February 28, 2015

To Whom It May Concern:

Mr. Michael Kennedy has requested that I write this letter of reference for him to build his file. I feel
much honored to be able to do this. I currently am employed by the Dubuque Community School
District as a high school language arts instructor. My current position is freshman English and am
presently in the Connect Program. Mr. Kennedy was hired for the World Cultures opening in our
program three years ago, of which I was the interviewer of this position. Upon meeting Mr. Kennedy, I
was impressed by his credentials and experience. His portfolio proved to be exemplar through his
pedagogy in the classroom.
Our program (The Connect Program) provides added support for students who are at-risk. Mr. Kennedy
has shown true leadership within the classroom and the program. Mr. Kennedy has adopted the role of
team mentor through student engagement. While taking on various tasks, he sets up meeting times to
create lesson plans, is involved in student incentives and helps to create an environment conducive to
learning. When we (teachers of the program) are struggling with ideas, Mr. Kennedy demonstrates true
leadership through discussion and collaboration using new avenues and experiences.
In especially three areas, Mr. Kennedy demonstrates extremely strong capabilities. These include his
ability to establish a strong rapport with all of his students, his ability to immediately establish a strong
sense of discipline within the classroom, and, finally, his ability to learn and grow from the experiences
that he has within the classroom. Mr. Kennedy also shares his experiences and knowledge with other
colleagues both in the program and across disciplines.
In closing, I will say that having Mr. Kennedy as part of our program has truly been a pleasure. I have
grown as both a teacher and a mentor because of his fresh ideas and eagerness to engage those around
him. If there is a problem, Mr. Kennedy is one that I confide in to help find a solution. Dubuque
Community School District has gained a treasure when adding him to our faculty.

Respectfully submitted,

Theresa Cheever
Dubuque Community School District
Dubuque, Iowa 52001