DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL POLICY AND LEADERSHIP STUDIES

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

May 15, 2015

Letter of Recommendation
Ms. Kaitlin Moon
To Whom It May Concern,
Ms. Kaitlin Moon has asked that I write this letter of recommendation on her behalf as she
pursues an elementary or middle school teaching position. I am happy to do so. I have had the
pleasure of working with Kaitlin throughout her time at Marquette University, In addition, I have
served as Kaitlins academic advisor. My interactions with Kaitlin over the past several years
have provided me the opportunity to observe and evaluate her academic performance as well
as her potential as future elementary/middle school teacher.
Kaitlin is an excellent student. She is very bright. Throughout her time at Marquette, I was
impressed by her eagerness to learn about both content and pedagogy. I have confidence that
Kaitlins own passion for learning will continue well into her practice and that her students will
benefit from her intelligence and work ethic. Kaitlin is the kind of student every teacher
remembers fondly.
When working with Kaitlin in the middle school methods course, I noticed that she exhibited
many of the characteristics of an experienced teacher. Kaitlin has strong planning and
implementation skills. She incorporates a wide variety of instructional strategies into her
teaching and uses these strategies as appropriate in the classroom. When using direct
instruction Kaitlin is competent with academic material as well as clear and concise when
providing explanations or directions for students. During cooperative learning, Kaitlin ensures
that every student in the classroom is engaged and has the ability to successfully participate in
the lesson. Kaitlin also understands how to facilitate classroom discussion using questioning
strategies that promote meaningful discourse. She prepares thoughtful hands-on activities that
engage and challenge her students.
It is also important to note that as a grades 1-8 teacher candidate, Kaitlin holds an
undergraduate major in mathematics. This adds greatly to Kaitlins content knowledge and
positions her to teach mathematics in the upper elementary and middle school grades. In
addition, Kaitlin could easily use her background in mathematics to support other teachers,
serving in the capacity of instructional leader or coach.
The university supervisors and cooperating teachers who worked with Kaitlin during field
experiences and student teaching commented positively about her potential in the classroom.
University supervisors describe Kaitlin as a team player who actively collaborates with others,
soliciting lesson ideas and pursuing feedback about her own teaching to improve her practice.
Moreover, the university supervisors who work with Kaitlin comment about the combination of
organizational skills, flexibility, and high demand-support she has for students. The adults and
students who work with Kaitlin describe her as reliable, warm, and enthusiastic.

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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL POLICY AND LEADERSHIP STUDIES

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Finally, Kaitlin has excellent verbal and written communication skills. I foresee that she will use
these skills to communicate effectively with the students, faculty, and parents she works with.
Her peers at Marquette University viewed her as a leader and frequently sought her advice and
assistance. Kaitlin works very well with others. She is an individual that will contribute much to a
school team.
In closing, I feel that Kaitlin is an intelligent, creative, and hard-working individual. She quickly
earns the trust and respect of the individuals with whom she works. Kaitlin is an outstanding
teacher candidate who will contribute much to a school and school district. I would highly
recommend that you consider making Kaitlin part of your faculty.
Should you have any additional questions about Ms. Kaitlin Moon, please feel free to contact
me.

Leigh A. van den Kieboom

Leigh A. van den Kieboom, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
leigh.vandenkieboom@marquette.edu
(414) 288-1429

SCHROEDER HEALTH COMPLEX, 146, P.O. BOX 1881 MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 53201-1881

TELEPHONE (414) 288-7375 FAX (414) 288-3945