October 10, 2014

To Whom It May Concern:

Ellissa Coburn successfully completed a 7-week student teaching placement in the toddler
classroom from August 25-October 10, 2104 at the Child Development Center (CDC). The CDC
at Keene State College is a best practices demonstration site for early childhood development
majors enrolled in the teacher education certification program (Birth to age 8). The center
serves 50 families from the surrounding Keene community and the program includes infant
through preschool classrooms. The center is open 10 months a year for full days from 7:305:30. Keene, NH is a small city of 22,000 located in the southwest region of the state.
Ellissa developed age appropriate curriculum, effectively led the daily routines, and
communicated well with professionals and families during this teaching experience. Ellissa
performed all the responsibilities of the lead teacher successfully. When planning curriculum
Ellissa utilized child development theory and the NH Early Learning Guidelines. Ellissa designed
curriculum that emerged from childrens interests and her expertise in physical development.
She blended her knowledge of childrens gross motor development and sports to the age
appropriate skills of the toddler age group. Understanding the value of increased physical
activities in child care, Ellissa planned activities to include ball skills, kicking, running, stretching,
and jumping. Her activities included doing yoga with toddlers, playing toddler soccer and T-ball,
and movement and music activities. Additionally, Ellissa planned activities based on the
interests of the children, including a field trip to the farmers market and creating scarecrows for
the toddlers sunflower patch. Her curriculum integrates childrens literature, art, creative
movement, and outdoor time. She is experienced teaching in the various curriculum areas
including sensory exploration, dramatic play, construction, arts, and caregiving. She worked one
on one, in small groups and in large groups. Ellissa is aware of the safety and aesthetic
principles of classroom design.
Ellissa utilized positive strategies to guide children and learned how to provide toddlers with
clear and concise direction. She views all social situations among toddlers as learning
opportunities and values problem solving and communication. Ellissa is clear about her
expectations for children and has a solid teacher presence in the toddler classroom.
Ellissa understands the importance of building positive rapport with each parent and effectively
established positive and caring rapport with each family. She values multiple perspectives and
the diverse characteristics of each family. Ellissa effectively communicated with parents on a
daily basis and wrote letters home to communicate classroom news. Ellissa established herself
as part of the teaching team in this classroom and gained strong collaborative skills working
with colleagues in this placement. Ellissa became an incredibly valued member of the teaching

team and provided excellent support for the daily routines and transitions. Her enthusiasm,
creativity and team work set her work apart from her peers.
Ellissa participated in weekly student teacher seminars with her cooperating teacher, attended
a professional development day on Outdoor Education, a staff meeting on Mindfulness, as well
as professional seminars with the site supervisor and other student teachers. Ellissa is
professional in her interactions and communicated effectively with children, staff and families.
She accepted feedback well and strives to improve her teaching. I recommend Ellissa Coburn
for a lead teaching position in an early childhood setting.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Sincerely,

Deirdre McPartlin
Deirdre McPartlin, M.Ed.
Student Teaching Site Supervisor
Academic Program Coordinator and Associate Director
Child Development Center at Keene State College
229 Main Street, Keene, NH, 03435
603.358-2244 (phone)
603-358-2179 (fax)