To Whom It May Concern:

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Ms. Tristyn Mandel to your program. Tristyn
completed her student teaching practicum in my social studies classrooms this year, providing
support and instruction in a variety of capacities. She has proven to be a valuable asset to our
students in planning curriculum, modifying tasks, and building a positive classroom culture.

During the Fall semester, Ms. Mandel challenged herself as a classroom teacher through
embracing opportunities to lead whole-class instruction, small group discussions, and offering
one-to-one support. She began getting to know each student at the beginning of the year through
checking in on their productivity, providing helpful feedback, and actively participating in small
group tasks. As the semester progressed, Ms. Mandel led mini-lessons that I had designed and
was receptive to feedback in proactively managing a classroom of 7th graders. One of Tristyn’s
great strengths was her ability to connect with several ELL students that were both new to Pierce
School and new to full immersion in the English language. She worked one-to-one with each
student, breaking down tasks, getting to know their background and previous educational
experiences, and also providing them comfort in attempting challenging tasks.

By mid-October, Tristyn fully transitioned into the role of teacher for two 7th grade
classes. Her curriculum planning proved impressive. Ms. Mandel ensured that her planning
centered around a measurable theme that could carry throughout her unit on ancient
Mesopotamia. Through the lens of “legacy,” Tristyn allowed students to explore why we study
ancient times and why the history of thousands of years ago is still relevant. Aligning with state
and Common Core standards, she designed lessons that were interactive and tuned into students’
preferred learning styles. Lessons provided age-appropriate texts, audiovisuals, movement
through stationwork and gallery walks, as well as evidence-based writing and discussion in small
groups. She also collected daily formative data, as students evaluated the legacy of newly
learned historical information, such as Mesopotamian innovations, myths, government and law.

I am confident that Ms. Mandel will excel in work that centers on curriculum planning
and the craft of teaching. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at
emily.follett@gmail.com or by phone at (508)525-0837.

Sincerely,
Emily Thomas