Rob Wright

University Supervisor
Curry School of Education
cell - (804)938-8474
email - wrightjr@wmlcps.org
www.curry.virginia.edu

December 8, 2015
To Whom it May Concern:
I am writing on behalf of Justin Thompson, a teaching intern whom I supervised
during the Fall 2015 semester. During that time, he served as a student teacher in 4th
grade at Harvie Elementary School in Richmond, Virginia. Mr. Thompson began his
internship as a co-teacher, using a variety of formats such as One Teach/One Support and
Station Teaching. Over the course of the semester, he gradually took over the classroom,
and was eventually responsible for 100% of the planning and teaching in his classroom.
Mr. Thompson delivered content in Math, Reading, Writing, Science, and Virginia
Studies.
Mr. Thompson has a number of teaching strengths, such as knowledge of content,
regard for student perspectives, and instructional planning. He is excellent at formatively
assessing students and regularly gives students high quality feedback. He provides
scaffolding, creates feedback loops with students, and gives recognition and affirmation
when students attempt work. Mr. Thompson has administered a variety of assessments
including NWEA, Fountas and Pinnell, and DSA. Additionally, he uses assessment
results to differentiate small-group lessons based on student needs. Additionally, Mr.
Thompson is excellent at creating a positive climate in his classroom. He works hard to
build relationships with students, maintain positive expectations, and always treats
students respectfully.
One of the greatest concerns of administrators hiring teachers concerns behavior
management. Mr. Thompson provides clear expectations, uses monitoring and proximity
control effectively, and efficiently redirects student misbehaviors so there is little lost
instructional time. He also has experience using Positive Behavioral Interventions and
Supports (PBIS).
I recommend Mr. Thompson without reservation. He will be an asset to any
school division. Please do not hesitate to contact me via phone or email if you have
questions.
Sincerely,

Rob Wright