Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Dr. David Cramer's Recommendation Letter - Matt
[Signed hard-copy on The American Community School of Abu Dhabi letterhead.]
May 21, 2000
Letter of Reference for Matt Kaun
Matt Kaun has taught at the American Community School of Abu Dhabi since August, 1994. During this time he has been employed as a Secondary Math teacher.
The American Community School of Abu Dhabi is a K-12 private school which is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. There are 280 students in the Elementary School and 340 in the Middle and High School and they represent 40 different countries. The curriculum is basically an American type and the entire school program is taught in English.
Matt is an experienced teacher and has done an excellent job teaching Math to our students. He has taught all levels of math from grade 7 to AP Calculus. Currently he is teaching Algebra 2, Pre-calculus, Calculus, and AP Calculus. He always tries to use the latest techniques and is abreast of what is happening in his field. Students like to be in his class and respect him as a person as well as a good teacher. He has the ability to work with students at all ability levels and always tries to make students comfortable with math. Matt’s most outstanding attribute is his ability to work with students. He is one of those, all too rare, math teachers who can really relate to kids.
As well as being a solid teacher, able to operate on his own, Matt is a team player. He gets along well with students, staff, parents, and the administration. He contributes outside of the classroom as well. He has coached JV boys soccer, JV academic games, and Varsity Forensics. He has volunteered to chaperone dances and field trips. He has been a member of the Strategic Plan building committee, the high school faculty council, and the National Honor Society council. Matt is always available to help whenever needed.
Matt is competent, dependable, and well-liked. He is a veteran overseas teacher and would have no problem adapting to any environment in which he might find himself. If the opportunity presents itself in the future for Matt to work for me again, I would hire him without reservation.
Sincerely,
Dr. David P. Cramer
Superintendent, American Community School of Abu Dhabi.
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John Hackworth's Recommendation Letter - Matt
[Signed hard-copy on Sayre School letterhead.]
October 11, 2000
To Whom It May Concern,
As Matt Kaun’s principal for five years at the American Community School in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, I feel well qualified to provide this recommendation. Matt first came to ACS as a middle school teacher for the 1994-95 school year. He taught 7th grade math, pre-Algebra, and Algebra I that year as well as the next. Matt came to ACS as a fairly inexperienced teacher. As is normal for very bright, energetic, and capable teachers, Matt’s learning curve was steep, and he became a better teacher as each month passed. He made adjustments in his teaching style to accommodate the middle school mentality, and it wasn’t long until his “Math Zone” was the place to hang out for cool middle schoolers.
However, when a position became available in the high school to teach Algebra I and II and Geometry, Matt was eager to give this a try. He enjoyed a very positive relationship with the head of the math department who became his mentor. While Matt learned many things from Mr. Kranz, he still kept his own special ways of doing things which were often modifications of things that he had found to be particularly effective at the middle school level. In my evaluation remarks to Matt at the end of his first year in the high school, I said the following, “How fortunate for the High School that you were eager and willing to move from the Middle School into a High School math position. Any program is only as good as its teachers, and the strength of our math program is an indication of not only your level of expertise, but your positive attitude and genuine concern for students. It is that genuineness that in the end creates the strongest atmosphere for learning. Your concern is evident not only to me, but also to your students. A wise teachers once said to me, ‘A student doesn’t care what you know until they know that you care.’ Your willingness to work with students before school, during lunch, and after school, as well as in class, tells students that you care.”
Matt’s daily quizzes and his willingness to work with students who were “not getting it” throughout the day as well as after school are factors that make him such an excellent teacher. There was never any doubt that Matt had the success of his students foremost in his approach as he presented lessons and followed through with additional help.
Outside the classroom when we could keep matt from bicycling 20 or 30 miles a day, he did an excellent job as the Junior Varsity Academic Games sponsor. He did this for all the years he worked with me, and he had many very successful teams. Matt also assisted with the forensics program as the school developed this opportunity for interested students. Matt’s willingness to assist in the forensics program is very telling of his enthusiasm and eagerness to help. He had little knowledge of forensics, but he was eager to see that our students had this opportunity, so he volunteered to assume responsibility for a portion of the program.
In summary, I have had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Kaun develop into a superior teacher. If given the opportunity, I would hire Matt more quickly than any other math teacher with whom I have ever worked. He will contribute the combination of high academic standards and enthusiasm to any faculty and math department. I can recommend Matt Kaun without any reservations.
Sincerely,
John W. Hackworth
High School Principal, American Community School of Abu Dhabi
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October 11, 2000
To Whom It May Concern,
As Matt Kaun’s principal for five years at the American Community School in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, I feel well qualified to provide this recommendation. Matt first came to ACS as a middle school teacher for the 1994-95 school year. He taught 7th grade math, pre-Algebra, and Algebra I that year as well as the next. Matt came to ACS as a fairly inexperienced teacher. As is normal for very bright, energetic, and capable teachers, Matt’s learning curve was steep, and he became a better teacher as each month passed. He made adjustments in his teaching style to accommodate the middle school mentality, and it wasn’t long until his “Math Zone” was the place to hang out for cool middle schoolers.
However, when a position became available in the high school to teach Algebra I and II and Geometry, Matt was eager to give this a try. He enjoyed a very positive relationship with the head of the math department who became his mentor. While Matt learned many things from Mr. Kranz, he still kept his own special ways of doing things which were often modifications of things that he had found to be particularly effective at the middle school level. In my evaluation remarks to Matt at the end of his first year in the high school, I said the following, “How fortunate for the High School that you were eager and willing to move from the Middle School into a High School math position. Any program is only as good as its teachers, and the strength of our math program is an indication of not only your level of expertise, but your positive attitude and genuine concern for students. It is that genuineness that in the end creates the strongest atmosphere for learning. Your concern is evident not only to me, but also to your students. A wise teachers once said to me, ‘A student doesn’t care what you know until they know that you care.’ Your willingness to work with students before school, during lunch, and after school, as well as in class, tells students that you care.”
Matt’s daily quizzes and his willingness to work with students who were “not getting it” throughout the day as well as after school are factors that make him such an excellent teacher. There was never any doubt that Matt had the success of his students foremost in his approach as he presented lessons and followed through with additional help.
Outside the classroom when we could keep matt from bicycling 20 or 30 miles a day, he did an excellent job as the Junior Varsity Academic Games sponsor. He did this for all the years he worked with me, and he had many very successful teams. Matt also assisted with the forensics program as the school developed this opportunity for interested students. Matt’s willingness to assist in the forensics program is very telling of his enthusiasm and eagerness to help. He had little knowledge of forensics, but he was eager to see that our students had this opportunity, so he volunteered to assume responsibility for a portion of the program.
In summary, I have had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Kaun develop into a superior teacher. If given the opportunity, I would hire Matt more quickly than any other math teacher with whom I have ever worked. He will contribute the combination of high academic standards and enthusiasm to any faculty and math department. I can recommend Matt Kaun without any reservations.
Sincerely,
John W. Hackworth
High School Principal, American Community School of Abu Dhabi
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Dr. Tim Hansen's Recommendation Letter - Matt
[Signed hard-copy on The American Community School of Abu Dhabi letterhead.]
May 13, 1998
Letter of Recommendation for Matt Kaun
To Whom It May Concern,
I am fortunate to have the opportunity to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of Matt Kaun, who is currently employed at the American Community School of Abu Dhabi (ACS), in the United Arab Emirates. ACS is a major international school serving the expatriate community of Abu Dhabi, and is a school that enjoys a tremendous reputation, both locally and internationally. Since working with Matt at ACS for the past four years, he has taught seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade math.
It is a pleasure to describe Matt’s many fine personal and professional qualities. He is intelligent, caring, responsible, energetic, multitalented and resourceful. He maintains a very high standard of professionalism and effectively combines his positive attitude, energy, humor, and knowledge to gain the highest level of respect from students, parents, administrators, and colleagues. Matt is extremely well organized, establishes an emotionally safe environment for his students, encourages his students to put forth their best effort, and is a superior role model. He is held in high regard at ACS and I greatly appreciated his many valuable contributions.
As an educator, Matt can be described as a “master teacher”. He maintains high, yet achievable academic standards. He implements meaningful educational practices, and is a successful motivator of students. He is an effective team member and works exceptionally well with others. In addition to his many talents as a teacher, Matt contributes to the school in the following ways: JV Academic Games advisor; JV soccer coach; debate and forensics coach; and a volunteer in a number of activities that add to the total school program. Matt is also recognized in the community for putting in countless volunteer hours to work with students by providing extra help. It is common knowledge that he is always available before and after school to give additional instructional assistance. He is also extremely active in contributing to a positive school environment by his words and actions. He is a joy to work with and a valuable member of the faculty.
It is truly a privilege to work with Matt. He is an excellent person and teacher. I give him my highest recommendation for your consideration. Based on his outstanding work, I would aggressively seek to employ Matt in the future. I am absolutely confident that he will make a positive and significant difference in your organization.
Sincerely,
Tim Hansen, Superintendent, American Community School of Abu Dhabi
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May 13, 1998
Letter of Recommendation for Matt Kaun
To Whom It May Concern,
I am fortunate to have the opportunity to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of Matt Kaun, who is currently employed at the American Community School of Abu Dhabi (ACS), in the United Arab Emirates. ACS is a major international school serving the expatriate community of Abu Dhabi, and is a school that enjoys a tremendous reputation, both locally and internationally. Since working with Matt at ACS for the past four years, he has taught seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade math.
It is a pleasure to describe Matt’s many fine personal and professional qualities. He is intelligent, caring, responsible, energetic, multitalented and resourceful. He maintains a very high standard of professionalism and effectively combines his positive attitude, energy, humor, and knowledge to gain the highest level of respect from students, parents, administrators, and colleagues. Matt is extremely well organized, establishes an emotionally safe environment for his students, encourages his students to put forth their best effort, and is a superior role model. He is held in high regard at ACS and I greatly appreciated his many valuable contributions.
As an educator, Matt can be described as a “master teacher”. He maintains high, yet achievable academic standards. He implements meaningful educational practices, and is a successful motivator of students. He is an effective team member and works exceptionally well with others. In addition to his many talents as a teacher, Matt contributes to the school in the following ways: JV Academic Games advisor; JV soccer coach; debate and forensics coach; and a volunteer in a number of activities that add to the total school program. Matt is also recognized in the community for putting in countless volunteer hours to work with students by providing extra help. It is common knowledge that he is always available before and after school to give additional instructional assistance. He is also extremely active in contributing to a positive school environment by his words and actions. He is a joy to work with and a valuable member of the faculty.
It is truly a privilege to work with Matt. He is an excellent person and teacher. I give him my highest recommendation for your consideration. Based on his outstanding work, I would aggressively seek to employ Matt in the future. I am absolutely confident that he will make a positive and significant difference in your organization.
Sincerely,
Tim Hansen, Superintendent, American Community School of Abu Dhabi
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