December 5,2014

Dear Administrators,
It has been my pleasure and good fortune to work with Lauren Kryfko over the past year, as
she has been finishing up her degree to teach art from Texas A&M University-Commerce.
I serve as a university instructor and University Liaison for our teacher preparation program.
In that capacity, I have been her liaison during her student teaching semester at A&MCommerce. Lauren is passionate about art and relates well to her professors, works very well
as a team player, and clearly enjoyed working with her students. I observered her teach
elementary and high school art.
During my observations, I saw Lauren become very comfortable in the classroom. Each
observation she became more consistent in her management, exhibited a passion for the
subject and most importantly a desire to reach all learners. Lauren is a student-centered
teacher who uses a variety of strategies to meet the needs of her students. Ms. Kryfko was
adored by the elementary students and respected by the high school students. I believe this
is due to the high expectations she had for all of her students as they explored art. No
matter the age of the students, Lauren engaged and challenged her students to love and
appreciate all forms of art.
Lauren also seeks feedback to improve her instruction. I have listened to her constructively
appraise her own lessons, teaching styles and readily accept feedback from colleagues. She
is a reflective teacher who is willing to be flexible and open to change. Ms. Kryfko will make
a positive impact on any student she teachers. She will be a wonderful addition to your
faculty.
On a personal note, I have been teaching preservice teachers for the past five years. I have
seen many good prospective teachers. However, the highest compliment I can give would be
to entrust my own childrens education to a specific teacher. I am raising three children in
school and I would like nothing better than for them to have Ms. Kryfko as their art teacher!
I hope this letter conveys the very high regard in which I hold Lauren Kryfko. Please do not
hesitate to contact me if I may provide you with additional information.
Sincerely,

Melanie Fields
Ad-Interim Instructor
College of Education and Human Services
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Melanie.fields@tamuc.edu
(903) 450-7133

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

P.O. Box 3011 - Commerce, TX 75429 - www.tamuc.edu
A Member of The Texas A&M University System