[Signed hard-copy on Rabat American School letterhead.]
October 19, 2007
To Whom It May Concern
Catherine Calcutt Kaun was employed as a first grade teacher at Rabat American School, Rabat, Morocco, from August, 2000 through June, 2005, and from August, 2006 through the present school year. The Rabat American School is a college-preparatory, prekindergarten-12th grade day school accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Catherine is a master educator. From her first year here her contribution to the school has been characterized by outstanding instruction, leadership in school projects, full participation in the social and recreational life of the school, and insightful observation and recommendations for the good of all.
In Catherine’s classroom students work cooperatively, independently, and diligently. She has many strategies to bring out the best in each student, build each student’s self esteem, and help her students learn how to learn and be aware of their own progress. She is able to work with both native and non-native speakers, using strategies to build vocabulary, read and listen for understanding, and express their academic thinking. She has a full “toolbox” of classroom management techniques that keep students focused and on task. Her approach is positive, organized, materials-rich, and student-centered. She communicates frequently with parents about the whole child, sharing her insights and recommendations for improvement when needed. She keeps me informed of any issues that might arise, so that I can be prepared to support her efforts with parents and students.
Catherine is a leader. Over her years at RAS she has headed committees and task groups, including report card revision, Social Studies curriculum revision, and the Elementary Steering Committee from 2002-2005. Upon returning to the school she has continued as a member of the Social Studies curriculum committee and is a member of the Language Arts Across the Curriculum committee. She has a fine sense of process, and can find a way to cut through the haze and structure a task. Her colleagues are always pleased to work in any group she heads. When not leading herself, she is a supportive group member, contributing her ideas in a straightforward, up-front manner. She can be counted on to come through with anything she commits to doing.
Catherine has a high standard of professionalism. When she undertakes a task, whether it’s one she would have chosen or not, she completes it to a high standard. She has been the mentor for two student teachers and is currently working with a third master's degree candidate. She has done an unusually thorough job of meeting mentoring expectations. She worked with a new first grade teacher in 2004-05, earning that teacher’s eloquently-expressed thanks and admiration. All assistants who have worked with her have loved being in her class. She led an after-school jump rope activity for first and second graders for several years, attracting many students and putting on an impressive performance at the end.
With her husband, Matt, Catherine has participated fully in the social life of the staff. She and Matt have hosted a series of Thanksgiving dinners that have become something close to a tradition at the school. Their house is often open for “sundowners”. They are a sports-loving couple, and Catherine is a regular member of the school golfing group. They are fit and healthy.
With her wide experience in so many areas of education, her intelligence, her finely-honed skills, and her professionalism, Catherine has brought so much to our school. I recommend her without hesitation to any position in education. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you should need additional information.
Kathryn C. Morabet
Elementary Principal, Rabat American School
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