Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Cara Bernard
Assistant Clinical Professor of Music Education
Neag School of Education, University of Connecticut
249 Glenbrook Road, Unit 3033
Storrs, Connecticut 06269
cara.bernard@uconn.edu

March 20, 2017

To Whom It May Concern,

It is with great pleasure that I write this recommendation for Allison Rainwater. Allison is a
student in our 5 year integrated bachelors-masters program. In the three years I have worked
with Allison I have found her to be an insightful, creative, personable, and enthusiastic
teacher and musician.

A natural teacher, Allison finds teachable moments all around her. Allison is part of an
organization called Restavec Freedom Alliance, a group which dedicates itself to providing
relief for child slavery in Haiti. A member of the board of directors, Allison leads the charge
as director of Arts and Education to outline the education portion of the organization as she
travels to Haiti twice per year. During her time there, Allison works with children, teaching
music and other skills to help them become self-sufficient as they grow older. Allison helps
the children to engage in creating music, art, all while assessing and addressing the needs of
the children in the community. Whats most impressive about Allisons work in Haiti is how
she creates meaningful experiences for children to be creative, to express themselves, and to
learn about themselves in the process.

Currently, Allison is completing her internship in a Title 1 K-8 school in Hartford. In this
role, she has created curriculum based on informal learning and popular music. Allisons
students entered the school year unable to play an instrument or arrange a piece of music.
Currently, they are performing pop hits and writing their own songs, drawing from writing
units of study in their core classrooms. Allison envisions the learning process as a
partnership between teacher and student, and considers students backgrounds, musical
tastes and knowledge when planning and teaching. It has been a pleasure to watch her
students engage as artists and critical thinkers under her guidance.

Wherever the location, children are drawn to Allison. She creates a loving, positive
environment wherever she goes. She fosters a positive and friendly relationship with
students, yet still maintains an atmosphere of rigor and good classroom management. Her
gentle nature helps to bring shy students out of their shells, and her ability to encourage
non-English speaking students to sing well and clear is commendable.

Allison Rainwater is a delightful young woman. Your school would be fortunate to have her.
She will titillate and inspire your students, as well as command respect from her peers. I
have found her a pleasure to work with, and I recommend her to you with every confidence.
If you have any questions or would like to further discuss her background, please feel free to
contact me.

With my best,