Violetta Hudson has asked that I write a letter of recommendation on her
behalf, this I am most pleased to do. I have known Mrs. Hudson for the past year in her capacity as a 3rd grade teacher at Cicero West School. As a third grade teacher, Mrs. Hudson demonstrates effective preparation for instruction. She creates an environment conducive to learning, encourages positive behavior, and effectively manages classroom procedures. She utilizes Smartboard technology to extend lessons and the cooperative learning philosophy to emphasize team work and to accommodate individual learning styles. She is a reflective teacher who sees the connection between student assessment and teacher planning. Mrs. Hudson continuously works with other staff members to understand the needs of her students. She has worked closely with both the district gifted resource teacher and building literacy coach to design lessons together and incorporate a variety of resources and strategies. Violetta is responsive and flexible to the needs of her students. She persists in seeking approaches for students who have difficulty and uses small group instruction to design alternative approaches. She provides differentiation throughout the learning environment by assigning varied tasks/assignments and offering extension activities as well. As her evaluator, I was impressed with the rapport she built with her students and the level of student empowerment that she instilled. Mrs. Hudsons learning environment is student-centered so that it is students who ensure positive interactions occur among themselves. Students are empowered in the classroom through cooperative strategies, independent literature circles, student -driven discussions, and holding themselves and each other accountable for assignments and defining tasks. Violetta is always willing to share her expertise with others by being a mentor to new teachers, providing professional development, and sharing at her Professional Learning Team. She has provided professional development presentations at a school level on topics such as writing, Words Their Way, and modeling literature circle instruction for her peers. Mrs. Hudson is proactive, takes initiative, and has an excellent working relationship among and between students, colleagues, administrators, and the public. She demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to her work and possesses the knowledge and passion necessary for excellence. I have every confidence in Mrs. Hudsons abilities and recommend her without reservation. She has truly been an asset to our school community. Sincerely,