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School of the Arts
Department of Art
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1770
(970) 491-6774
FAX: (970) 491-0505
www.colostate.edu/Depts/Art/
Recommendation for Kaitlyn Birdsall
Dear Reader:
I am writing to recommend Kaitlyn Birdsall for a position in your school. Kaitlyn completed her coursework in studio art at Colorado State University in the spring of 2011 and earned a BFA with a concentration in painting. She then spent a year tutoring and mentoring students in an at-risk, inner city school in Denver through an Americorps program called CITY YEAR. In the fall of 2013 Kaitlyn returned to school to complete her education coursework. Kaitlyn’s art education coursework included studies in standards-based art curriculum development; integration of literacy and numeracy into the art curriculum; assessment; studio practice, art history and criticism; classroom management; art room design, budgeting and ordering supplies; integration of classroom technology; and accommodations/differentiation in art. The program is “practice-intensive” with most of the coursework completed in the field. I can honestly say that Kaitlyn completed her studies with determination and hard work. She exhibited initiative and responsibility in completing her coursework and student teaching assignments. Kaitlyn is a very energetic and motivated learner and I would characterize her as an exceptional student of art and education.
In addition to completing her coursework in art education, Kaitlyn completed studio work in drawing, painting, sculpture, fibers, photography, and pottery. She also complete ART326-Art Education Studio to address areas in printmaking, metals/jewelry, design, technology and other studio components not addressed in her primary studio classes.
I also had the responsibility of supervising Kaitlyn at both her elementary and secondary placements: at Truscott and Sarah Milner Elementary Schools in Loveland and Rocky Mountain High School in Fort Collins—all in Colorado. In reflecting on Kaitlyn’s teaching in both placements what immediately comes to mind are her strong organizational skills and her ability to think on her feet. In both placements Kaitlyn handled management and safety issues quickly and effectively. Most student teachers “stall” or ignore problems hoping they will go away. Kaitlyn confronted problems immediately and did not allow them to escalate. This, too, is one of her strengths.
At Rocky Mountain High School Kaitlyn was responsible for teaching painting and design classes to several levels of students. She introduced students to a variety of concepts that allowed students to explore color/paint, drawing, mixed media and found materials/sculpture at Truscott and Sarah Milner Elementary Schools. In addition to teaching, Kaitlyn attended faculty meetings, met with counselors and parents, and was involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities at each school. Both of her cooperating teachers spoke very highly of her performance in all areas.
Kaitlyn’s lesson plans were completed and handed in during each of my observations of her teaching and she was always well prepared to teach. Her lessons were aligned with the new visual arts content standards and included differentiation and assessment instruments for all learners.
Kaitlyn is excited to teach art and would do a great job at any level. She has a wide range of teaching and assisting experience in the art classroom for a novice. Her experience working with at-risk and exceptional students is particularly prominent.
I can honestly recommend Kaitlyn Birdsall without reservation. I believe she will grow to be a master teacher in art. Please consider her for a position in your school, visit her e-portfolio at: http://kaitlynbirdsall.weebly.com/, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like further clarification about Kaitlyn’s experiences.
Sincerely,
Patrick G. Fahey
Dr. Patrick Fahey,
Area Coordinator of Art Education
Department of Art
Colorado State University
F114 Visual Arts Building
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523
[email protected]