December 3, 2015

To Whom It May Concern:

Currently in my tenth year of teaching, I am a fourth grade teacher at Sunflower Elementary School,
in Gardner, Kansas. Having taught kindergarten, first grade, and fourth grade, as well as student
taught second grade, I feel I possess an understanding of child dynamics, classroom management,
and curriculum development and implementation. This semester, I have had the pleasure of coplanning and co-teaching with Pittsburgh State University teacher candidate, Ashley Dyche. She has
observed, planned, and guided instruction in my classroom for four months.
Focused on the whole child, Ashley has worked to build a connection with each student in the
classroom. She shows interest in students activities, and she is tuned into students feelings and
concerns. Miss Dyche desires for all students to feel loved, respected, and safe in their classroom
home. To build meaningful student relationships, Ashley has spent time interacting with students
before school as they gather in the commons area, as well as walking, talking, and playing with
students at recess. During outdoor brain breaks, she is often observed leading a small group of
student cheerleaders or actively engaging our Life Skills students in realistic play. She battles,
runs, and laughs alongside her students.
Miss Dyche has worked to gain control of the classroom with positive management skills including
proximity, redirection, and spotlighting classroom leaders. This semester, she has focused on
developing an understanding of student content knowledge. Ashley has responded well to
redirection, and she has been open to incorporating suggestions from staff members. She is aware of
her strengths, as well as areas in which she plans to seek professional development. I believe Ashley
would work well with and respond to a well-established mentor teacher. While continuing to
develop her mode of presentation and ability to analyze student data, Ashley has remained ever
positive and optimistic. It is evident she desires a career in which she is able to interact with and
inspire children to reach their personal bests.
Within my classroom, Miss Dyche has encouraged character growth in all students. Ashley is
experienced with children of a variety of ages, and she will undoubtedly do a solid job of
encouraging students personal, social, and academic growth. I look forward to observing Ashleys
growth in the area of curriculum implementation as she begins her teaching journey. I would
appreciate the opportunity to speak on Ashleys behalf as she enters the education field.

Katherine OToole
Fourth Grade Teacher
otoolek@usd231.com
(913) 558-4832