FLUSHING HIGH SCHOOL

5039 Deland Road Flushing, MI 48433

Phone 810-591-3770 Fax 810-591-0693

March 2, 2018

To Whom it Might Concern:

I would like to highly recommend Jerrica Vanderkarr for a teaching position in your school district. I currently
have the privilege of being Jerrica’s cooperating teacher during her student teaching experience. Before that, I
got to know her during the 2015-2016 school year when she observed me as a pre-student teaching requirement.
Through the last 2 years, I have seen the characteristics of a great teacher in the making. Jerrica is
knowledgeable, compassionate, creative, organized, and motivated.

During her pre-student teaching observation with me, Jerrica was willing and eager to help with as many
classroom responsibilities and activities as possible. She was comfortable with students from the day she walked
into my classroom. She answered questions and worked individually with students when they needed extra
support or instruction. She was also excited to grade homework or warm-ups. Jerrica learned the names of my
students quickly and developed relationships with many of them that lasted throughout her observation.

Jerrica’s accomplishments during her student teaching experience in the 2017-2018 school year are numerous. As
per Baker College’s requirements, Jerrica spent the first semester at Flushing High School with me one day a
week. During that time, she became familiar with the responsibilities of a high school teacher. She got to know
all of my students by name and personality. She learned the daily routines of my classroom. She attended all
staff meetings, PD’s, PLC’s, and Parent Teacher Conferences. In addition, she attended extracurricular activities
such as the homecoming parade, basketball and volleyball games, and quiz bowl meets. Jerrica also planned and
taught a lesson before she even officially began student teaching.

Once second semester began, Jerrica was ready for her to assume her role as teacher. She taught Statistics, an
upper level senior math class, and Algebra 2B Yearlong, which is a lower level senior math class. This
arrangement has allowed me to observe her with strong students as well as those who struggle. Jerrica plans
lessons well in advance. She puts a lot of thought and effort into developing creative and meaningful activities to
supplement the direct instruction that she provides. She has done activities in Algebra 2 using anything from Play
Doh to the Desmos online calculator. In Statistics, Jerrica uses M&M’s and dice as well as other manipulatives.
Jerrica is outstanding at differentiating instruction for varying levels and types of learners. She makes sure to
regularly incorporate visual, audio, and hands-on learning activities. Jerrica has grown tremendously in her ability
to write tests and quizzes throughout the semester. She also gave up a weekend in the end of February to attend
the Math In Action Conference at Grand Valley State University with another colleague of ours and myself. In
addition to these activities that relate directly to teaching, the relationships and bonds that she has created with
even some of the most difficult students have been impressive.

Jason Melynchek Martha Barta Deborah Goldstein Kevin Foltz

Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal Athletic Dir./Asst. Principal
 FLUSHING HIGH SCHOOL
5039 Deland Road Flushing, MI 48433
Phone 810-591-3770 Fax 810-591-0693

Jerrica is and will be an outstanding teacher. She is the type of teacher that I hope my own children will one day
have. Please feel free to contact me with any further questions or comments. I can be reached via email at
Carolyn.bennett@flushingschools.org or by phone at (810) 394-7724.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Bennett

Math Teacher

Flushing High School

Jason Melynchek Martha Barta Deborah Goldstein Kevin Foltz

Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal Athletic Dir./Asst. Principal