@ WERKLUND SCHOOL OF EDUCATION ‘Undergraduate Programsin Eduction UNIVERSITY oF cag A cad To CALGARY etna expe ccc January 10,2017 ‘To Whom It May Concern 1am pleased to act as a reference for Melissa Garay. I was her Instructor for Field Experience III from November 7, 2016 to December 16, 2016. Melissa's lesson plans were detailed and complete. Outcomes and objectives were appropriate for all lessons taught. Her teacher presence began to emerge very early in the experience. She was comfortable around the students and developed relationships quickly. She was firm but fair in her manner and management issues were dealt with quickly but with respect for the student involved. She waited to get the attention of the students without talking over them and moved throughout the classroom while she taught. She used a number of teaching strategies, which included both individual and group projects. Technology was clearly present in her lessons. The students were engaged and focused throughout the activities while she moved around the class offering suggestions and listening to ideas. Melissa was very genuine and real with her students, which resulted in a comfortable and relaxed learning environment. She demonstrated a strong understanding of her discipline and responded to student questions with ease. She developed a solid understanding of her learners and attempted to meet the needs of all her students in each lesson. Her questioning strategies encouraged students to think deeper about the question or the task they were trying to complete. Melissa maintained a professional stance with both students and teachers alike. Ifyou require further information, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Ms. Novant c ugss Marianne E. Burgess PhD Instructor Undergraduate Program Werklund School of Education University of Calgary meburges@ucalgary.ca