Re: Letter of Recommendation for Payton Ball February 2017

To whom it may concern:

It is my pleasure to write this letter for Payton Ball, who was an undergraduate student in two of my
classes at Drake University Curriculum & Pedagogy and Elementary Social Studies Methods. She is a student I
admire personally and professionally. In addition, I have had many opportunities to know about her educational
experiences, her career goals as a teacher, and her thirst for knowledge. She is, and will continue to be, a
wonderful, successful teacher! As her professor, I have clearly recognized her skills and attributes. They include:

Personal attributes:
Payton is a delight. She has a contagious, genuine smile. She is dependable, trustworthy, and motivating.
She sees the bright side of a situation and remains positive in her interactions with her peers, teachers, kids,
and parents. She is an exceptionally patient and caring teacher. Kids love her. She has a gentle heart and
intelligent mind. Payton is trustworthy, enthusiastic, and professional in her interactions. She was a joy to
have in class. Her ability to make connections and to reflect on past experiences is phenomenal. She is a
diligent worker, focused, driven, and passionate about teaching. She is the one student who always
expressed gratitude for the course and what she learned from the courses.

Professional attributes:
Payton can prepare interesting, engaging lessons for students-week after week over time. She is an
organized, creative person as evidenced through her Social Studies Junior Achievement teaching units,
weekly Pedagogy lessons focusing on primary science education. She has an extensive management plan
and has set guidelines for expectations, rules and routines, and managing behaviors. She is a great
curriculum writer with creative theme based projects, lessons, and activities. In own words she states,
Importantly, I hope to create a safe learning environment for my students. I expect to learn every day to
better myself to encourage my students to better themselves too. Her student teaching experiences will
have prepared her for future success as a teacher. She will be valuable in district organizational progress
and collaboration.

I favorably recommend Payton for any elementary teaching position, especially where she can use her K-6
Reading endorsement, Special Education endorsement, and classroom management skills. While she has had both urban
and suburban teaching experiences, she will be a success anywhere. She will be a fabulous teacher, and thoughtful,
collaborative, flexible faculty member.

Without reservation, I highly recommend her. She is a thoughtful and competent. Contact me if you need
further information on this worthy candidate.

Sincerely,

Sally R. Beisser

Sally R. Beisser, Ph.D. 515-271-4850 (O)

Professor 515-225-2945 (H)
School of Education Drake University 515-491-1185 (C)
Des Moines, IA 50311 sally.beisser@drake.edu