W THE UNIVERSIlY

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Teaching, Learning & Sociocultural Studies College of Education 1430 E. Second Street P.O.Box 210069 Tucson, AZ 82721-0069

November 17, 2010

To Whom It May Concern, It is with great pleasure that I recommend Brittney Garcia for an elementary teaching position. I have worked with Brittney as her university supervisor this semester, and had the opportunity to observe her teach many times. She has demonstrated remarkable abilities at this beginning level in her career. Brittney's lessons are thoroughly planned and organized. She effectively delivers engaging instruction for her learners each and every time she teaches. Brittney worked this semester with the Beyond Textbooks curriculum mapping system and effectively followed this schedule along with student assessment data to plan for instruction in order to meet every learner's needs. Her students were always alert and in tune to learning and were such a joyful group of children to be around. Ms. Garcia has a remarkable rapport with her students. Brittney has such an effective demeanor, balancing her position of authority with an authentic sense of caring and concern for all learners. She also developed a wonderful partnership with her cooperating teacher, one filled with mutual respect and trust, where they discussed teaching and learning each step of the way. Brittney became an integral member of the Los Amigos Elementary School community, collaborating with many colleagues on team and school wide projects. She actively participated in school-wide collaboration activities, observational conferences and weekly reflection questions, where she spent great time analyzing and critiquing her practice and understandings. I am most impressed with Brittney's reflection of her own practice and the questions she asked regarding teaching and learning. The most critical skill she brings to this reflection is a learner's attitude. Brittney never got defensive or disappointed in the feedback she received. Rather, she accepted any critique of her work as an opportunity for learning, and then asked even more questions to further her understandings. These important skills will contribute to a rewarding career in education, as continual growth and renewal of practice is essential for success in today's schools. Brittney Garcia demonstrated remarkable confidence and skill during her semester of student teaching. With such solid skills already in place, she will contribute greatly to any school as a first year teacher. Her effective planning and rapport with students, and keen ability to reflect on her own practice,will make Brittney an asset to any classroom and faculty. I highly recommend Brittney for a teaching position with your district. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions. I would be delighted to discuss Brittney with you and all the positive attributes she will bring to your community.

Sincerely,

Kristel A. Foster Clinical Assistant Professor College of Education University of Arizona

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