Appendix I

Sample Reference Letter
                                   
May 18, 2001

To Whom It May Concern,

It is with great pleasure that I write a letter of recommendation for Jane Smith.  I had the opportunity to supervise Jane as she completed her preschool student teaching experience at the We Love Kids Daycare.  The classroom that Jane taught in was a two and three year old classroom with a group size of nine to twelve children on the days that I observed.  At all times when I observed Jane she was poised and professional.  She exudes the qualities of a seasoned teacher and any other visitor to the room would have thought that she was the lead teacher.

I observed Jane during her two lead weeks, which were Halloween and Art Appreciation.  Although the celebration of Halloween is quite a typical celebration in early childhood, Jane was able to bring new ideas and activities to this theme.  Jane’s activities were developmentally appropriate, non-threatening (some Halloween celebrations can be scary for young children), and exciting for the children.  Jane’s second lead week was Art Appreciation, which is quite an undertaking for a classroom of two and three year old children.  However, I was incredibly pleased with the activities I observed.  Jane is extraordinary in making higher level thinking and content areas developmentally appropriate for very young children.  On the day that I observed, Jane was teaching the children about shading and followed up with a hands-on activity.

Jane is an exemplary teacher of young children.  She is compassionate, articulate, thoughtful, and warm which are all qualities needed in early childhood education.  Additionally, Jane is intelligent, able to develop meaningful and open relationships with the children, families and staff, has a wonderful sense of humor and a zest and vigor which are incredible assets.

It is without reservation that I highly recommend Jane for a teaching position in a school or childcare center that is of the highest quality, celebrates diversity of children and families, and believes that teachers can truly make a difference in a child’s life.  Jane has and will continue to touch the lives of children in a positive manner…let her touch the lives of the children at your school.

Please do not hesitate to call if I can offer more information (262) 472-5821.

Sincerely,

Mary Jones, University Supervisor