Coming in, Becca had a lot to learn and I greatly appreciated Becca’s willingness and eagerness to jump in feet first and take in all that she could regarding the curriculum. Though Becca was already familiar with Bridges (our math curriculum), she maintained a learning stance; additionally, Becca fully embraced coaching and support to learn the Lucy Calkins reading and writing resources. Becca leaned on her team and sought out their expertise to grow as a new teacher in a new school, new district and new state. Despite having so much coming at her at once that was unfamiliar,
Becca continued to preserve and remain positive.

Becca’s flexibility, creativity, adaptability and desire to work with intermediate grades makes her the ideal candidate for a school that will be able to match her energy level, embody a collaborative approach to teaching and invest in her continued development. Becca is dedicated to her practice
and her growth and while she pushes herself, she thrives from being pushed by others as well.

Director, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education, Aurora Public Schools

From a coaching perspective, Becca is highly reflective. Her ability to reflect on data gathered during observations allows her to continually refine her craft as a teacher. She reflects upon each lesson, analyzing student reaction to determine areas where the learning could be more efficient or effective. She then makes adjustments to her practice accordingly. This reflective stance makes her a life-long learner whose practice will continue be fluid and based on best practice and research. Becca’s reflective nature, strong work ethic, and degree of professional knowledge have made her an asset to Clyde Miller P-8 and will continue to benefit any school in which she teaches.

Instructional Coach, Clyde Miller P-8

I worked with and evaluated Rebecca as she served as a fourth grade teacher for Clyde Miller P-8 in Aurora Public Schools. It was during this time that Rebecca demonstrated strong instructional practices and played a critical role in our school. Rebecca regularly attended our weekly PLC work and used data to drive her instruction. She works collaboratively with her teammates, coaches, supporting staff and administration. Through her instructional practices, her students have grown both academically and personally. One of Rebecca’s biggest strengths is using standards and curriculum to deliver instruction while adding creative and engaging twists!

Principal, Clyde Miller P-8

Rebecca is an incredibly talented and responsible young educator. She is naturally gifted in the classroom and her ability to engage and facilitate student learning is beyond capacity of most preservice teachers I’ve known.

I think the most incredible thing about Rebecca is her creativity and ingenuity when it comes to thinking outside the box educationally. She is not afraid to pick up any new piece of technology and experiment with it until she figures it out. This is a mark of a true Lee open and willing to learn educator that is rarely found. Rebecca is going places. And, I believe she will continue to impact the educational field for many many years to come!

Associate Professor of Education in the Instructional Systems Technology Department

Make sure you tell your mom how wonderful of a job you're doing...I am extremely impressed with your work [on this presentation].

Chief of Education Officer, Illinois State Board of Education

Rebecca also knows how to work collaboratively, particularly in a leading or guiding position during the several projects that was required in my class. For example, in the Two hours of code project, she worked with her team members very smoothly. She helped the class walk through how to implement the lesson plan their team created. Their project was submitted on time and the quality of it was very high, and their idea got picked with the collaborating teacher. The forward-looking attitude she has is partially evident from the various activities that she has been participating at the university. 

Assistant Professor, Dept. of Mathematics, Science, and Instructional Technology Education

It has been my absolute pleasure to work with Rebecca for the past two years.  I have rarely worked with a student or a lab assistant who has shown such passion and positivity towards education.  Over these two years, Rebecca has demonstrated an exceptional competency for both teaching and educational leadership.  She consistently works to improve herself as an educator, and her dedication to the field, and to the students she serves, is exemplary.

Associate Instructor, Instructional Systems Technology, Indiana University

Becca is the most competent intern I have ever worked with. She steps through the door, promptly, every day with a smile on her face and greets me directly. The first graders are excited to see her and she will remind them to focus on me if I am teaching and will greet them later. Becca has an uncanny sense of what needs to be done in the art studio. I am often by myself in the art studio distributing materials and giving directions and Becca will come and take part or all of the materials from me thus allowing me to move on to the next step. During studio time, when the students are working on their art, Becca supports the students both artistically and emotionally. Her interest and ability in visual art allows her to support me and to confidently work with the students on an academic level. One time, while the class was working and didn’t need either of us for a few minutes, I observed Becca straightening and organizing one of the counters in the room. She is rarely sitting still. She sees what needs to be done and does it, often without being told. Anything I ask of her she will do with an acknowledgement, clarification and skill.

Art Teacher, Hoover Math & Science Academy

I think some of the greatest qualities that Rebecca has is her passion to teach as well as her ability to work collaboratively with peers, and students.  You always hear the saying that teaching is a calling and it takes a special individual to want to impact the lives of young people.  I whole-heartedly believe that Rebecca was called to be a teacher, and I believe she is going to make one incredible teacher.  She is so passionate about her craft that it inspires me everyday to become a better teacher, and also a better person.  Rebecca has such a joy for teaching and learning.  She cares about her students and wants them to succeed in every way possible.  Her ability to work well with others is one of her strongest qualities.  She is able to work well with her peers to come up with new ideas that will enhance students understanding of material.   Rebecca is such a warm and welcoming person that students flock to her and want her affirmation in the work they are doing.  She constantly encourages her students to do their best work.

Colleague, Indiana University

For the past four years, Rebecca has defined the meaning of character, work ethic, commitment and leadership.  She will be a tremendous asset in any position that she is involved with. She has demonstrated flexibility, dependability and has proven to be a positive, cooperating member of group. Being able to work with people and guide a group in a positive direction is something that I look for in a potential staff member, and Rebecca succeeds in these areas with ease.

Special Education Teacher, East Leyden High School

She was absolutely wonderful! She was very thorough in her explanation, patient, worked individually with each student, and the pace of presenting to the students was the key to the success of the presentation. Her pace of teaching the lesson was outstanding! Rebecca showed a great deal of maturity and her enthusiasm was contagious. I was very fortunate that Rebecca was assigned to my class...She is an excellent representative of Indiana University.

5th Grade Teacher, Allisonville Elementary School