March 14, 2015

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Tina Lorenzen for the Teacher position at your school.
Tina has demonstrated her talent in being a superior educator, mentor, and teacher leader.
Tina is undoubtedly committed to the success of her students. Working in a school with high
needs and limited resources, Tina has consistently made her instruction responsive to the needs of
her students. Tina empowers her students to set academic and behavioral goals and track progress
through the use of data folders and Continuous Improvement strategies. A true facilitator of
learning, Tina implements instructional models in her classroom that allow student choice and
real-life application, while simultaneously enabling her to individualize instruction so that it is
appropriately challenging for each student. To support this dynamic, exploratory environment,
she holds her students accountable to high standards for behavior.
Tina mentors those around her not only though her expertise, but also through her selflessness
and cheerful willingness to help. Her organizational skills and attention to detail often afford her
the ability to not only complete her own duties, but assist others as well. Furthermore, Tina is
attuned to the emotional needs of her colleagues and does not hesitate to lend a listening ear, offer
a word of encouragement, or provide data-driven, research-supported instructional coaching. She
makes it her mission to ensure those around her are equipped and supported to reach their full
potential.
Tina is a gifted communicator. Both as a teacher and leader of the fourth grade team, Tina is able
to express her ideas clearly. She communicates opportunities for improvement in a delightfully
constructive way. She listens and thoughtfully considers the feelings and wishes of others. She
encourages feedback and seeks to understand before being understood. More than her words,
Tina models and practices herself what she expects from others. These outstanding qualities
resulted in her being named 2011 Elementary Teacher of the Year for the Keller Independent
School District.
For these reasons, and so many more, Tina would be an asset to your school. I am honored to give
her my wholehearted endorsement. Please contact me if you have any additional questions.
Sincerely,

Shanel Jones
4th Grade Teacher
Friendship Elementary
817-793-7411
Shanel.Jones@kellerisd.net