1. SCHOOL OF EDUCATION HEALTH & SOCIETY
Office of Student Teaching and Field Experience
202McGuffey Hall
210 E. Spring Street
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-7245
To Whom It May Concern:
It is my pleasure to write a letter of recommendation for Meghan Riley. Meghan was a teacher intern for the
Fall 2015 semester at Talawanda Middle School in the Talawanda School District. Meghan taught eighth
grade Algebra I and sixth grade science in a split placement. Both classroom settings promoted collaboration,
cooperative learning, and differentiated instruction. Meghan worked closely with her cooperating teachers,
Mrs. Murray, math and Mr. Huelsman, science. In both settings the partnership was collaborative and
professional.
As Meghan’s university supervisor, I have had several opportunities to observe her teaching a variety of
lessons and activities. From the start, Meghan has taken an interest in meeting the needs of her students.
Her lessons, based upon Ohio’s New Learning Standards, promoted student engagement and growth. While
teaching Algebra I, an advanced math course for eighth grade students, Meghan worked closely with her
cooperating teacher in implementing lessons aligned to the 9th
grade Algebra I Common Core standards
using the Connected mathematics Project 3 (CMP3) curriculum which is student centered and inquiry based.
In her sixth grade science placement, Meghan used Talawanda’s district adopted Lab-aid science curriculum
to teach lessons that provided students opportunities to design and conduct scientific investigations, the
ability to analyze and interpret data, think critically, and communicate findings in their scientific journals.
It is apparent that classroom management skills that foster a nurturing learning environment are important
to Meghan. She continually worked to fine-tune her classroom management techniques, realizing the
importance of consistency, fairness, and a child’s self-esteem. Her enthusiasm for teaching is clearly
apparent.
Meghan realizes the importance of incorporating a variety of learning opportunities for her students,
differentiating instructional strategies to meet the needs of all learners. The use of technology was utilized
in many lessons as Meghan incorporated a variety of available resources to enhance learning opportunities
for her students. These included: an interactive whiteboard, document camera, and individual student
Chromebooks.
Meghan’s self-confidence and professionalism enabled her to become immersed in the school setting.
Meghan participated in department, grade-level and building meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and
professional development opportunities presented by the district. She is open to new ideas and learning
possibilities.
I have enjoyed working with Meghan as her supervisor. I would not hesitate to recommend her for a
teaching position. She will be a positive addition to the teaching profession. If you have any further
questions, please feel free to contact me via email at stephepd@miamioh.edu or 513-461-3318.
Sincerely,
Patricia Stephens
Supervisor Student Teachers
Miami University
