July 10, 2015

Concordia University
Portland, Oregon
Human Resources Professional:
I am writing this letter of reference for Cory Leatham. As his supervisor for student
teaching at Concordia University-Portland, I have had the privilege of working with Cory
as he was teaching English Language Arts at the middle school level. It was clear from
the beginning that Cory is passionately committed not only to the content he teaches, but
to his students learning, their learning processes, and their ability to apply what they
have learned to their lives both inside and outside her classroom.
Cory is outstanding at lesson planning and delivery. He was always well prepared,
creative, and flexible in developing lessons. Cory has demonstrated an excellent ability
to facilitate whole group, small group, and individualized learning. Cory has excellent
classroom management skills that may take other teachers years to achieve. He also has
excellent professional relationships with students, and the ability to make relevant and
real life connections to students learning.
Cory will always be a positive part of school staff, and he will make an excellent addition
to the teaching staff of any school so fortunate as to employ him. He is consistently
positive and always willing to participate in other duties in addition to teaching. I
observed Cory often assisting student who needed extra help. He has shown a desire to
be a part of any and all parts of his students lives by spending additional time before and
after school to assist students with homework, listening to student concerns, and
attending student activities. It is clear that Corys passion for teaching and creativity as a
teacher will make him a valuable asset to any school so fortunate as to employ him.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Respectfully yours,

Chet Edwards
Chet Edwards, Ed.D.
University Supervisor
503-866-6289
chetedwards5@gmail.com