November 21, 2015

625 S. 35th Street

West Des Moines, IA 50265
To Whom It May Concern,
I have had the privilege of working with Chloe Peterson as her student teaching
mentor in the fall of 2015 at Valley Southwoods Freshman High School in West Des
Moines. During her time with our program, Chloe was invaluable to the vocal music
department. She collaborated with staff and students, engaged in creating lasting
relationships, and showed initiative from the first day.
Chloe began her placement by attending summer retreats, weeks before the official
start of the student teaching placement. She was eager to learn and brought fresh
new ideas to the classroom. Her positive approach to even the smallest or most
routine tasks, and her attention to detail were outstanding.
Responsibilities during her time here included individual lessons with 9 th grade
students, running sectional rehearsals, selecting repertoire and completing the full
process of introducing music literature, rehearsing with a large group, and
conducting the final performance in concert. She helped with student supervision,
field trip and bussing, and office organization. She excelled in every area and was
always reflective during the process. Chloe is always looking for ways to improve,
implement new strategies, and grow as a learner, which is the sign of a quality
educator. She models the behaviors I would hope my students could aspire to.
In addition to being a skilled musician, Chloe is also one of the most kind, positive,
and uplifting student teachers I have seen work with children. She understands and
keeps sensitive matters confidential and is supportive and willing to listen when
students need mentoring. It has been truly wonderful working with such and
organized, task and goal oriented person. I highly recommend Ms. Peterson for any
teaching position. She will become an asset to any team lucky enough to hire her.
Please feel free to contact me with any further questions you may have,
Sincerely,

Heather Nail

Heather Nail
Vocal Music Director, Valley Southwoods
nailhe@wdmcs.org
515-633-4507