March, 2018

Dear Administrators and Human Resource Personnel:

I’m pleased to recommend to you Kendra Brenner as an exceptionally talented elementary and high
school special education teacher. In both her elementary and high school internship placements, she
has excelled at connecting with her students and designing engaging lessons. Although it is unusual
for a teacher to work effectively in such different settings, Kendra’s warmth and professionalism
distinguishes her work in both environments. As her MSU field instructor, I have been impressed by
Kendra’s dedication and determination to provide consistently excellent lessons in a variety of
subjects and very different grade levels. I have observed her working with first grade students at
Hillside Elementary School during her fall semester placement and resource room students at North
Farmington High School during her spring internship placement. These schools are part of
Farmington Public Schools of Farmington, Michigan. At Hillside Elementary Kendra taught first grade
students in a regular classroom setting. At North Farmington High School, with her mentor teacher,
she is a member of the special education teaching team. She is participating in a wide range of
responsibilities as a co-teacher of chemistry, teacher of English Language Arts, Language Live class,
teacher of Academic Skills instruction for 9 th and 10th grade students, and facilitator of high school
students becoming independent learners and advocates for their own educational goals.
While working at Hillside Elementary, Kendra enthusiastically collaborated with staff members
throughout her internship. Her first grade math and reading lessons included a variety of
educational technologies as a means of guiding and engaging students in learning. Her mentor
frequently commented that Kendra brought fresh insights for math and reading instruction and
offered enthusiastic suggestions for adapting instruction for particular students.
Currently, as a special education intern teacher, Kendra has shown flexibility and initiative in
planning units of instruction for high school students. As an example, she developed an inquiry unit
as an extension of the Language Live curriculum so students could investigate the life and legacy of
Nelson Mandela and the effects of apartheid on South African culture. With her special education
mentor teacher, Kendra has observed and participated in the planning and delivery of IEP meetings
for students. She will continue to help with assessments of special education students in April.
While devoting much of her time and efforts directly toward her classroom experiences, Kendra has
College of also participated in a variety of professional trainings to further develop her own skills and expertise,
Education including MSU master level education classes as well as the Friday Internship Seminar throughout
the year. During her placements, she has participated in staff meetings, a charity fundraising
Department of basketball game and parent-teacher conferences. Her mentor teachers have appreciated her efforts
Counseling, and noted her exceptional commitment to teaching.
Educational
Psychology, and Kendra’s caring for her students, well organized and thorough lesson planning, and collegiality with
Special Education school staff indicate that she will be a highly effective and regarded teacher. I am delighted to
recommend her as a talented educator within elementary education and special education teaching
Erickson Hall
620 Farm Ln Rm 337
opportunities!
East Lansing, MI
48824-1034 Sincerely,

517-355-1837
Fax: 517-353-6393
Kathy Fedewa
Field Instructor
College of Education
Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education
Michigan State University
Email: klfedewa@msu.edu
Cell: (517)410-7079