May 12, 2019

Dear Selection Committee:

I had the privilege of getting to know Kristina Hedrick during her student teaching placement and education course EDI
430. During that time, Ms. Hedrick exhibited the qualities indicative of a wonderful teacher.

Kristina’s lessons were written in advance, and she was consistently prepared with materials. Whether she was teaching
kindergarten students the sounds letters make, how to rhyme, strategies for addition, the life cycle of trees, the four
seasons, or different shapes, she was creative in her ways to engage young learners. I noted Kristina was always striving
to find ways to connect to her learners and make their learning relevant. She demonstrated flexibility in modifying
lesson content, pace, and delivery.

I also noticed Ms. Hedrick strived to meet the individual needs of all students. She worked at being skilled to keep her
students on task and maintain a high level of expectations. She incorporated several positive management techniques
and aimed to create a learning environment in which each student could reach his or her highest potential. Ms.
Hedrick’s background in special education allowed her to accommodate her special education students’ needs and truly
create an inclusive environment.

With ease, Kristina developed a safe and caring relationship with her class. Her kindness, patience, and positive energy
were evident from the moment she greeted the students in the morning. She carried a child-centered attitude and
strived to get to know each student as an individual. Management in Ms. Hedrick’s classroom was nurturing and
positive. During the semester, Ms. Hedrick worked to find her warm but firm “teacher voice.” She used praise and
positive parent contact as ways to encourage good behavior.

In her student teaching placement, Kristina quickly developed a collaborative working relationship with her cooperating
teacher. She also collaborated well with her classmates in our GVSU class, and shared a mobile and web based app
called Bloomz. She used this program to keep parent contact consistent and meaningful, and she found it to be highly
effective.

Kristina effectively carried out various district programs and initiatives. She implemented formative assessments into
daily lessons and worked with grade level members to delve into aligning common core standards to kindergarten
curriculum. In addition, she learned how to review student data to adjust materials and instruction.

Kristina demonstrated professionalism and made conscious efforts to develop a positive relationship with every
stakeholder. Kristina’s ability to reflect and apply feedback is well developed. The best teachers are the ones who seek
to continually learn and improve, and this was an evident trait Kristina possesses. She was motivated to seek my
expectations and was intentional in her follow through to meet and exceed those expectations. She was always open to
strategies and worked diligently to improve her skills; however, Kristina is already a “natural” with children.

Ms. Hedrick models what it means to be a life-long learner by setting goals and striving to achieve them. On a personal
note, Kristina’s honesty, positivity, and enthusiasm are refreshing.

Kristina Hedrick possesses a genuine heart for teaching. She is hard working, optimistic, and dedicated. She possesses
the passion to be an exceptional teacher. I have confidence Kristina Hedrick will be successful, and she will be a positive
asset to a school and their community.

Sincerely,
Teisha Struik-Kothe
GVSU Field Coordinator
616-723-5486
Struikkt@gvsu.edu