University at Lethbridge Letane Ka Phone 18802054 dagen aes 24.0810 Faculy of Education May 19,2015, ‘To Whom Tt May Concern: It is my privilege to write this letter for Mary Quiting, who was an inten teacher from Februsry to May 2013. She had a suecessful internship at Robert Thirsk High School, where she has been teaching two sections of Biology 20 Mary developed positive relationships with students and staff members, and has become a valued member of the school community. Mary has attended staff meetings, Student Leaming Team meetings, department meetings, and all professional development activities which were expected of teachers. In addition to her teaching assignment, Mary was an active participant on the Grad Conimittes, attending weekly meetings, preparing a slide show, and handing out grad gowns prior to convocation. Mary developed comprehensive long range plans. unit plans and deily lesson plans and cnsured that she was well prepared for every class. Mary's knowledge of the Program of Studies ensured that her students were successful in meeting learning outcomes. Her materials were always well organized and easily accessible. Mary's sense of humor, patient, nurturing and calm demeanor, and obvious passion for her work and her students was evident at all times. Her students were always engaged, cembhusiastic, and respectful, Smooth transitions maximized teaching and learning time. Mary used a vaticty of teaching strategies and activities to meet the needs of her students, whieh piqued their interest and increased engagement. I observed a Murder Mystery assignment where students worked in groups in the scienos lab to determine the murderer through the use of blood typing, During another class, students demonstrated the "competitive exclusion principal” using licorice, and You Tube videos were used to strengthen their understanding of concepts. Using probing questions such as "Can you defend this?", students were encouraged to think deeply about issues.Mary was aware of her students’ individual needs and she provided opportunities for all students to be successful. She was available during non-instructional times to provide additional support, and acccpted late assignments without penally, in accordance to the school's policy. | observed an inleraction in the hallway where Mary encouraged 2 student whose attendance was inconsistent to attend her class Later in the day. Mary's knowledge of the wide variety of Biology 20 topics and issues was exemplary. She displayed a strong work ethic, enthusiasm and a positive altitude at all times. Mary constantly reflected on her practice, and made changes as necessary in order to maximize student learning, “Technology was effectively used in all classes, and slides were offen used as visuals ‘while concepts were presented. Prior to taking sludents to the lab, Mary prepared by booking the space and speaking with the lab tech about the assignment and materials required. She was mindful of safety and required that students wore goggles, lub coats, and covered shoes. Mary took students on a ficld trip to Kananaskis. She was responsible for the field trip forms, callecting moncy, and ensuring that Duty of Care requirements were met. ‘Mary developed assessment tools, both formative and summative, including self assessments. She entered important information on D2L and Heme Logic so that students could access it from home. She was responsible for reporting the progress of students in her two classes. She entered report card marks and comments, and discussed student progress at parént teacher imerviews. Parent contact was regularly made through email. Mary is an outstanding teacher with personal and professional integrity. Recause of her passion for teaching and learning, and her skill in working with children, colleagues, and parents, [am confident that she will be a valuable stall member and will serve her students well throughout her teaching carcer. It was truly a privilege to work with Mary during the last four months. Ifyou require further information, please feel free to contact me by telephone at 403-239-2543 or through email at daincland@shaw.ce Regards, Debra Ireland Foeulty Advisor