October 5, 2015

To Whom it May Concern:

Jessica Lewis posted on her website Most teachers claim that the reason why they teach is to see the spark in a
student's eyes as the student begins to understand the material that may have posed as a challenge before. As a
special education teacher, that is far from the only reason. Watching a child gain the opportunity to be accepted
among their peers, helping a student love his or her self, and creating and impact that exists for a lifetime- that's why I
want to teach special education. It is a pleasure to write this recommendation for Jessica Lewis and describe the
actions she has taken that are preparing her to become a professional teacher. Jessica is enrolled in Academy EDU,
which is a college level Introduction to Education course. Academy EDU students are hand-selected to be positive
role models for Hilliard City Schools and the student are held to a high standard of leadership, character, and
citizenship for the school and community. During this 2-year course, Jessica will observe over 90 hours in elementary,
middle school, high school and special education classes. Topics covered in the course include: code of ethics, history
of education, lesson planning, class management, and psychology of education. Jessica will create a portfolio
including teaching samples as a final project.
Working with Jessica on a daily basis, I can honestly say that Jessica takes EVERY opportunity to learn about the
teaching field whether in the Academy EDU classroom, during observations or after-school activities. Some of
Jessicas experiences include:
Elementary Observations: observed mentor teacher utilize resources and manage students, while establishing
rapport
Special Education Observations: Observed behavior unit K-5 in multiple schools
Genius Hour Facilitator: elementary students created their own project based on their interests and passions
Swim Instructor: focus on helping students grasp basic swimming skills and perfect strokes
Adaptive Aquatics: swim lessons to benefit the needs of children with special needs
Cardboard Challenge: supervised activities involving 9 Hilliard Elementary Schools
Trunk or Treat activity for at-risk preschoolers
Presented at Hilliard City Schools State of the Schools Address
CPR/Safety First Aid Certification
Participates in a professional twitter chat with local and national educators
I observe Jessica developing special relationship with her classmates, students and her mentoring teachers as a result
of her genuine concern for others. Jessica brings a maturity and understanding of the intense responsibility of
becoming a teacher and she understands the call of the educational profession- to motivate and engage students to
understand and apply the skills and knowledge they are learning. She is a positive role model both inside and outside
of the classroom. Jessica is a natural teacher and has the art of teaching in her heart!

I am excited for Jessicas future as a teacher and I look forward to the day she becomes a teaching colleague! Jessicas
acceptance into your institution is an investment in the life of this bright and successful young lady and also an
investment in the lives of her future students.
Sincerely,
Cathy Gongwer
Hilliard City School District
Academy EDU Instructor

Hilliard City School District

5323 Cemetery Road, Hilliard, OH 43026

www.hiliardschools.org/ilc

PH: 614-921-4800