College of Education

Memorial Hall 3104C

MSC 6909
395 South High Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
(540) 568-4950

To Whom This Letter May Concern:

It is with great pleasure that I submit this letter of recommendation for Amanda Goldstein. I have had the privilege of working with
Amanda as a student at James Madison University in her teacher preparation courses in the Elementary Education Program. Amanda possesses
both superior academic and personal skills that will allow her to continue to experience the success that extends beyond her years at James
Madison University. She already exemplifies the characteristics of an excellent teacher, leader, and person and would be an excellent addition
to any school faculty.
Amandas performance in her work at James Madison University is exemplary in every way. The quality of her work in unit and lesson
planning is exceptional and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of student learning and understanding. For example, in teacher
preparation courses, students are frequently asked to present developmentally appropriate lessons on various content. Amanda possesses and
demonstrates a natural ability for presenting content in such a way that is both engaging and effective in the delivery. She successfully adjusts
instruction to respond to the various levels of understanding that would be expected in an individual classroom or clinical setting. She already
has a command of copious amounts of teaching and learning strategies that will serve her well in diverse classrooms or any setting involving
children. Amandas time in Salamanca, Spain provided a rich cultural diverse teaching experience that better prepares her for the diversity in
todays classrooms. Each of these traits exceeded expectations in her student teaching placements, all three practicum placements and
microteaching exercises in her methods courses. Her hard work and commitment to teacher preparation is indicative of her dedication to
becoming a master teacher.
Amandas relentless pursuit of excellence is evident in her celebrated academic career at James Madison University including her
outstanding academic record in both her cumulative work at James Madison and her teacher education course work. Amanda is active in a
multitude of professional organizations that point to her dedication to the teaching profession and her own professional development. She is
an active member of Kappa Delta Pi. She has engaged in curriculum development through The Chandler Learning Center as well as an
academic tutor at James Madison University. These activities represent her dedication to teaching and learning.
Amandas natural movement towards leadership roles among her peers is a testament to her people skills and overall maturity. Her
magnetic personality brightens any room. Fellow students look to her as a role model and she possesses compassion and concern for her peers
that is admirable and refreshing. Amandas maturity level is well beyond her years. She approaches challenges with an upbeat, positive attitude
without letting them break her stride. You would be hard pressed to find a student that matches Amandas sincerity, compassion, intellect, and
drive to better herself and community. Amandas successful participation in classroom settings requires her to create emotionally and physically
safe environments that promote the most learning for each individual, a skill that will continue to serve her well in the public school setting.
Amandas Masters Thesis exploring the relationship between Maslows Hierarchy of Needs and reading attitudes addressed a significant issue
in education. Her decision to focus on this topic demonstrates her understanding of the current trends and issues in education.
As a current faculty member in a College of Education, I am aware of the expectations of the teaching profession and the essential
qualities for successful teaching. I believe that Amanda possesses the necessary skills to be a master teacher. As a teacher educator, she is a
student that has made a lasting impression on me. I am aware of the type of student that makes the maximum contribution to and receives the
maximum benefit from opportunities. Amanda is that type of student. It is with no reservations that I recommend Amanda for a teaching
position in your school and school division.
Sincerely,

John Almarode, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Education