To Whom it May Concern:

My name is Michael Goins and I am writing this letter of recommendation for a teaching
position on behalf of Ms. Sarah Pottle. As the former principal of Ellicott Mills Middle School, I
was Sarah's immediate supervisor over a three year period. In that time I observed Sarah, in her
role as Grade Eight English teacher, demonstrate consistently excellent results with her
students. She accomplished this by learning about her students and how they learned best. She
tirelessly worked on lesson plans that would engage students and challenge them to think. Her
knowledge of English is exceptional and her ability to create meaningful lessons is exemplary.
She was also given the assignment of teaching our Gifted and Talented English classes where I
observed Sarah consistently challenge our brighter students to excel at literature and writing.
Sarah worked well with colleagues and modeled collaborative planning with the English
department at Ellicott Mills Middle School. I actually used a videotaped collaborative planning
session of Sarahs at a Principals meeting to demonstrate what collaborative planning looks like
when it is working well. Her relationship with parents was very positive and she included parents
in their children's learning through consistent and effective communication. During her tenure at
Ellicott Mills Middle School, Sarah achieved the status of National Board Certified Teacher. I
assure you Sarah exemplifies the standards and expectations associated with National Board
Certification.
In summary, Ms. Sarah Pottle is a competent, reliable, innovative teacher who makes a
positive difference in the lives of all children she teaches. I would highly recommend hiring
Sarah for a teaching position.
Michael Goins
Michael Goins
Professional Development School Liaison
Towson University, Towson, Maryland
mgoins@towson.edu