[Signed hard-copy on Dhahran Middle School letterhead.]
August 6, 2018
To whom it may concern,
August 6, 2018
To whom it may concern,
Re: recommendation letter for Matt Kaun
The purpose of this letter is to highlight Matt’s qualities as a Mathematics educator and as a member of our Dhahran School Math team. I have known Matt for five years in my capacity as Instructional Coach for Mathematics at the Dhahran School. During this time, Matt has taught our Algebra course to grade 8 students. We have had numerous opportunities to co-plan, co-teach, discuss best practices, co-engage in/ co-lead professional development and observe/ discuss individual aspects of instruction and learning.
Matt is an excellent mathematics educator; he facilitates best practices in his instruction and planning, he engages students in the Mathematical Practices (processes) and plans well to address different abilities, learning styles and to increase engagement among students. He facilitates rich tasks, asks questions that promote connection-making and meaningful discourse and creates a safe and comfortable environment for productive struggle. In particular, Matt promotes a growth mindset for all his students (and for himself as an educator) and encourages them to take on challenges; in this regard, Matt has been a driving force in facilitating math contests and challenges for all our students.
While he will admit he is not perfect, he is dedicated to improving as an educator, he solicits feedback, he shares ideas with colleagues, invites me regularly to work with him, and reflects continuously; all the attributes of an exceptional educator. More recently, he continues to work me with me on co-sponsoring a district-wide mathematics tournament, he shared strategies for increasing engagement with colleagues, he facilitated co-teaching/ peer feedback with others in his team, and implemented new classroom strategies to ensure his instruction was differentiated to meet the needs of all learners; I love walking into Matt’s classroom.
Above all else, Matt is a wonderful man. He is mild-mannered, approachable and compassionate with his students and colleagues. He actively seeks opportunities to help others in the Math department and throughout the school. On numerous occasions, I have leaned on him to support me with math projects, service-learning activities, and other tasks. With Matt, you know he will do his best and immerse himself in the task whole heartedly. As a result of his personal character, he is very well liked and respected by students, staff and parents.
As a Mathematics Instructional Coach, I have appreciated Matt’s active role in collaborating with peers, in following through on department goals and in striving to improve mathematics instruction and learning not only for his own students but for all students at our school. I am certain Matt would add great value to any Mathematics department he becomes a part of. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions.
Sincerely,
Riyaz Ismail
Instructional Coach for Mathematics
