Palencia Elementary School

355 Palencia Village Drive

St. Augustine, Florida 32095
April 23, 2015

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this recommendation on behalf of Katrina Worthington, a third grade teacher at Palencia
Elementary School. I have known Katrina since she was a Flagler College practicum student in my music
room at Mill Creek Elementary School in 2007-2008. I am not exaggerating when I say that she was by
far the best practicum student I have ever had; I am also not exaggerating when I say that she is now
one of the best teachers with whom I have ever had the good fortune to work.
Katrinas work ethic puts others to shame she leaves no stone unturned, no avenue undiscovered in
her efforts on behalf of her students. She is tireless and determined to ensure the success of every
child, no matter how challenging that may prove to be. She is loyal, professional and amazingly
indefatigable in her dedication to her lifes passion: educating children. As wonderful as she is with
children, she also has the gift of being able to share her knowledge with other teachers in such a way
that she is frequently sought out for new ideas and concepts; there is no hesitation on the part of others
to reach out to her because her manner is so kind and courteous.
Palencia Elementary School is unique due to its Green status and high-tech environment. Katrina not
only embraces these elements as part of the day-to-day school operations, but also in her personal life.
For a teacher who regularly arrives at work by or before 7:00am and often leaves at or after 5:00pm, she
also manages to donate her time and talents to Sea Turtle Rescue and Beach Preservation. Her
students, by extension, become well-versed in our local ecosystem and efforts to care for our natural
wonders. Katrina has created relationships with many partners in our National Parks system and
regularly Skypes with her class to educate them on the current state of affairs all over our country in
respect to wildlife and protected lands.
She is also a lover and promoter of the arts, and in the five years she has been a teacher has worked
with the drama clubs at each of her schools to produce plays and musicals for the students to perform in
and enjoy. Katrina does this after school, without compensation, because she knows how important
and vital it is to provide the children with a performance opportunity and experience. She is the
embodiment of the Character Counts pillars: if she says something will get done, it does. If she commits
herself to a project, she gives 110% of herself to it. She is respectful to her students, their families, her
peers and her supervisors. She exemplifies what it means to be a caring citizen. She is responsible and
trustworthy in all she does. There is nothing she would not do for her students, her school or her
community.
I consider it a great privilege to call her my coworker and my friend. In my humble opinion, she would
be an excellent asset to any school district fortunate enough to employ her.

Sincerely,

Kate Dowdie
Music Teacher
Palencia Elementary School