Thursday, November 8, 2018

George Hoeppner's Recommendation Letter - Catherine

[Signed hard-copy on Dhahran Hills Elementary letterhead]

October 3, 2018

To Whom it May Concern-

I write this Letter of Recommendation having had the wonderful opportunity to work with Catherine Kaun for the past four years at Dhahran Hills School in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.  In that time I was amazed by the classroom environment Catherine established, enjoyed each and every one of our collegial conversations, and loved visiting her classroom and watching her perfecting her craft.  Catherine’s classroom is one that we would all love for our own children to be in and one of the reasons it is so easy to write her a glowing letter.

Within seconds of entering Catherine’s classroom it becomes apparent that she is where she belongs.  The manner in which she presents material and the ensuing conversations with students are heartfelt, uplifting, and positive.  Her students know they are cared for and know that they reside in an environment where they can take chances and feel safe.  There is a calm in her room that can only be brought about from a teacher who has set clear expectations, has faith in her students, and is willing to let her students color outside of the lines from time to time.  I would place Catherine’s classroom management and ability to set a classroom environment as two of her greatest skills.

One of my greatest enjoyments in working in schools is the opportunity for each of us to grow in our profession through dialogues with colleagues.  I would place Catherine right at the top for people who have helped me grow and who I have most enjoyed my conversations.  She is able to discuss educational topics and challenge convention while doing so in a thoughtful, professional manner.  Her ability to carry on these discussions while maintaining respect for everyone present are one of the reasons that she is such a respected member of our team and the school at large.  Any school would benefit from having Catherine on staff and working with colleagues throughout the building.

Throughout the year I had the opportunity to be in Catherine’s classroom many times and see her lessons carried out.  It is clear that she has taken all of her students’ needs and abilities into account and has thought through what steps need to be taken to reach the end goal.  Her lessons flow with equal amounts laughter and rigor, challenge and success, and students feel better about themselves for having been a part of that day’s lesson.  The effortless nature with which she teaches belies the time and work that go into her lessons, something evident when discussing her lessons with her afterwards.  Her room is an extremely enjoyable stop on a tour of our building, filled with smiling faces and engaged minds.

It is without hesitation that I give Catherine Kaun my highest recommendation and wish her the best in all future endeavors.
Sincerely,

Andy Hoeppner
Associate Principal, Dhahran Hills School
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

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Friday, October 19, 2018

Christine Ahrens's Recommendation Letter - Catherine


[Original Letter emailed to us.  We are trying to get an original on Yangon International School Letterhead.]


October 30, 2018

Letter of Recommendation for Catherine Kaun


To Whom It May Concern,

It is my honor and privilege to recommend Catherine Kaun for an elementary teaching position.  As principal of Yangon International School (YIS), I had the privilege of supervising Catherine as she taught first and second grade at YIS. During all formal and informal observations Catherine displayed professionalism, enthusiasm, and exceptional pedagogical skills.

Catherine is a dynamic teacher who tirelessly works to provide students many opportunities for experiential, hands-on learning. Catherine always makes herself available to students before and after school when they need extra help, and she always has been quick to respond to concerned parents who want to schedule conferences.

Catherine is always organized and well-prepared for class. She sets exceptionally high standards and expectations for every student in her classes, and provides them with clear, written objectives on the material to be mastered. Catherine has a talent for engaging students in compelling discussions, motivating them to be inquisitive and think outside the box. She is a caring and compassionate teacher who genuinely wants every student to succeed and reach their maximum potential.

A well-liked, charismatic, creative and well respected teacher, Catherine is committed to ensuring academic and social success to each of her students. On a consistent basis, Catherine has demonstrated exceptional classroom management and develops a positive rapport with students, colleagues and parents.

Without reservation, Catherine has my highest recommendation for any elementary position.  Please feel free to contact me should you need and further information.

Sincerely,
Christine Ahrens