March 22, 2017

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is to recommend Shelby Hurst for a teaching position in your school district. Shelby is
currently an intern in my kindergarten classroom. Our classroom is comprised of very diverse
learners who vary in academic level, learning disabilities, socio-economic status and cultural
backgrounds. North Elementary schools population is approximately 60 % ELL students, many of
whom are at a basic proficiency level when entering our school.

Shelby came to her internship eager to learn from myself in order to prepare her to become an
excellent teacher. Shelby always takes feedback from me, other staff and her field instructors to
heart and sets forth to make improvements to her teaching and lesson plans. She continually
strives to become a more effective and engaging teacher. She works wonderfully with other
staff members to plan intervention blocks for math and literacy. Shelby has become a strong
teacher, especially in the areas of math, literacy and differentiation. She always makes
connections with the students so that her love of learning encourages her students to be curious
and explore their world.

Shelby is a highly motivated teacher that has a passion for students and their learning. She
makes sure all students are challenged to their capabilities and strives to keep at-risk students on
task. Shelby has attended professional development to help her learn to assess ELL students
through the WIDA assessment. She teaches in a calm demeanor while maintaining excellent
classroom control and exuding a confident presence. She assists students in problem solving
both academically and socially.

I highly recommend Shelby as a valuable addition to your staff. Please contact me if you have
any questions.

Sincerely,

Susan Gorbe
North Elementary Kindergarten Teacher
Lansing School District
517-303-9694
Susan.gorbe@lansingschools.net

Henry H. North Elementary School

333 E. Miller Road, Lansing, MI 48911 Phone: (517) 755 1710 Fax: (517) 755 1719