Ms. Barone very successfully completed her practicum experience at
Congress Park Elementary School in Brookfield Illinois. I have been a First Grade teacher for
many years, and each year my classroom becomes larger, more diverse and thus more
challenging.

Our school is known for its diverse student population, teaching with student interaction and
through team projects, which can become a daunting task to even our most experienced teachers.
Ms. Barone welcomed such challenges and adapted very well to the daily rigor that first graders
present. Ms. Barones warm personality, unique sense of humor and ability to bond with and
mentor the students was noticed by many faculty members in our school. She was open to
comments and constructive criticism, willing to modify lessons, and experiment with new
teaching strategies. All of this demonstrates her dedicated motivation and reflection regarding
teaching and learning.

Ms. Barone displayed all of the personal and professional qualities this district attributes to
outstanding teachers. She was dependable and consistently asked to participate in after-school
activities and teacher events. During her 3 months as a student observer, Ms. Barone was
responsible for 30 students and assumed the duties of planning and teaching almost an entire
semester. Due to her creativity and enthusiasm, my students responded positively to her lessons.
I have a few students that struggle to pay attention in class, and she was able to show exemplary
improvement in working with these students. Ms. Barone displays tremendous initiative, and
would be an asset to any classroom in the future.

Please do not hesitate to call me at 630-800-9215 if you need any additional information.

Sincerely,

Michaleen Nutley