Education Department

229 Main St.

Keene, NH 03435

December 17, 2017

To Whom It May Concern:

I am honored to write a letter of recommendation for Ms. Blake Staniszewski. In 2017, I met
Blake as a student in my Literacy in Diverse Classrooms course at Keene State College. As the
instructor of the course, I observed Blake tutor a second grade reader and apply practices
directly in her teaching. Blake earned an A in my course, and was always willing and able to do
meet and exceed expectations. You are considering an enthusiastic teacher who is knowing,
skillful, and inquisitive about instruction in literacy.

Blake was always prepared with thoughtful literacy lessons picked with her student in mind
and based on her ongoing assessments (e.g., observational notes, interest interviews, running
records, spelling inventories). She is an attuned listener and respondent to children as they
read. She carefully models comprehension strategies through think alouds and selects high
quality literature for mini lessons. Throughout the course, Blake looked closely at her students
reading behaviors and word learning strategies to inform her teaching and to strengthen her
student as a reader. Blake tried out new ideas and resources every week with active
engagement in learning as her primary focus. She consistently reflected on the decisions and
choices she made about instruction to better support her student. Blakes innovative teaching
is impossible to miss.

Blake cares deeply about children. She has a clear understanding of child development and
aspires to create an environment in which all children will grow. Blake is a calm presence and
makes every effort to allow students to move at their pace, being respectful of their ways and
giving them room to be individuals. Whenever I talked to Blake about her teaching, she shared
aspects of her young reader as a learner and person that I did not necessarily know. This deep
knowledge of her student demonstrated her commitment to meeting students where they are,
so that she can help take them where they need to be.

Blake is articulate in both her written and oral communication. She communicates as a serious
and capable professional with students and colleagues, and couples that with a caring heart, so
that she is also approachable. In hiring Blake, you will be getting a top-notch student, teacher,
collaborator and leader. Without question, she will be among your brightest and most talented
candidates. If I can answer any questions or be of help in the hiring process, I am honored to do
so.

Sincerely,

Erin Greeter, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Elementary Education
Keene State College
Erin.Greeter@Keene.edu