March 19, 2019

Dear Prospective Employer:

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Michelle Alden for an elementary teaching
position in your school. I have been fortunate to work with Ms. Alden during the past
eight school years as a building colleague and teammate. Ms. Alden has served as a
third and fifth grade teacher at Willow Creek Elementary School. Initially, I was struck
with Michelle’s maturity level and self confidence. She immediately struck me as a risk
taker and a learner whose strong desire to become a teacher has, since then, been
reflected in the day to day instruction that she has provided for her young learners.
Michelle is an extremely intelligent lady who lives by her heart’s dream and aspirations.
Thus, her wise decision to become an educator has already positively affected the lives
of not only her students each year, but her colleagues, parents, and volunteers. Michelle
has demonstrated a strong commitment to high achievement levels for students and has
consistently allowed her child-centered focus to guide her as she addressed her
students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. Michelle plans a variety of higher level
thinking activities that stimulate all learners to perform at their best. I have observed
lessons that are smothered in creativity, high expectations, and yet designed to meet the
needs of remedial to gifted students. Ms. Alden clearly has a mission that involves
educating the “whole child”. Michelle is an exceptional teacher who exemplifies the best
in our young educators. She gives hope for the future of education among our young
people.

Michelle is truly dedicated to her profession as an educator. Few young teachers and
even some long time veterans fully comprehend the essence of building a collaborative
school environment, their role in this process within their grade level team, and the
impact that has far reaching implications among the entire school community; I am
certain that Michelle has this very in-depth understanding. Additionally, Michelle has
acquainted herself with the best instructional practice, assessment, and content and
curriculum that have been evident during all observations in her classroom. She ably
communicates her students’ strengths and needs to parents and specialists. Michelle
has proven her commitment to professional development by being involved in school,
district, and college level classes. A sense of initiative permeates all she does. Ms. Alden
has lead on-site professional development training programs regarding equity work. I
marvel at her enthusiasm, energy level, and tremendous dedication to the learning
process as she models being a learner first, and then a teacher for her colleagues and
students.

Ms. Alden displays excellent classroom management skills, delicately balancing the
roles of leader and coach, while always tapping into the school-home partnership to
problem solve specific issues of concern. Respect for her students and maintaining a
supportive classroom community of learners are keys to Michelle’s highly effective
programming.

I give my highest recommendation for Michelle Alden as a teacher in any school where
excellence in education is a staple, not an option! She is truly a gifted educator with
incredible potential to change the world!

Please contact me if you seek additional information concerning Ms. Michelle Alden.

Sincerely,

Undisclosed