January 5, 2020

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Sam Evalt. I am Ms. Rebecca Nash’s field instructor. Although I can only speak to a
semester of observations and growth, Rebecca has shown that she will make a strong classroom
teacher.

Throughout the fall semester, Rebecca has shown continued growth in: 1) lesson planning; 2)
exploring the texts; 3) creating a positive learning environment.

Rebecca has grown in her organization and planning of lessons. She has adapted a new tool to
think through and plan details into her lessons. The details allow her to think through connecting
prior and future lessons, skills, and content. Moreover, the lessons allow her the space to think
through key themes and questions to explore within the unit and lesson.

In consideration of the key themes and questions, it helps her build ways to explore texts.
Rebecca engages the texts and material of the course with a critical analysis lens. I have
observed her focus on exploring texts through raising questions about perspective, power, and
culture. In doing so, she recognizes her students’ backgrounds and humanity. The human
approach to teaching and recognizing her students as people creates a value of them and their
backgrounds.

By recognizing their backgrounds and the students as people, she is able to foster a positive and
fiduciary relationship. The relationships she co-constructs with the students builds a trusting
learning environment. The environment helps her students buy into and engage with the material
and class projects. Additionally, the students trust that Rebecca has their best interest with her
student-centered approach.
College of
Education I recommend Ms. Rebecca Nash for your school and your district. She has a growing foundation
of teacher thinking and reasoning. I know she will make a positive impact as an educator and
Department of person for your school community.
Teacher Education
Sincerely,
Michigan State
University
Erickson Hall Sam Evalt
620 Farm Lane, Rom Graduate Student
319A
East Lansing, MI 48824 Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education
Michigan State University
517-355-1726 evaltsam@msu.edu
Fax: 517-432-2795
education.msu.edu/te/sec
ondary/

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