To Whom This May Concern:

Mr. Knapp performed his student teaching experience at Lincoln Elementary School in Waterloo, Iowa.
Mr. Knapps focus was on 1st and 5th grade level resource special education services. During his
experience, he worked with thirteen students in the areas of reading, writing, and math. The students that
Mr. Knapp worked with were at least one to two grade levels below their expected grade level.
Mr. Knapps responsibilities, as a special education Instructional Strategist, included co- teaching writing,
at the 1st grade level, and co-teaching mathematics, reading, and writing at the 5th grade level. He also
provided small group instruction in the areas of mathematics and reading. Additionally, Mr. Knapp had
the opportunity to co-teach with his cooperating teacher in the area of writing. He monitored and
implemented Individualized Education Plans, created small group lesson plans, and collaborated with
general education teachers across the building. He attended multiple field trips, data team meetings,
special education meetings, and transition to middle school meetings.
While at Lincoln Elementary, Mr. Knapp demonstrated enthusiasm during his co-teaching experience as
an Instructional Strategist. He was always willing to share new and creative ideas and he offered another
perspective to the teachers that he worked alongside. Often, he would ask questions that prepared him for
his responsibilities and was able to self-reflect on his teaching methods. Mr. Knapp was willing to take
on any task or responsibility and often went above and beyond when creating lesson plans. Mr. Knapp
quickly learned the names and formed effective relationships with the students that he would be working
with as well as the names of the students in the co-teaching classroom. While, he continued to use the
same management plan that his cooperating teacher had in place already, he incorporated other
reinforcements to keep his students motivated and interested in the task or activity. Mr. Knapp also
assisted in implementing a behavior intervention plan of a student.
The professional characteristics that make Mr. Knapp a good candidate for a teacher are his professional
appearance, motivation to work with the students, knowledge of content, willingness to take on
responsibilities, positive attitude, innovative ideas, and the ability to accept constructive feedback.
My professional opinion about the success of Mr. Knapp based on his student teaching experience is that
he has a better understanding of the career expectations and role as an Instructional Strategist. He has
made both, personal and professional growth in his experience and learning about the role of a special
education Instructional Strategist. If Mr. Knapp keeps his motivation, drive, and enthusiasm about
teaching, he will be an asset to the education profession.

Sincerely,
Latisha Leyh
5th Grade Instructional Strategist
Lincoln Elementary School
302 Cedar Bend
Waterloo, IA 50703
319-433-1990 ext. 41342