April 10, 2017

To Whom It May Concern,

It is my great pleasure to provide this letter of recommendation for Samantha as she pursues an
elementary teaching position. I first met Samantha when she was as student in my fourth grade
classroom; it was evident then that she was a leader not a follower and motivated to accomplish any
task at hand. As an instructor at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, I taught Samantha in two
classes and served as her field block supervisor. I most recently worked with Samantha in my current
school district, Otto-Eldred, and had the opportunity to observe Samantha during her student teaching
placement.

I truly enjoyed observing Samanthas classroom management and interaction with the students. She
has a natural presence in a classroom and can gain student attention in a positive manner. Visiting the
classroom, one would not realize that she was a pre-service teacher. She commands the room, paces
her lessons, and establishes high expectations for her students. It was evident that Sam had developed
a positive, respectful rapport with her students; they worked diligently in small groups, whole group,
and math centers.

Sam is a team player and worked well with fellow grade level teachers. She is not afraid to share ideas
with others especially when these ideas will help to improve student performance. While at Otto-
Eldred, Sam participated in grade level meetings, PLCs, and data team meetings. She offered insight into
her students strengths and weaknesses. It was apparent that she had gained the respect of the other
grade level team members.

Over the past two years, I have seen Sam grow from a quiet student who could design well-developed,
creative lessons aligned to Core standards to a teacher who portrays that natural presence in the
classroom and who has that charisma which cant be taught. She is the real deal in a classroom. Sam
can readily identify what her students need academically, socially, and emotionally. Because of this, the
students are motivated to learn and to give their best efforts.

Sam has been able to accomplish everything I have stated above in a mere seven weeks. The key detail
that I left out was that she did this in an inclusion classroom in which over half of the students were
identified with a learning disability. She was successful in an environment that many veteran teachers
would struggle with; she co-taught lessons with a learning support teacher and understood how to meet
the needs of all students.

Without hesitation and with great pride, I highly recommend Sam for an elementary teaching position in
your district. I have no doubt that Sam will make an outstanding elementary teacher. She is willing to
go over and above what is expected in order to ensure student improvement and success. Sam will be a
vital asset to any district that would bring her on board. Please do not hesitate to contact me for further
information at mmerry@ottoeldred.org or 814-817-1380.

Sincerely,

Melissa Merry
Literacy Assessment Data Liaison/Instructional Coach
UPB Adjunct Instructor