SUSAN A. SANDHOLM-PETERSEN, MS. ED; NBCT A.

National Board Certified Teacher

World Languages/German Instructor
Waukee Middle School
Waukee, IA 50263
spetersen@waukee.k12.ia.us
515-987-5177

March 15, 2015

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am pleased to share with you my experiences and observations of Ms. Ana-Cara Van Dycks
professional qualifications. As her university language methods instructor, I can attest that Ms.
Van Dycks exceptional skills in language acquisition, commitment to student learning, and
research-based teaching practices provide her with outstanding credentials for a teaching
position.
Ms.Van Dyck demonstrated competence in a variety of research-based teaching approaches
during the World Languages Methods course practical application. She showed her thorough
understanding of the process of language acquisition, and rapidly attained skill in applying that
theory through techniques such as Total Physical Response and TPRS (Storytelling). She
created sample lesson plans which provided scaffolded lessons for students, using Spanish
language in context to guide students to success in understanding the language and working
towards mastery of Spanish listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. She readily accepted
suggestions and made every effort to learn new techniques and to try suggested approaches, but
also designed her own creative activities. Her lesson plans were standards-based, thorough and
organized, with clearly stated goals and objectives. During her coursework with me, Ms.Van
Dyck demonstrated careful preparation, superb content knowledge, and an outstanding ability to
organize instruction and to create a student-centered learning environment. She especially
showed her commitment to students and their learning, embedding elements in her lesson
planning and delivery to allow for learning accommodations, re-teaching, and teaching
extensions, to ensure that all her students could achieve at high levels.
As a National Board Certified Teacher, I support high standards in every aspect of teaching and
learning. I know that Ms. Ana-Cara Van Dyck has this same vision, as well as outstanding skills
to make that a reality, and on that basis, I can unreservedly recommend her to you. I am
confident that her teaching skills and professional commitment will be a valuable addition to the
students, teachers, parents, and community members in any school district.

Sincerely yours,

Susan A. Sandholm-Petersen
Susan A. Sandholm-Petersen, M.S.ED
National Board Certified Teacher