May 4, 2016

Dear School Administrator:

I am writing to recommend that you hire Alyssha Ginzel as a teacher of English
and/or History at your school. She is a highly qualified educator, one who has all the
qualities you are looking for in a confident, caring teacher.
Alyssha took three courses with me over the past three years while earning her
Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary English and History Education at Northern
Michigan University: English 304 (Teaching of the English Language), English 350
(Methods and Materials of Teaching English), and Education 450 (Seminar in Student
Teaching). In my English Education courses, her work ethic, lesson plans, and
writing were excellent. In EN 304, Ms. Ginzel completed research for an annotated
bibliography on using music to teach grammar and writing. Her paper was one that I
recommended be revised for future publication. She also created a successful
sequence of lessons focused on the teaching of fables and opinion papers while
learning to use more adjectives. While in EN 350 with me last fall, Alyssha
developed a phenomenal unit plan on Romeo and Juliet, in which students
examined psychological social, ethical, literary, and historical issues. She integrated
art and music, as well as historical and cultural beliefs. All of her lessons are based
on Common Core State Standards and best practices in English Language Arts.
Ms. Ginzels strengths include her organization, her positive attitude, and her ability
to relate effectively to all students. She just completed a sixteen-week student
teaching placement in an 8th grade English Language Arts classroom with Courtney
Beecher at Bothwell Middle School (Marquette, Michigan). During that time, Alyssha
taught lessons on research writing, creative writing, and short stories, including Ray
Bradburys There Will Come Soft Rains. When I observed her teaching the
Bradbury story, the class was structured, collaborative, and supported all students
learning, including gifted students and those with documented learning disabilities.
Her 8th grade students generated their own questions about the text and worked in
small groups to analyze textual clues. Students were fully engaged with the
activities, working independently and in pairs to scrutinize the characters, setting,
plot, and themes. Subsequently, they began writing short stories that were prequels
or sequels to the story. Alyssha shared their final products with me on my next visit;
I was impressed with their creativity, their ability to connect their own writing to
Bradburys narrative, and with Ms. Ginzels constructive comments to them about
their written work.
During my monthly visits to her classroom, I observed Ms. Ginzel teaching literature,
writing, grammar, and vocabulary lessons. I also noted her ability to integrate
technology into her teaching and professional duties. Alyssha effortlessly used

Google Classroom to post assignments and respond to students work. She kept
meticulous records of students progress on Skyward and communicated regularly
with parents and students about their growth as readers and writers. Moreover, Ms.
Ginzel followed up with students who were missing assignments, inviting them to
meet at lunchtime or before/after school to review material.
Alyssha has actively participated in collaboration with other educators and in
professional development throughout her student teaching. She attended various
IEP meetings for students with special needs varying from students with language
impairments and issues with reading comprehension to those with emotional or
behavioral impairments. She adeptly modified assignments according to
requirements and communicated regularly with special education staff and
students advisory teachers to check on students emotional and academic needs.
Ms. Ginzel also went through M-STEP training and NWEA test training. In her final
evaluation of Ms. Ginzels success in her internship, Mrs. Beecher noted that Alyssha
constructs lessons that are thought provoking and challenging and has created a
safe, inviting environment. I agree completely. Alysshas relationships with
students are built on respect, empathy, and a genuine interest in helping students
to achieve academic and personal goals. I can say with confidence that Ms. Ginzels
approach to developing positive relationships with students and colleagues will be
an asset to any school community.
Based on my direct observations of Ms. Ginzels teaching, I believe that she is an
excellent classroom teacher as well as a motivated and giving person. She is well
prepared to teach at a secondary school dedicated to student success. I
wholeheartedly, therefore, recommend that you interview Alyssha Ginzel for any
open teaching position you have in English and/or History. She will make a great
addition to your instructional staff.
Feel free to contact me by phone at 817-683-4980 or by email at krichmon@nmu.edu if you
have any questions.
Sincerely,

Kia Jane Richmond, Ph.D.

Professor and Director, English Education
Northern Michigan University