January

21, 2015
It is a great pleasure for me to recommend Ms. Sarah Marston for a student teaching. Sarah was enrolled
in my Educational Management in Special Education course, and I supervised certain components of her
Phase I practicum. She is one of the most extraordinary students I have encountered as a professor at the
University of Northern Iowa. I am happy to have the opportunity to discuss Sarahs professional
competencies and interpersonal skills, which I believe are indicative of a highly effective teacher.
For her Phase I practicum, Sarah was assigned to work with a student at Becker Elementary in Waterloo,
Iowa. The student had been selected for differentiated, individualized instruction due to significant
academic deficits. She conducted interviews and classroom observations to determine the student's
learning needs, and designed and administered a curriculum-based assessment to evaluate the students
academic needs. She expertly planned and delivered highly effective instructional strategies, which
resulted in substantial skill improvement. Sarah developed highly effective lessons which incorporated
constructivist teaching methods. She quickly developed rapport with her student and demonstrated the
curriculum development skills of a seasoned teacher. She was genuinely interested in her students
progress and utilized a variety of positive behavior supports and strategies to engage and motivate her
student. Her ability to connect with students and her talent in teaching diverse learners are strengths.
Both her University supervisors and her school-based supervisors highly praised Sarahs performance in
the practica.
Her written work and oral presentations were also exemplary. She is very articulate and communicates
effectively. In both course work and practica, Sarah excelled. In class, she was an active and conscientious
contributor, asking important questions and offering insightful commentary. She has excellent written
and verbal communication skills, is highly organized and hardworking, and is respected by her peers.
These early successes illustrate Sarahs dedication to the field and industrious nature. She will perform
effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team. She is very comfortable and competent working with
other professionals. She shares ideas openly and honestly. She is a team player, respecting the opinions
of others and working collaboratively. Her easy-going style and warm interactions enhance
communication and cooperation. Sarah has excellent people skills.
Sarahs personal qualities are as impressive as her academic accomplishments. She is sensitive and
sensible, with a level of maturity that is surprising for her age. I have been impressed with Sarah from the
get-go, sensing her dedication, professional promise, and ambition. She has the skills, focus, and energy
to be a highly effective teacher. In fact, I have invited her to consider graduate work and would support
her application for a graduate assistantship in our Department. She possesses the consultative and
collaborative skills necessary to be a team player. Her interpersonal skills are very good; she has a
warm and inviting personal style. I can say with great confidence that Sarah has a very bright future as an
educator. If you are seeking a superior candidate for a student teaching position, Sarah is an excellent
choice.

I highly recommend Sarah Marston for a student teaching position with your agency. She is a child
advocate in the truest sense of the word and an excellent representative of the teaching profession. She is
a remarkably skilled young person who has my highest recommendation. If I can provide additional
supportive information, please contact me at 319-273-3279 or e-mail at susan.etscheidt@uni.edu. Thank
you for the opportunity to support Sarahs application.

Sincerely,

Susan Larson Etscheidt, PhD
Professor