May 31, 2015, To Whom It May Concern, It is my pleasure to recommend Danielle Capitan for a teaching position in your school. Danielle held the position of long-term substitute German teacher at Churchill High School and Frost Middle School in Livonia, Michigan while | was on maternity leave for three months. During this time, she proved herself tobe a diligent, caring, and creative teacher and mentor to my students, and she found the time and interest in making positive contributions to the World Language department as well. Danielle would be a welcome addition to any schoot's faculty. | teach five levels of German between two different schools, and while | find my job extremely fun and satisfying, | was concerned about the intensity of the planning and rigorous schedule that a substitute would have to execute in my place while | took a leave of absence. It is always difficult for a guest teacher to find his or her place in a school where the position is temporary and the students are used to, and generally fond of, their regular teacher. However, Danielle's transition into my position was smooth, and she did not shy away from the number of preps, nor was she fazed by the travel from building to building during the day. Part way through my leave, my department chair reported to me that Danielle often returned to the high school after a full day’s teaching in both schools to continue her work, staying well into the late afternoon. Danielle believes in planning high-quality lessons and offering students valuable feedback on their work in a timely fashion, and she works hard, often in her own time, to be sure that she is giving students those experiences. Upon my return to the classroom, my students and coworkers were highly complementary of Danielle. Students enjoyed her energy and enthusiasm. They found her knowledgeable, interesting, helpful, and kind. Danielle greatly improved my unit on German music for third year students by adding her own activities and materials and by incorporating new songs and artists. This class was particularly impressed with Danielle’s knowledge and commitment to delivering quality instruction in an interesting way. Italso did not go unnoticed among my coworkers how satisfied my students seemed, how diligently Danielle worked, and how easily she fit in within the schools. My colleagues went out of their way during my first week back to tell me how well my classes were run in my absence. These overwhelmingly positive reports allow me to say with confidence that Danielle would be an excellent educator in a classroom of her own, | believe that Danielle Capitan is a very conscientious, enthusiastic, and capable teacher who goes above and beyond to provide quality education for students. Knowing that she was in my classroom and teaching my students gave me a sense of ease about my work and allowed me to thoroughly enjoy that precious time with the new addition to my family. For that, | am extremely grateful. | believe she would provide you with the same sense of comfort that students are being taught as well as cared for in her classroom. Thank you for your consideration of this deserving candidate. Sincerely, Laura Shannon German Teacher Churchill High School/Frost Middle School Ishannon@livoniapublicschools.ory Icshanno@gmail.com 248-613-3697