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Teacher Letter of Reference
STANFORD TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM
CERAS Building 309,
520 Galvez Mail
Stanford University,
Stanford, California 94305-3084
(650) 723-4891 FAX (650) 725-7264
May 1, 2000
To Whom It May Concern:
With her articulate, logical way of speaking and her flair for the
dramatic, Katie Miller is one of those teachers that challenges students
academically and entertains them at the same time. As Katie's Supervisor
for her World Literature and Freshmen Literature classes at Fremont High
School, I have seen a bright, talented teacher who takes time to plan,
reach students from diverse backgrounds, and train students to be
independent and collaborative learners.
Part of Katie's success for the 1999-2000 academic year is in the area
of curriculum planning. As an active member of the freshmen team at
Fremont High School, she has helped design a solid curriculum for the
Freshman Literature class that gives students regular practice in
reading and writing while developing strong study skills. In her World
Literature class she has used her strong background knowledge in English
and her training from Stanford to create successful units that have made
students think critically and tie themes to their lives. From her
perceptive insights she made some important suggestions and feedback on
how to better improve the course so that activities and skills would be
better scaffolded and relate to the specific objectives of the
department. Katie is a skilled practitioner at translating theory into
practice by implementing techniques of collaborative and student center
learning in her daily lessons. Katie has also been one of the first
teachers to use technology regularly in her classes by creating a web
page and posting journal writes, assignments and homework for students
to access.
Another strength of Katie's lies in her delivery of instruction. Katie
has a gift for communication and the ability to articulate difficult
concepts with ease. With clear, concise explanations Katie breaks down
complex instructions for the multi levels represented in her class so
that students are able to understand and reach her objectives. Though
she uses sophisticated vocabulary and language structures, she is also
sensitive to the needs of her students and makes appropriate changes in
her teaching.
Katie Miller Page I of 2
Katie is a true professional balancing classroom management with close
personal relationships with students. I have been impressed with the
clear guidelines for behavior that she has consistently reinforced
throughout the year. When students have tested her, she has gently
brought them back to her lesson pointing out their need to behave
responsibly in order for her to teach effectively. Students greatly
admire her and respect her shown by the way they interact with her and
praise her during my observations. Katie circulates and monitors her
students throughout her lessons giving individual attention and positive
feedback.
I have appreciated Katie's thoughtful, reflective comments during our
debriefings since she thinks carefully about the reasons behind her
actions and decisions in the classroom. She is extremely open to
constructive criticism asking for feedback and suggestions on how she
can improve upon her teaching. It is not surprising that Katie has made
tremendous progress this year and is well on her way to being a
confident, experienced teacher.
Having worked with student teachers for over seven years, I can
recognize an exceptional teacher who will make a lasting impression on
the students and teaching community where she works. What sets Katie
apart from most first year teachers is her strong grasp of subject
matter, her ability to relate to students and her funny, creative style
of teaching that makes learning both meaningful and fun. I recommend
Katie Miller highly since she is one of the top candidates exiting the
Stanford Teacher Education Program.
Sincerely,
CL
Lydia Zele Supervisor
Katie Miller Page 2 of 2
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