Connie Kudrna

102 Pullman Avenue

Kenmore, NY 14217

May 30, 2007

Mr. Jeff Arnold

Director: T/LQP

Daemen College

4380 Main Street

Amherst, NY 14226

Dear Jeff,

I would like to take this opportunity to offer my thanks for the T/LQP program at Daemen. This program is provides professional development as well as support for pre-service teachers and the students within my third grade classroom.

Professional development is offered through a variety of opportunities during the school year. Through the TAP meetings, we focus on building a community of educators who are apply the NYS Standards, the use of assessment tools and provide feedback on best practices for teaching. The process of peer review offers educators a supportive environment for feedback and personal growth as an educator.

As well as using the peer review process, the T/LQP program has given me the chance to attend workshops such as Dr. Alan November and the Share Our Success Conference in New York City. These programs support the professional development of teachers in the Buffalo public school system.

Pre-service teachers are an important asset to our schools. Along with Daemen College, the pre-service teachers are given the opportunity to work with mentors in the Buffalo public school system. As a participant in the T/LQP program, I was able to mentor pre-service teachers as a cooperating teacher. The program works in conjunction with the T/LQP program by instructing student teachers in the application of the NYS Standards, the use of rubrics and assessment tools. In completing this placement, the pre-service teacher has a well-rounded portfolio of student work samples, assessment tools and the appropriate NYS Standards as well as a mentor for future teaching placements.

Finally, the students in my self-contained 15:1 class have benefited from this program. Through this year, my students have had the opportunity to see many experiments and completed activities in science. Your willingness to offer your time and abilities as a scientist has allowed the student to begin to question and wonder about their world around them. They eagerly await your visits and talk about it long after you have left our room.

This program has truly been an asset to Buffalo teachers, Daemen College and the students within my class. I have thoroughly enjoyed this year and look forward the summer program.

Thank you for your vision of educating our children, training pre-service teachers and providing professional development for educators. It is a combination that shows support for all members of the community.

Sincerely,

Connie Kudrna

ECC #61

Special Education Teacher