8/13/2019 Pamela Walsh Recommendation
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Dr. Kristine Milburn
Valley High School
3650 Woodland AveWest Des Moines, IA 50266
24 November 2013
Dear Administrator:
I am writing this letter to recommend Pamela Walsh for
employment as an English teacherwithin your district. I first met
Pamela when she observed my teaching as a practicum student.
Throughout the next two years, I also had the pleasure of
watching Pamela in action as a
substitute teacher in other classrooms and requested her as a
substitute in my own classroom.When approached with the opportunity
to host Pamela as a student teacher, I wholeheartedly
accepted. Pamela consistently conveys motivation, aptitude, and
maturity.
I have served as an educator in Iowa for nineteen years; during
the past fifteen years, I havetaught English at Valley High School
in West Des Moines, Iowa. Pamela joined my classroom in
mid-August, ready to step into the teaching role. She became
engaged in teaching Early
American Literature within the first week of class, preparing
and executing lessons involvingprose writers and poets across the
Age of Reason, the Age of Romanticism (including The
Scarlet Letter), and the Age of Realism (including The
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn). As she
developed relevant lessons, Pamela noted the variety of students
in the classroom anddifferentiated according to students needs. She
focused on high-interest activities, which
capitalized on students strengths while encouraging them to
explore the themes and practice
strategies on their own. Pamela also promoted higher-level,
critical thinking as she askedstudents to apply the themes and
strategies to modern situations.
Soon after engaging in Early American Literature, Pamela added
Advanced Composition to herdaily schedule, teaching scholarly
writing, expository concepts, argumentation skills, and
research skills. Advanced Composition is designed as a college
preparatory class. In this class,
students practice written language skills and continue to
develop a personal writing voice. This
class pushes students (and teachers) to refine rhetorical skills
in preparation for success incollege and beyond. Pamela tackled
this challenging assignment as well, providing assistance
and expertise in preparing students for the necessary outcome.
Pamela practiced aligning
curriculum with Common Core Standards as well as designing and
scoring assessments thatmeasure the standards. The students noted
Pamelas willingness to learn and grow alongside
them as she spent countless hours working with students
collectively and individually in order to
ensure comprehension, growth, and success.
Pamela also collaborated with me in teaching AP Language and
Composition/Composition I, a
dual credit course. AP Language and Composition encourages
students to analyze a variety of
nonfiction genres and to continue practice in rhetorical skills.
Pamela participated in and helpedto facilitate discussionsa crucial
skillranging from the art of writing and rhetoric to the
exploration of gender relations and culture She also provided
valuable feedback for student
writing.
8/13/2019 Pamela Walsh Recommendation
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Pamelas devotion to teaching is noticed through her constant
reflection and self-assessment and
her willingness to adjust lessons as needed in order to best
meet the needs of all students. Herquest to become an effective
teacher has carried her beyond the classroom as well.
Throughout
the semester, Pamela has demonstrated her own interest in
education issues beyond the
classroom, attending required and optional meetings both during
and after contract hours.Moreover, Pamela began her student
teaching assignment 10 days before required, taking
advantage of pre-service and in-service experiences. My
colleagues and I have commended
Pamela for her professionalism, her responsibility, and her
dedication.
In addition to her dedication to the classroom, Pamela sustains
a disciplined lifestyle which
values mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Pamela stays
abreast of current events in
order to help students make connections between classroom
learning and real life. Throughouther student teaching placement,
Pamela efficiently juggled home obligations, a weekend job, and
teaching obligations. I've also noted the tremendous value
Pamela places on family and friends.
Her eyes truly light up when she speaks of the many wonderful
ways her family has shaped her
life. In addition, Pamela willingly lends her helping hand to
friends and strangers, regardless oftheir needs. Above all, Pamelas
smile and warm attitude contribute to her personal happiness
and success in whatever she undertakes.
In my observations, Pamela deeply values her integrity and
humility. She consistently proves to
be a worthy role model for todays youth. I am fully convinced
that Pamelas personality,
perseverance, and performance will be an asset to any school;
and I look forward to hersuccessful service as a teacher.
Sincerely,
Kristine Milburn, [email protected]
