Mr. Fiorindo is a talented and skilled music teacher who utilizes varied teaching methods and assessments to meet the needs of all students. He plays multiple instruments at a high level and has alternate plans for students who do not master skills. Students are exposed to real-world performances and asked higher-order thinking questions. Mr. Fiorindo contributes to the school culture through concerts and events. He continually reflects on his teaching practice and is an active member of professional music groups and development activities to improve his instruction.

1. To Whom It May Concern:
It is my pleasure to write to you in support of Mr. Michele Fiorindo. I had the pleasure
to work with him, and observe his teaching practices for the school year 2013-2014, and
I think he is one of the most talented and skilled music teacher I have met during my 20
years old career in public schools.
Mr. Fiorindo utilizes multiple resources and varied assessments to meet the needs of all
students (whiteboard, instruments, modeling, musical renditions and performances,
peer coaching, group playing, band, school performances). He is secure in the musical
content, plays multiple instruments and has alternate plans and strategies in the event
of student misunderstanding or failure to master a strategy or skill. Questions are
structured to require students to demonstrate reasoning in their response. Few recall
questions are asked. Instructional materials and tasks are appropriately challenging and
supportive for all students, are aligned with the teaching point and content area
standards, and are culturally and academically relevant. Questions and tasks ensure
student comprehension and ask for application and analysis. He gives feedback and
corrects misunderstandings through one on one conferencing and small group
instruction and students are able to adjust immediately. Revisions are part of the
learning process as students are learning to play an instrument, read music and create
their own musical pieces. Students are exposed to real world application through school
performances.
Mr. Fiorindo contributes to the culture and climate of the school by participating in the
winter concert and other celebratory events at Elliott st. Elementary (Newark). The
teacher continually reflects upon his practice in promoting student learning and adjusts
instruction accordingly. He is an active member of professional bands and he is
currently an active performing guitarist that can perform several music style, such as
Jazz, Latin Music and classical music, at a very high level.
He developed a professional development plan (IPDP); implemented strategies that
support IPDP outcomes and student mastery. He participates in workshops,
conferences, activities sponsored by professional organizations, etc.; brings ideas back
to the school and tries them in own instructional practice. He attends and actively
participates in all school based meetings. Mr. Fiorindo attendance exceeds district and
state expectations.
Sincerely,
Mr. Ronald Orr