4/17/2015

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

I am writing to recommend Amy Ballard for a possible teaching position at Summit Middle
School. I have been Ms. Ballards cooperating teacher this year and she has spent a few weeks
observing me and other teachers around the school, as well as completely taking over my
classroom teaching for five weeks.
Ms. Ballard taught four classes of English Language Arts (three regular classes and one in-class
resource class), as well as a twenty-five minute guided study period. Her class sizes varied from
23 students up to 35 students and she handled all with great sensitivity and care. Ms. Ballard is a
tech-savvy, enthusiastic facilitator of learning. She promotes a collaborative environment that
allows for less direct teaching and more discovery. Her growth in all areas was apparent from the
first week to the present day.
Ms. Ballard has all the necessary tools to become a very effective teacher. She is dependable,
flexible, and a great communicator. During Ms. Ballards five weeks of teaching, she had to
adjust her lessons twice due to snow days (four days each week for two separate weeks). Her
maturity in decision making as to what to do was well beyond what to expect from a student
teacher. I have no doubt that this flexibility and maturity will serve her and those around her well
in the future.
Ms. Ballard has great potential in future teacher leadership as she is willing to share her expertise
and knowledge with our English Language Arts PLT, as well as our whole staff. Ms. Ballard led
a very successful small group session on cultural sensitivity during a recent staff development
meeting. I am certain that she will continue to enrich her own experiences and share with your
staff.
Ms. Ballard is ready and prepared to step into a teaching position and should be placed towards
the top of candidates to consider. She has initiative, a desire to improve, and a great ability to
relate to students. She would be an asset to any school! In case you need any additional
information, please feel free to contact me on the details given below.

Sincerely,

Sigridur Mitchell
East Cary Middle School

1111 SE Maynard Road

Cary, NC 27511
Tel: 919 466 4377
Email: smitchell5@wcpss.net