Mountain View School

Mike Waters - Principal

801 W. Peoria Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85029
602-347-4105 michael.w aters@w esdschools.org

RECOMMENDATION FOR JASON MITCHELL

2/23/2015
To whom it may concern,
Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to read this letter. It is a distinct pleasure to highly recommend to
you Mr. Jason Mitchell. My working relationship with Jason began almost three years ago when we hired him as an
English teacher and to resurrect our long dormant Pom and Cheer program. I remember vividly the conversation I had
with the interview team and how they were immediately impressed with Mr. Mitchell and how far he stood out above the
other candidates. Since that time, his work ethic and abilities, his personality and most importantly his deep rooted
passion for the success of all he comes in contact with at Copper Canyon High School have validated what was believed
during his interview. During the year I directly watched Jason work, he proved himself time and again as an outstanding
educator; one who puts the best interests of the students he serves first.
It is difficult to put into words how much respect I, the rest of the administrative team and members of the teaching and
paraprofessional staff at Copper Canyon have for Mr. Mitchell. Collaboration comes to him with ease as he actively listens
and is eager to find solutions. Jason shares ideas, welcomes feedback and encourages participation, all in the vein of
doing what is best for kids. He is conscientious, responsible and intelligent and his drive to have students succeed is
second to none. Not only does he exhibit uncommonly high standards in all he does, but he does so while maintaining
outstanding rapport with students, peers, the administrative team, parents, feeder schools and members of the community
as well.
Jason was born to be a leader. A character trait he has fortified through over two decades of practical experience; 10
years as a secondary school English teacher, 25 years as a coach and 15 years as a small business owner. Jason is
always studying, honing his skills and adding tools to his educator toolbox. Truly believing that all students can succeed,
Jason adjusts his work and the work of those around him ac cordingly and is unwavering in his desire to keep students
engaged, challenged, and successful. These attributes as well as his positive attitude benefitted our students and had a
great impact on our overall success at Copper Canyon. Perhaps Jasons greatest skill is that of being a change agent.
For the remainder of my career I will tell the story of what Jason has done with the Pom and Cheer program at Copper
Canyon. It is literally the best turnaround story I have ever witnessed firsthand: worthy of a movie. Ask him about it, his
humility will probably get in the way of him sharing the story. The record speaks for itself; from less than 15 team members
prior to his arrival to well over 125 team members today; the largest co-ed high school team in the entire country. There
have been performances at the Phoenix Mercury and Suns games; State Runner up finishes and National Qualifying.
Having worked in public education for almost 25 years I have a vast barometer on which to compare Jason. Unequivocally
I can say he is among the best educators Ive had the honor of working with. Despite leaving Copper Canyon for my
current position, I have continued to follow Jasons career with enthusiasm. It is without reservation that I support Jasons
move into administration. Were I to have an opening on my administrative team, I would valiantly attempt to have Jason
join our team as I am confident he would help us achieve our mission and vision. Jason is, and will continue to be, an
asset to any group he associates with. I can assure you this is one hiring decision you will not regret.
Should you have any questions or I can help Jason in any way, please contact me.

Sincerely,

Mike Waters
Principal
michael.waters@wesdschools.org
602-347-4105