March 11, 2016

To whom it may concern,

I am honored to write to you recommending Kerrie Emig Schoen for the position of elementary
art teacher. I have worked with Kerrie for two years at Academia de Niños, first as a fellow teacher
and currently as her Vice Principal. Last year I witnessed Kerrie’s tremendous skill with my students
as their visual arts teacher. Additionally, she and I served on our school’s Sustainability Committee.
This year I have seen Kerrie’s collaboration with all teachers throughout the school on student
behavior, the data and assessment committee, and her administering of our reading assessment. In
all of these spaces, I have come to know Kerrie as an encouraging, collaborative, constant learner.
When you step into Kerrie’s classroom you enter a space where learning comes alive through
exploration. Kerrie has created an environment where students feel safe taking risks with their
artwork. She provides everyone with structure and guidance while allowing students to discover and
find their own way. When a student presents a differing idea, she uses their inspiration and passion
to drive their development of the art skills. One example of this is when Kerrie took a student’s
sudden interest in dinosaurs and used it to develop his adaptive art lesson for that day. When
students exhibit behavioral challenges during art class, Kerrie takes the time to follow up with the
student after class and process with them on what their struggle was and how she can assist in
preventing it in the future. She also makes a point of checking in with certain students before they
come to art class to ensure they are informed of what will go on so they can work together to
anticipate any areas of difficulty. Kerrie engages with students and staff members alike with a “yes,
and” attitude that encourages each persons individuality and growth.
As a team member, Kerrie is both collaborative and supportive. This year our school adopted
a new reading assessment and asked specials teachers to come on-board with each grade level
team as assessors. Kerrie has embraced this role whole-heartedly. During our reading assessment
windows Kerrie can be seen going in and out of classrooms pulling students and huddling down with
them and a book. She uses this time not only to assess students’ reading abilities but also to build
relationships with them. Additionally, Kerrie is a member of our school’s data and assessment
committee. Although standardized assessments are not usually under the purview of a specials
teacher, she embraces the opportunity to support the staff and students in these important initiatives.
To support her students learning she integrates many mediums of art, sources of information, and
methods of expression. Moreover, she supports grade level teachers’ work by integrating math and
reading into her curriculum. Just as she encourages her students in their exploration, similarly Kerrie
never limits herself or her role. She is willing to collaborate with any staff member whether it be to
write professional development, to design art work for the school, or to lead a new dance for students.
In closing, Kerrie is a thoughtful, collaborative, team member. She has demonstrated her
commitment to students’ artistic and academic development within her classroom and her passion for
partnering with other teachers time and time again. I recommend Kerrie for the position of art teacher
with no hesitation or reservation. I believe she would make an excellent addition to your staff.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth McMillan
Vice Principal- Academia de Niños