Ellen Schiller, Ph.D.

Professor of Leadership and Learning

Grand Valley State University
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 331-7126

April 30, 2015

To Whom It May Concern:
It is a pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Krystina Stump, who is currently
completing the elementary endorsement program at Grand Valley State University. Krystina
currently holds a secondary teaching certificate and by adding the elementary endorsement to her
certificate, she will also be able to teach in any K-5 elementary general education classroom. I
was Krystinas field supervisor for her elementary practicum, and I also was her professor for
EDI 630 Teaching Math K-8.
Krystina completed her practicum in third grade at Lincoln Heights Elementary School in
Greenville, Michigan. I observed Krystina several times during the winter, 2015 semester. She
was always thoroughly prepared with a detailed, engaging lesson plan. I was most impressed with
her classroom management skills the students were always completely cooperative, respectful
and engaged. I have observed many teachers and student teachers over the past 14 years I have
been at GVSU, and I can honestly say that her class was the most cooperative I have ever seen!
She greeted the students warmly and was very calm and poised while leading whole group
instruction.
During my visits, I observed students engaged in hands-on lessons in both math and science.
Students were learning about forces and worked in teams to measure the distance a car moved
when pushed. They conducted several trials, wrote down observations, and took turns sharing
materials. After the investigation, Mrs. Stump led the class through a discussion of their findings,
connecting their experiences to the scientific concepts. The lesson timing was impeccable often
teachers run out of time and miss the opportunity to solidify scientific understandings, but
Krystina was able to bring effective closure to the lesson.
I also observed the students working together to construct multiplication arrays. They were ontask throughout their independent work. They were also very comfortable sharing various ways
they had solved math problems, which impressed me greatly. It was obvious that her students
routinely discussed the math strategies they were learning.
Krystina was an active member of our EDI 630 Teaching Math class. Her contributions enriched
the class sessions. I am pleased to give my highest recommendation to Krystina Stump; she
embodies the professional spirit and dedication so crucial to the teaching profession. Please feel
free to contact me if I can be of any assistance, at either schillee@gvsu.edu, or at the number
listed above.
Sincerely,

Ellen L. Schiller, Ph.D.