Missouri Western State University 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, MO 64507 www.missouriwestern.

edu
Department of Education Murphy 111 To Whom It May Concern: I am writing in support of Summer Martin-Richardson. I am an Assistant Professor of Education at Missouri Western State University (MWSU) and first met Summer in the fall of 2013 in two capacities. Summer was enrolled in my Seminar in Education and Human Relations course (EDU 404), and I also served as Summers university supervisor for her student teaching. Throughout the semester Summer and I were in constant contact concerning teaching and education. We have continued to stay in touch this semester. Thus, I feel I can speak confidently to Summers potential and commitment to teaching and learning. Summer is one of the more reflective and insightful education students whom I have encountered during my seven years of undergraduate teaching at the University of Kansas, St. Gregorys University, and MWSU. In our Student Teaching Seminar, we considered philosophical, ethical, and legal aspects of teaching and education. Summer consistently led in class discussions through her ideas and experiences-- as a new professor at MWSU, this was much appreciated. We spent much of the semester studying newer trends in education, historical foundations of educational policy, and social forces that have shaped teaching. Summers written and verbal reflections were some of the strongest and most incisive in the class. She thought deeply about these issues, and she never hesitated to ask questions, whether to improve her understanding or to consider these issues from a different angle. Her writing and verbal abilities are quite impressive, and I have no doubt Summer will be a selfreflective practitioner in all aspects of her classroom, curriculum, and teaching. Summer student taught at Central High School in St. Joseph, Missouri. She taught under the tutelage of two cooperating teachers, Ms. Katy Schwartz-Drowns and Mr. Ryan VanDyke. At Central Summer taught a variety of courses, grades, and students with differing levels of academic achievement and interests. Summer taught Debate, Forensics, Advanced Debate, Competitive Drama, and Theatre Arts. In my classroom observations of Summer, I was most impressed with her classroom demeanor and management style. Her rules and expectations were well established, and once students started breaching these expectations, Summer was quick to intervene. Summers lesson plans were always well thought-out and centered on her main objectives. Her pacing was appropriate, as students were able to learn through a variety

Missouri Western State University 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, MO 64507 www.missouriwestern.edu
of means and techniques. Students were sometimes placed into Summers elective classes against their wishes, but Summer was able to engage these students in the classroom activities and projects. Most importantly, to me, Summer habitually asked for my feedback and thoughts on what she could improve upon. Summers desire for constant improvement and self reflection will serve her very well in her classroom. In my continual conversations with Ms. Schwartz and Mr. VanDyke during this semester, they spoke glowingly of Summers teaching ability and rapport with her students. I have no doubt that Summers abilities would transfer seamlessly into any high school classroom. In addition to her excellent work in the classroom at Central, Summer volunteered to coach debate and forensics, working with novice students in both. Her willingness to volunteer for the greater good of her students and the school will make her an excellent asset. Summer understands well the cooperation and volunteerism that make students and schools successful. As such, I wholeheartedly recommend Summer, without reservations. Sincerely, Kipton D. Smilie, PhD Assistant Professor Education Department Missouri Western State University St. Joseph, MO 64507 ksmilie@missouriwestern.edu (816) 271-5952