April 9, 2018

Dear search committee:

I am writing to you on behalf of Megan Freeman. I have known Megan since August of 2017. I have had the privilege of
serving as Megan’s field instructor at Michigan State University. For Megan’s internship program, she has been placed in
a third-grade classroom in DeWitt Public Schools. The classroom included two mentor teachers, two interns, and 52
students. In this setting, I’ve formally observed Megan teach six times throughout the academic year and completed full
evaluations based on the INTASC standards. In addition, I’ve informally observed several other lessons that Megan has
led. As part of the internship experience, I also facilitate a seminar course that Megan attends approximately twice per
month.

During Megan’s formal and informal observations, I was able to gather solid data on her progress and growth as an
educator. Megan clearly has a powerful desire to teach and appears confident and comfortable working with the
students. I was able to watch lessons in math, reading, writing, and science. In the fall of 2017, Megan taught full units in
math, writing, and science. This spring, she spent six weeks leading the entire school day. Megan’s relationship with her
classroom mentor teacher was professional and educative in nature. They were able to share ideas with one another
and always worked with the students’ needs in mind.

During the observation sessions, Megan worked diligently to use a variety of participation and engagement strategies.
She scaffolds the content for students by asking probing questions and allowing students to work with one another
collaboratively. Though Megan effectively taught lessons and units in all subject areas, a highlight of the year was her
willingness to take risks. Megan incorporated engaging activities into her units such as station work, the use of Plickers
for formative assessment, and inquiry-based math lessons based on student abilities. Most notable about Megan is her
energy. She is mature and demonstrates an abundance of energy in planning and implementing lessons. With her co-
intern, she adjusted the math curriculum such that material was differentiated according to student need. Upon
reflection, Megan can often notice what teacher moves proved effective and which needed adjustments. She
consistently sought out feedback and willingly attempted to incorporate suggestions into her future practice.

As part of our seminar course, the interns engaged in a variety of conversations with partners and small groups. Megan
was always a positive, engaged, and thoughtful participant. She freely contributed ideas and suggestions to the group
and asked questions where applicable. It was evident that she is invested in her practice and in the broader professional
field of education.

I wholeheartedly recommend Megan for a teaching position. I believe her positive energy, easy-going personality, and
dedication to students’ learning would prove beneficial to any school team. She has demonstrated the knowledge, skills,
and dispositions to make for an effective educator. I am confident she will always place the students’ needs at the
forefront of her efforts and will seek ways to continue growing as a teacher.

As you consider Megan for a position in your district, I would be happy to further discuss her experiences this year.
Please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best regards,

Jill B. Van Hof, Ph. D.

Jill B. Van Hof, Ph. D.
micklash@msu.edu
517-974-0529