Office of Out-of-State

and International Student Teaching

Office of Student Field Experiences
Lois Robbins, Supervisor of Student Teachers University of Northern Iowa @ Cedar Falls, Iowa
19032 Inca Ave • Lakeville, MN 55044 • Phone: (952) 484-9708 • robbins0086@gmail.com

December 31, 2016

To Whom It May Concern:
I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation as Joseph Bruen’s Student Teaching Supervisor from the University of
Northern Iowa. My background as a PreK-6 Elementary Principal and a Middle School Principal in Dubuque, Iowa has
given me experience working and evaluating countless teachers and their various instructional techniques. Joseph’s
certification is in Social Studies, grades 7-12. Joseph completed his first 8-week student teaching experience at Mounds-
Westonka High School in Mound, Minnesota. While at Mounds-Westonka, Joseph had two great cooperating teachers,
Sara Schwartz and Chris Humbert. Joseph taught two advanced sections of 8th grade Geography, two sections of 10th
grade US History, and one section of 12th grade Government. The two US History sections were comprised of not high
achieving students and therefore Joseph had to alter his lesson to meet their individual needs. Joseph’s 12 th grade
Government class was smaller and the students were very engaged. Students in this section were interested in current
events so Joseph often tied current events into his lessons. Joseph’s second 8-week placement was at Osseo Middle
School in Osseo, Minnesota. Osseo Middle School had a very diverse student population. Due to the diverse student
population, Joseph learned to use a variety of classroom management techniques and worked very hard to build
connections with his students. His cooperating teacher, Daniel Perzel, was very helpful sharing different teaching
techniques to use with this diverse student population.

Joseph used a variety of instructional strategies with his students. He integrated technology into all his lessons. Mound-
Westonka students used chromebooks and Osseo students had iPads to use in class. Both schools used Schoology to
connect with students with grades/assignments.
Each time I observed Joseph, I enjoyed watching him interact with his students. He could keep the attention of his
students my making his lessons interesting, telling a story with any topic that he was teaching. Students became engaged
in his lessons. He always worked to develop a good rapport with his students. He used various teaching techniques and
various forms of technology, to keep the attention of his students. His lessons were well planned and organized. Joseph
had a unique ability to break down the lesson into chronological events to lead his students through a well-constructed
lesson.

When he interacted with his students he gave them specific feedback. Joseph was always responsive to his students’
needs. Joseph was very organized and hardworking. He would set his expectations and the students would follow his
lead. Joseph was professional in everything he did.
Joseph worked well with his cooperating teachers to plan for their students’ needs. He was flexible and caring to
colleagues and students alike. It is with complete confidence I recommend Joseph as a positive addition to your school
staff. If you need more information, I welcome your call at 952-484-9708 (cell).

Sincerely,

Lois M. Robbins | Supervisor of Student Teachers

University of Northern Iowa
19032 Inca Ave | Lakeville, MN 55044
Mobile: 952.484.9708 | Robbins0086@gmail.com