November 15, 2020

To Whom it May Concern:

This letter is written on behalf of Ms. Lauren Koneczny. For the past year, Lauren has been a
student teacher in my 8th grade Language Arts classroom. She did both her final observation
placement and student teaching in this position. During this time, she has had first-hand
experience in what education is really like, as she was asked to move from in-person learning to
virtual at a moment’s notice in the Spring. She has mastered the art of flexibility in her student
teaching placement this year as we began the year virtually, and then moved to in-person
instruction. Lauren made the transition as well as veteran teachers. She has mastered the
online technology platform, creating assignments and assessments for the entire department.
Lauren has developed instructional techniques that simultaneously use the Schoology learning
platform, Zoom, and other technology such as PowerPoint, Prezi, and word. Lauren is flexible
and adaptive, and able to change her plans and instruction techniques with little difficulty when
needed, an asset in this ever-changing world of pandemic teaching.

Lauren started the year with all virtual teaching and worked hard to create relationships with all
students, knowing that even though she couldn’t be with the students, developing the personal
relationships with them was necessary for them to be successful. She looked for ways to use
various technology resources to accomplish this. The results of her efforts showed when
students made the transition to in-person instruction, and students immediately felt
comfortable and safe in her classroom. Lauren has an amazing rapport with all students; they
feel safe and comfortable with her. She has worked hard to make sure students are emotionally
handling these transitions and ever-changing circumstances as well.

During her student teaching placement, Lauren has been responsible for the planning and
instruction of three different courses: 8th Grade Language Arts, 8th Grade Honors Language Arts,
and Broadcast Journalism. Three preps in a normal school year is a challenge, and Lauren has
done it in the most extreme situation. Not only does she have to plan for these courses for in
person students, but also for virtual students who attend class via Zoom daily. She focuses on
making sure her instruction meets the needs of all students, regardless of which learning
method they are using. In addition, one section of Language Arts is the co-taught classroom
with the special education teacher. Together with the co-teacher, Lauren has developed
differentiated lessons that meet the needs of the diverse abilities in the co-taught classroom.
She makes appropriate modifications and accommodations as needed to support the special
education students, without sacrificing curriculum content. Lauren knows how to collaborate
with colleagues to best meet the needs of all her students.

This year in education has been anything but normal and Lauren has done an amazing job of
demonstrating skills that all teachers need. She has the confidence and expertise with many
aspects of the technology required to teach in these times, and the heart necessary to make
learning meaningful, whether in person or virtually. There is no doubt in my mind that Lauren
would make a great addition to your teaching staff.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like any additional information or have any
questions.

Yours in Education,
Sarah Kessel-Glassford, Ed.S
Anchor Bay Middle School North
(248) 866-5548
Skessel@abs.misd.net