**Document has been edited to protect Mrs. Britt Smithsons personal information.

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To Whom It May Concern:
Please accept this letter of reference on behalf of Mrs. Amanda Di Maso. I have had the pleasure
of working with Mrs. Di Maso as her Instructional Coach through the Virginia Initiative for
Science Teaching and Achievement (VISTA) grant at Virginia Commonwealth University. The
goal of our program is to translate research-based best teaching practices into improved science
teaching at all levels. Mrs. Di Maso volunteered to participate in our program which focuses on
scientific inquiry, problem-based learning, and integrating the philosophy and nature of science
into all dealings with students. I have spent over 90 hours with Mrs. Di Maso during the current
school year, so I am intimately familiar with her work ethic and her desire to provide quality
educational opportunities to her students.
Mrs. Di Maso has superior organizational skills and a student-centered focus. Her content
knowledge is exemplary. She is open to constructive feedback, and she truly takes the time to
think about what her individual students need rather than simply what content she needs to cover
as an instructor. Her lesson planning and unit planning is excellent, and she shows great
confidence and professionalism in the classroom. Mrs. Di Maso engages her students in quality
discussions, and she makes a point of creating hands-on lab opportunities for her students that
allow them to explore scientific concepts in a realistic way.
Mrs. Di Maso incorporates technology seamlessly into her lessons. I was particularly impressed
with her willingness to try a flipped classroom model during her DNA structure and replication
unit this year. She understands the importance of appealing to a new generation of learners,
modeling key skills, and differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all her students,
particularly those students with special needs and those who are English language learners.
I have no reservations recommending Mrs. Di Maso for employment. She would be an absolute
asset to the schools faculty. Please feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions or
concerns.
Sincerely,

Britt P. Smithson
Instructional Coach
Virginia Initiative for Science Teaching and Achievement
Virginia Commonwealth University