April, 2017

Dear Administrators and Human Resource Personnel:

Im pleased to recommend to you Claire McHugh as a talented elementary and middle school
special education teacher. In both her elementary and middle school internship placements, she has
excelled at connecting with her students and designing engaging lessons. Although it is unusual for
a teacher to work effectively in such different settings, Claire has achieved that accomplishment.
As her MSU field instructor, I have been impressed by Claires dedication and determination to
provide consistently excellent lessons for a group of students while individualizing instruction for
particular students. I have observed her working with second grade students at Beechview
Elementary School during her fall semester placement and resource room students at East Middle
School during her spring internship placement. These schools are part of Farmington Public Schools
of Farmington, Michigan. At Beechview Elementary Claire taught eighteen second grade students in
a regular classroom setting. At East Middle School, she is a member of the special education
teaching team and is participating in a wide range of responsibilities as a co-teacher and facilitator
of 6th grade English Language Arts and mathematics instruction. She also works with middle school
students encouraging them to become independent learners and advocates for their own
educational goals.
While working at Beechview Elementary, Claire enthusiastically collaborated with staff members
throughout her internship. Her second grade math lessons included a use of technologies as a
means of guiding and engaging students in learning.
Currently, as a special education intern teacher, Claire has shown flexibility and initiative in planning
and delivering instructional help to middle school students. With her special education mentor
teacher, Claire has observed and participated in the planning and delivery of IEP meetings for
students. She will be assessing students with standardized testing during reevaluations of special
education students in April.
While devoting much of her time and efforts directly toward her classroom experiences, Claire has
also participated in a variety of professional trainings to further develop her own skills and
College of expertise, including MSU master level education classes as well as the Friday Internship Seminar
throughout the year. She has shown her commitment to the school communities of her internship
Education
placements by participating in staff meetings and parent-teacher conferences. Her mentor teachers
have appreciated her efforts and noted her exceptional commitment to teaching and willingness to
Department of
Counseling, jump into teaching scripted curriculum and make it her own!.
Educational Claires caring commitment to her students, well organized and thorough lesson planning, and
Psychology, and
Special Education collegiality with school staff indicate that she will be a highly effective and regarded teacher. I am
delighted to recommend her as a talented educator within elementary education and special
Erickson Hall education teaching opportunities!
620 Farm Ln Rm 337
East Lansing, MI Sincerely,
48824-1034

517-355-1837
Fax: 517-353-6393 Kathy Fedewa
Field Instructor
College of Education
Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education
Michigan State University
Email: klfedewa@msu.edu
Cell: (517)410-7079