Teacher Education Academy at Clark High

4291 Pennwood Ave. Las Vegas, Nevada 89102 (702-799-5800) January 29, 2013

To Whom It May Concern, I have known Heather Svihl (Ragan) since she was my student in the T.E.A.C.H. Magnet Program and I was her Internship supervisor. There are not enough words to describe what an outstanding, inspiring, and dedicated educator she is today. There are three words that immediately come to mind when speaking of Heather: Compassion, Thoroughness and Inspiration. I can personally attest that Heather is caring, kind and generous to everyone. She has a knack of knowing how to look at a person or child, and know what they need. She then uses her arsenal of intuitive skills and knowledge to find a way to make their day. Every task given to Heather, academically and socially, is completed thoroughly. She prepares, does the research, plans and organizes a sequential and detailed plan of action and follows-through with self-reflection with the purpose of improving her performance for the benefit of her target group. Heather runs on pure optimism and a healthy positive attitude that is inspiring. Life has not stopped Heather from achieving all her goals; in fact, she has made early motherhood, marriage, and career work splendidly together in a balanced and synchronized performance. I am always amazed how she perseveres through any challenge with results that exceed expectations every time. Heather is a strong and confident educator. She has the ability to work with everyone and to keep professionalism in all her endeavors. She is a natural educator, as I have supervised her work in the elementary classroom. She is efficient, effective and innovative. She knows how to engage children, differentiate her lessons to meet all the special needs of her students. She is equally adept at working with English Language Learners as well as students with learning disabilities. Much of her ability to do this relies upon her instinctive compassion towards others and her commitment to learn and study many strategies to address the challenges that face her. Heather has always faced challenges with the love of learning and

used her knowledge to help others. I have full confidence that no matter where Heather is placed, she will accomplish greatness in promoting the best academic achievement in her students. I highly recommend Heather for this position. She will be a valued asset for your organization. Sincerely,

Joanne E. Ho
Joanne E. Ho Teacher Education Academy at Clark High (T.E.A.C.H.) Magnet Program Clark County School District Equity and Diversity Education Advisory Team PDK Las Vegas, Chapter 1113 Milken NV 03 jeho@interact.ccsd.net