Appendix 5

Letter from Mrs. Green Cooperating Teacher

October 7, 2019

To Whom It May Concern:

I have had the great pleasure of being a Cooperating teacher with Dr.
Bertrand in the Junior Block Program. The moment that I met Dr. Bertrand I was
impressed by her passion for her ISU students being introduced to a variety of
schools and classroom settings. It was clear to me that she wanted to make sure
that her students had a realistic introduction to the education system where they
may obtain a position. Many of her students are from rural areas or the suburbs
of Chicago. Speaking with the ISU students I find that most of them never had a
minority teacher and most of their schools were predominately white. Our
school’s population is predominately minority and is located in an urban area.
She constantly checks in via email and her numerous classroom visits to touch
bases with me and her students to see how they are progressing. She always
has a listening ear and a positive word to share.
Dr. Bertrand has implemented structure within the internship experience.
During their time in the classroom the Interns are encouraged to build
relationships with the students. They also have the opportunity to develop and
teach whole and small group lessons. These opportunities give the Interns
hands on experience to practice classroom management and develop their
teaching strategies. Dr. Bertrand has provided every opportunity for her
students to be immersed in the teaching experience. It is amazing to see their
growth from the beginning of the semester to the end.
Upon Dr. Bertrand’s invitation I also had the opportunity to contribute to a
published article titled, “The Influence of John Goodlad’s Legacy: Developing a
School-University Partnership In an Urban School District.” I was honored that
she requested that I be a contributor to the article.
 As I come to the end of my career it gives me comfort to know that with
gatekeepers such as Dr. Bertrand. I can rest assured that there are teachers
entering into the field of education who have been equipped with the necessary
tools to teach, impact, and cultivate the children who will be students in their
classroom.

Sincerely,

Kay V. Green
Benjamin Franklin School
Decatur, Illinois