Charlene Highsaw Detroit School of Arts 123 Selden St. Detroit, MI 48201 May 9, 2011 ‘To Whom It May Concern: My name is Charlene Highsaw, and I am a teacher for the Detroit Public Schools System. I have been employed as a Social Studies Teacher with the district for seventeen years, I am currently a staff member at the Detroit School of Arts, teaching 10% grade Economies and Civies, This year I have had the pleasure partnering with the Michigan State University College of Education to serve as a Mentor Teacher. Ms. Rebecca Wilinski was assigned to me as a student intern for two semesters during the school year 2010-2011. Throughout the internship experience Ms. Wilinski has shown to be an enthusiastic, warm and caring educator. She proved to be a true professional at all times, She was very reliable and dependable, and exhibited a solid work ethic. Ms. Wilinski truly worked collaboratively with me, as we brainstormed ideas, created and planned Iearning experiences that she would further develop and implement. Her lessons were aligned with the social studies curriculum, engaging, and stimulating. I have watched her grow in her confidence as an instructor. By the end of the second term she had developed a toolbox of instructional strategies that promoted a supportive and respectful learning environment that was inclusive of all students Students appreciated her kind and nurturing demeanor and especially liked the way she took extra time to personalize the classroom “Birthday Board” each month with creative and artistie decorations highlighting student names and birthdays, Tam pleased to recommend Ms. Wilinski for a teaching position. The school that ultimately hires her will gain a valuable asset to their teaching staff. Please feel free to contact me via email at Charlene. highsaw@detroitk12.org if you have any specific questions that may help you with your decision. Sincerely, Charlene Highsaw Social Studies Teacher