March

24, 2015

To Whom It May Concern:
During the past year, I have had the opportunity of working with Megan VanPelt as her field studies
supervisor and student teaching supervisor in the Department of Special Education at the University of
Utah.
I have observed Ms. VanPelt working with secondary students with mild to moderate disabilities. She
has consistently demonstrated outstanding skills in all areas of her teaching assignment. She completes
all written work and records in great detail.
It is my observation that Ms. VanPelt is a top performer amongst her peers. Her strengths include:
1. Writing, implementing and evaluating appropriate lesson plans that reflect elements of a strong
teacher model, effective guided practice, and structured independent practice to meet the
individual needs of students.
2. The ability to conduct ongoing assessment and error analysis to better inform her instructional
decisions within a MTSS system,
3. Developing effective reinforcement strategies for managing student behavior using positive
behavior supports.
4. Excellent organizational skills and time management
5. Collaborating with teachers, parents, and building positive relationships with her students.

Ms. VanPelt has the personality that is critical to making teaching successful. She works to solve
problems in a manner that respects and recognizes each persons unique needs. She combines this with
excellent knowledge and best practice strategies and programs to create successful situations.

I highly recommend Megan VanPelt as an excellent candidate for a teaching position in your district. If
you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (801) 979-0915 or email me at
kat.nelson@utah.edu.
Sincerely,

Kat Nelson, M.Ed.
Clinical Instructor
Dept. of Special Education
University of Utah