SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

610 EAST UNIVERSITY AVENUE, ROOM 1228

ANN ARBOR, MI 48109-1259
734-764-9470
www.soe.umich.edu

April 6, 2020

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter to recommend Gabi Amato for a teaching position in your district. I first met Gabi
in January 2019. I was the instructor for her Teaching Students with Exceptionalities in the General
Education Elementary Classroom course in the University of Michigan’s Undergraduate Elementary
Teacher Education program. Gabi’s commitment to addressing the individual needs of all students stood
out to me during this time. Her participation in discussions enriched the class for everyone and her
papers were well thought out. She is able to make connections between what she is learning in her
courses, what she is observing in her field placement classroom and apply it to her teaching practice.

Gabi is currently student teaching in a fourth grade classroom at Wines Elementary School. During this
time I have been her field instructor and have had the opportunity to watch her grow and develop into a
truly exceptional teacher candidate. Gabi clearly and accurately communicates and represents content in
ways that are accessible to students and build understanding.

Gabi's lessons have many students actively participating. Her discussion moves allow many students to
share and deepen their own reasoning and help students orient to the reasoning of others. She
encourages all students to participate and share their ideas. She creates an engaging and inviting
atmosphere where students feel comfortable and confident sharing their answers.

Gabi demonstrates care and commitment to the learning of every student. She checks in individually
with students and makes detailed notes of what to carry over into the whole class discussion in order to
highlight core content and address misconceptions. Gabi is especially skilled at carefully analyzing a
lesson, identifying core content and then choosing purposeful questions to help students unpack the
strategies for solving the problem.

Gabi carefully analyzes her instruction and its effectiveness. She uses formative and summative
assessments to effectively plan for future instruction and determine what students have learned and
where they are struggling in relation to specific learning goals.

Gabi collaborates and works well on a team. She is mature, responsible and professional. I highly
recommend Gabi. She is going to make a profound impact on her students. Please feel free to contact me
if there is any more information I may provide.

Kindest regards,

Kathleen Fortini
Lecturer, School of Education
University of Michigan
631-241-0118
fortinik@umich.edu