College of Education

Memorial Hall 3126A

MSC 6908
395 South High Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
(540) 568-4950

To Whom This Letter May Concern:

It is with great pleasure that I submit this letter of recommendation for Chelsea Morris. I have had the privilege of working with
Chelsea as a student at James Madison University in her teacher preparation courses in the Elementary Education Program. Chelsea
possesses both superior academic and personal skills that will allow her to continue to experience the success that extends beyond her
years at James Madison University. She already exemplifies the characteristics of an excellent teacher, leader, and person and would be
an excellent addition to any school faculty.
Chelseas performance in her work at James Madison University is exemplary in every way. The quality of her work in unit and
lesson planning is exceptional and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of student learning and understanding. For example, in
teacher preparation courses, students are frequently asked to present developmentally appropriate lessons on various content. Chelsea
possesses and demonstrates a natural ability for presenting content in such a way that is both engaging and effective in the delivery. She
successfully adjusts instruction to respond to the various levels of understanding that would be expected in an individual classroom or
clinical setting. She already has a command of copious amounts of teaching and learning strategies that will serve her well in diverse
classrooms or any setting involving children. Each of these traits exceeded expectations in her student teaching placements, all three
practicum placements and microteaching exercises in her methods courses. Her hard work and commitment to teacher preparation is
indicative of her dedication to becoming a master teacher. Furthermore, Chelseas work with English Language Learners further
enhances her skill set for working with diverse student populations.
Chelseas relentless pursuit of excellence is evident in her celebrated academic career at James Madison University including
her outstanding academic record in both her cumulative work at James Madison and her teacher education course work. She is one of a
few select students to have their graduate thesis published in a peer-reviewed journal. The project highlights Chelseas ability to engage in
data-driven decision-making about her teaching and its impact on student learning.
Chelseas natural movement towards leadership roles among her peers is a testament to her people skills and overall maturity.
Her magnetic personality brightens any room. Fellow students look to her as a role model and she possesses compassion and concern
for her peers that is admirable and refreshing. Chelseas maturity level is well beyond her years. She approaches challenges with an
upbeat, positive attitude without letting them break her stride. You would be hard pressed to find a student that matches Chelseas
sincerity, compassion, intellect, and drive to better herself and community. Chelseas successful participation in classroom settings
requires her to create emotionally and physically safe environments that promote the most learning for each individual, a skill that will
continue to serve her well in the public school setting.
As a current faculty member in a College of Education, I am aware of the expectations of the teaching profession and the
essential qualities for successful teaching. I believe that Chelsea possesses the necessary skills to be a master teacher. As a teacher
educator, she is a student that has made a lasting impression on me. I am aware of the type of student that makes the maximum
contribution to and receives the maximum benefit from opportunities. Chelsea is that type of student. It is with no reservations that I
recommend Chelsea for a teaching position in your school and school division.
Sincerely,

John Almarode, Ph.D.

Department Head, Educational Foundations and Exceptionalities
Assistant Professor of Education