Recommendation

Recommendation for Melissa Sandquist from Dr Jeanne Danneker
Melissa Sandquist
507-457-5366
Dr Jeanne Danneker
10/27/2008 8:45:27 AM
JeDanneker@winona.edu
Winona State University

I have been Melissa’s advisor for the past year and a half. I have had Melissa in class; I supervised her
Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) student teaching practicum at Onalaska High School, and in my role
as faculty advisor, I have worked with her as an officer (treasurer) of the Student Council for Exceptional
Children (SCEC) at Winona State University.
During the practicum experience that I supervised, I observed Melissa on five different occasions.
Following each observation I met with Melissa and her cooperating teacher, Mr. Mike Brown. Melissa
also submitted weekly journal reflections regarding her practicum experience. She demonstrated
positive, respectful, and clear communication skills in every setting. When Melissa is meeting with the
executive board of the SCEC or sharing information with SCEC members at a monthly meeting she is
respectful and positive as she delivers information.
In her SLD practicum I observed Melissa teaching a variety of English/Language Arts lessons to groups
of up to eight students in the special education resource room. She designed lessons that met Wisconsin
state standards and geared the instruction to meet the needs of students with a variety of learning
strengths, styles, and challenges. She made sure that each student understood the concepts. She asked
guiding questions to make them think beyond literal levels of comprehension so they would be more
likely to generalize the information. She used examples that were meaningful to her students. Melissa’s
lessons were well thought out and materials were well organized. She was able to vary lesson activities
and change the pace according to students’ needs. Melissa also provided instruction to students for
math, science, and other subjects during study hall-type classes.
Participant:
Recommender:
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Submitted:
P.O. Box 5838
Winona State University
Winona MN, 55987
USA
Describe your experience with this candidate that is the basis on which you complete this
recommendation.
Address:
Provide information on the candidate’s ability to effectively communicate with students and
colleagues in a school setting.
Provide information on the candidate's ability to prepare plans and effectively teach lessons in a
school setting.
Comment on the candidate’s personal and professional qualities as a prospective teacher.
Report Generated: 11/25/2008 12:54:25 PM
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Recommendation for Melissa Sandquist from Dr Jeanne Danneker
Melissa is enthusiastic and passionate about teaching. She is well organized, reliable, and positive as
she carries out her duties as secretary for our SCEC organization. She has a good sense of humor and
high standards when it comes to professionalism.
Melissa seeks feedback and takes action to improve her work in her leadership position for the SCEC.
She was insightful in her journal reflections during her SLD student teaching practicum. She listened to
suggestions from her university and classroom supervisors and willingly made changes as needed.
Melissa is knowledgeable about students with disabilities and wants to include them in the general
education setting as much as possible. She is aware of many ways to differentiate instruction. She would
benefit from a setting in which she could practice those strategies and techniques.
Yes, as mentioned above.
Melissa would benefit from working with a cooperating teacher who is willing to let her get right to work
with students, planning and providing instruction. After a brief observation period I believe she is ready to
work her way up to taking on full responsibility for providing instruction and managing the elementary
classroom. Melissa appreciates and accepts guidance and feedback and she is ready to collaborate
with her cooperating teacher to take this final step in her preparation to become a teacher.