Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies

P.O. Box 5190 Kent, Ohio 44242-0001

Phone: (330) 672-2580 Fax: (330) 672-3246 http://www.ehhs.kent.edu/tlc/



June 14, 2014



Dear Administrator:

I had the privilege of being the professor of Ms. Ashley Bowers at Kent State University
during the Summer Intersession Semester of 2014 in a graduate course entitled Developing
a Balanced Literacy Program. In addition, I supervised Ashleys field experience. In class,
it was clear that she was conscientious and put the needs of the learners at the forefront
during discussions, coursework, and field observations.

Ashley is extremely hard working, organized, and child-centered. She demonstrated
strengths in both conceptual knowledge and pedagogical/practical applications of course
content. She readily implemented best teaching practices and strategies discussed in class
with the children at her field placement site. Her assignments were all completed on time
and she consistently produced high quality work. Part of the course required the students to
complete read alouds, shared reading, guided reading, running records, and running record
analysis with primary students. Additionally, the students had to demonstrate understanding
of how to foster literacy engagement, progress, and independence during the primary
literacy block. As such, Ashley was able to support a literacy framework in which children
were immersed in meaningful reading and writing experiences throughout a 120-minute
literacy block. The lessons Ashley designed and implemented during the literacy block
were exceptional and showed much theoretical understanding, creativity, and effort. In fact,
all of Ashleys teaching projects and assignments were well done.

During our course, I observed Ashley working individually, in small groups, and as she
delivered presentations to the whole class. In each situation, she exhibited the ability to
problem-solve and to effectively communicate with her peers and colleagues. She also was
able to pose thoughtful, high level questions and insightful comments. Her well-planned
lessons and thorough reflection of her teaching demonstrate her desire to grow in the
profession and are characteristic of our best teachers.

I have also observed Ashley teaching first grade children. Ashleys field placement mentor
teacher and I were pleased with Ashleys classroom management skills, her ability to take
the initiative in assisting with the teaching, and her know-how in differentiating instruction.
Additionally, Ashley is becoming adept at using assessment to inform her instruction. She
volunteered to work individually with an ELL student and expertly found ways to
communicate with and meaningfully instruct the child. She developed powerful lessons and
always made sure to base the lessons on Common Core State Standards. I observed her


Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies
P.O. Box 5190 Kent, Ohio 44242-0001
Phone: (330) 672-2580 Fax: (330) 672-3246 http://www.ehhs.kent.edu/tlc/



implement a wide variety of strategies with the children such as activating prior knowledge,
making and confirming predictions, identifying story theme, increasing comprehension
through close reading/making connections and retelling, decoding multisyllabic words as
part of word study, expanding sight word and new vocabulary, and developing fluency
through attention to phrasing, expression, and punctuation, just to name a few. Whenever I
observed her teaching, I observed that she possesses many attributes of an experienced,
practicing teacher.

Moreover, Ashley displays a mature attitude and a strong sense of focus regarding her
teaching that signifies her dedication to becoming the very best educator she can be. She
conducted herself with professionalism and exemplary ethical conduct throughout the
semester. She has a delightful sense of humor and is respectful and kind to the learners.
Indeed, Ashley is developing the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that are the hallmarks
of excellence in teaching. Thus, it is with confidence that I recommend Ms. Ashley Bowers
for an elementary teaching position in your organization. If I can be of further assistance,
please e-mail me at bz4literacy@yahoo.com or bzimmerm@kent.edu. You may also call
me at 330.603.9512.

Sincerely,

Belinda S. Zimmerman, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education and Literacy