ora ae eet alee ae ecto rn Jan. 10, 2018 To Whom It May Concern |'am writing to recommend Elizabeth Bair for international and/or out-of-state Student Teaching in conjunction with her Spanish Teaching degree from the University of Northern lowa. Ms. Bair has been both my student and my advisee and also worked in a community engagement setting under my direction. My work with her in all three ofthese contexts suggests that she is an exceptionally intelligent, mature and creative student who will excel ina wide variety of settings as a Student Teacher. Ms, Baris an outstanding student. She was consistently well-prepared and articulate in the ‘Advanced Conversation and Reading course she took with me during the fall, 2017 semester. 1 \was especially impressed with her ability to use Spanish in a wide range of contexts. The course Included two intensive one-on-one interviews in Spanish as well as numerous assignments that required scripted and unscripted verbal exchange in Spanish. In all formats, Ms. Bair exhibited ‘excellent oral skills She has an ample vocabulary and a reliable command of key grammar points. Shes also adept at circumlocution, should she find herself ina situation in which she needs to inquire about a new term, or seek a substitute term. All these sils point to the fact ‘that she is an excellent communicator in Spanish, and in general. This is sure to equip her well for the classroom, regardless of the setting. In conjunction with this course, Ms. Bair also took part in a community-based learning project housed at the YWCA of Waterloo which paired adult students from a variety of countries (such 4 Angola, Burma, Croatia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guatemala, Guinea Bissau, Honduras, and Mexico) who were studying English as 2 second language with UNI students who ‘were studying Spanish asa second language. Lz excelled in this setting, The week that it was hher UNI group’s turn to lead an activity she designed and executed an outstanding opportunity for students (both those from the YWCA and those from UNI) to reflect upon thelr strengths and to project into the future about desirable goals and dreams. The activity allowed all students to share information about themselves, and to be invested in their language learning ina meaningful way. Liz also showed her ability to set an appropriate earning pace as she led students through the activity. Seeing her success in this ole suggests to me that she has already ‘developed many important traits as teacher that she will carry with her in the future. Finally, Ms. Bair has continually sought to diversify her experiences. Her resumé points to her willingness to engage with learners in a varity of contexts and places, ranging from UNICUE in ‘Waterloo, to the Baja California State in Mexico, to Aldine, Texas, for example. Having already Toor Dari Hall Cer als Towa S0STSTSTDUSAT Pose S10 STRAT PTT STO SOT‘worked and volunteered in numerous locations, she is sure to adapt well to student teaching ‘wherever it may take her. In short, | highly ecommend Elizabeth Bair for international or outof-state student teaching. and Lam certain that she will experience great success and contribute greatly to the learning of her students wherever it may be. sincere, fr Me Ceetogy — Jennifer Cooley, Pho. Professor of Spanish and Department Head