To Whom It May Concern,

I'm writing you to laud the merits of Alexa Sheets as a new hire for your district. I have known
Alexa since she was a high-achieving high schooler and I have been fortunate enough to watch her
develop an exceptional skill set and passion for education. She is the type of teacher that every district
needs one who is passionate, reflective, and rigorous.
With a decade of educational experience as a full-time teacher, instructional coach, and
educational trainer, I have come to understand what qualities exceptional teachers possess. Above all
else, the best teachers I have met and coached have a passion for teaching. They are thirsty, curious,
engaged, and persistent when it comes to being their best. Alexa Sheets is passionate. She consistently
seeks feedback and knowledge above and beyond most teachers, whether it be sending master teachers
videos to get feedback, debriefing lessons, or finding opportunities to teach beyond the classroom.
While pedagogy can be taught, the passion that Alexa has for excellence in education is innate. I have
no doubt that she will contribute exponentially to the education of your students.
Beyond having a rare passion for teaching and learning, Alexa also has an incredible skill set in
the classroom. After observing her multiple times, it is clear that Alexa understands how to engage
students in rigorous, empowering instruction. She knows how to shift the rigor onto students, pushing
them to develop and support their ideas. Whether it is writing instruction, critical reading, or inquirybased projects, I have seen Alexa cultivate better thinkers and better learners. She creates a
comfortable atmosphere in which students feel safe taking risks, while knowing that they will be held
accountable to high standards. All of these are the skills parents, students, and administrators crave and
need today.
These two factors passion and skill would be enough to make me want Alexa as a colleague.
But, Alexa has yet another ability that I find to be rare and critical: Thoughtful reflection. She is the
type of teacher that is constantly analyzing her practice. Whether it is considering a better way to pose
questions, providing more timely feedback, or developing valid assessment, Alexa reflects upon every
element of teaching. One of the greatest challenges in developing teachers is seeing teachers reach a
plateau or comfort zone, no longer pushing themselves to excel. Alexa will not be one of these
teachers. She is the type of teacher who will continually evolve, innovate, and improve because she
reflects deeply and intentionally.
If I were in a position to hire educators for my district, Alexa Sheets would be one of my top
choices to consider. I have had the honor of seeing her development from the moment she decided to
become a teacher, and she has never ceased to impress me with her passion, her skill set, and her ability
to reflect. I hope that you take the opportunity to see her abilities for yourself. If you have any further
questions about her potential in your district, please don't hesitate to reach me at 269.552.8190 or
cmielke@plainwellschools.org.
Sincerely,
Chase Mielke
Plainwell Community Schools
English Language Arts
Positive Psychology
Quantum Learning Site Facilitator
Quantum Learning Network
National Excellence in Teaching Facilitator
2014 Michigan Teacher of the Year Nominee
2014 Allegan County Outstanding People for Education