SANTA ROSA HiGH SCHOOL ‘A CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL AND CALIFORNIA GOLD RIBBON RECIPIENT Celebrating over 142 years of academic excellence to our community Sr" “soe cst a aman 4 April 2017 To Whom It May Concem: Itis with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I write this letter of recommendation for Katie Benson, who is currently an intern teacher in my heterogeneously grouped Freshmen Academic English class at Santa Rosa High School. Extremely competent in her understanding of literature and language arts, Katie plans her lessons to attract student attention and modifies instruction to ensure understanding for all students. She is fully committed to the principles of the Common Core Standards and illustrates a level of professionalism that marks her as a natural. Katie employs a varicty of teaching strategies to accommodate different learning styles. While teaching To Killa Mockingbird and Of Mice and Men, she conducted oral discussions, assigned listening and reading ‘comprehension activities, weekly vocabulary, grammar and usage, and multi-paragraph essays involving both personal narratives and literary analysis. All students are engaged in these assignments and receptive to the supplemental activities that enhance a cultural awareness of both novels. Katie makes appropriate modifications for the students with exceptional needs, adhering to the parameters in their 504 plans. ‘The atmosphere in the classroom is safe and inviting with Katie in charge. She promotes positive interaction and respect for diversity. She clearly displays her daily agenda on the board and routinely begins each day ‘with an overview of the lesson and the nightly homework. While maintaining a high level of patience in the classroom, complimenting and praising the students often, she simultaneously exhibits firmness and consistency in her teaching and classroom management. She has spoken privately to students a number of times when their behavior has required attention. She shows a genuine concern for those who are ill or not performing up to their potential. Additionally, Katie is professional and collaborative in her communication ‘with parents, students, teachers, and administrators, responding to messages promptly and proactively. 1 feel privileged to work with Katie, and | highly recommend her for future employment. She is a devoted, introspective, and compassionate individual with a great sense of humor and a strong work ethic. Please contact me at (707)695-6412 if you require further information in support of Katie Benson's application. L. Megan Whyte Santa Rosa High Si (\ English Department ArtQuest Program Sincerely, 1235 Mendocino Avenue Santa Rosa, California 95401-4394 (707) 528-5292 Fax (707) 528-5724