March 7, 2016

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter strongly recommending Mr. Dane Wertz as a Social Studies teacher in
your school. I am a University Supervisor at Arizona State University, and have the
pleasure of supervising Mr. Wertz during his student teaching at Campo Verde High School
in the Gilbert Public Schools District. Mr. Wertz is student teaching in US History and World
History, and is experiencing the full complement of full-day teaching in this curriculum. He
collaborates closely with his mentor teacher, and with all his peers at the school. He
embraces all areas of responsibilities in his classroom. Based on my interactions and
observations of Mr. Wertz, I am pleased to recommend him as a teacher in any Social
Studies/History area.
Mr. Wertz is a well-organized, well-prepared teacher. He plans and implements interesting
lessons that are well-paced, challenging and that support the district curriculum and state
standards. He is very thorough and meticulous in his planning, and develops remarkable
lessons for his students. He makes good use of his instructional time through strong time
management and planning. He keeps his students engaged and attentive throughout his
lessons.
His lessons are very creative encompass multiple technology aspects and
applications. He is one of the most astute instructional planners I have seen among student
teachers.
Mr. Wertz has excellent classroom management skills. His high level of planning and
preparation set the tone for focus and achievement. He insures that all students are
engaged and participating in each lesson. He has students actively engaged, both
individually and in group settings throughout each lesson. He is comprehensive and
includes challenging work in his planning, and he has very high expectations for his
students. His students are intrigued and work hard to meet his expectations. He provides
focused feedback and support to students to assist them in achieve their learning goals.
Mr. Wertz is a strong team member in his student teaching tenure. He works collaboratively
with all teachers in his department and in other departments, and is looked upon more like
a peer than a student teacher. Mr. Wertz is keenly interested in continuing his learning, and
readily utilizes any suggestions or ideas he receives. He works very hard to foster a
collaborative learning environment for students.
I see Mr. Wertz as a strong young educator who is motivated to do an excellent job teaching
students. He is bright, well-spoken, and very capable. I recommend him without hesitation
for a teaching position in your school. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not
hesitate to call me at 480-612-5846.
Sincerely,

Brenda L. Hacker

Brenda L. Hacker
University Supervisor
Arizona State University