Lincoln North Star High School

5801 N 33 ST
Lincoln, NE 68504
PH: (402)436-1305 Fax: (402)436-1054

January 19, 2016

Lincoln Public Schools Human Resources Department:
I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah Al-Shdifat twice: as an A student during
2007-8 in my grade 10 Biology class, and as a practicum student this fall of 2015. Both
experiences spoke to her strengths: a superb work ethic, deep interest in Biology, and a
strong drive to succeed.
Sarah puts more time into lesson plans than any pre-service teacher I have worked with in
the past 10 years. She understands the 5 Es and can incorporate them smoothly into
lessons on a wide variety of topics. She sets exacting standards for herself and makes sure
she meets them. She also sets high standards for student behavior, and has the selfconfidence to follow through with those expectations. She has great social skills, which
facilitate her excellent relationship-building with kids. She takes the time to learn and
remember their hobbies, interests, and details about their lives.
Sarah will continue her pre-service teaching at Goodrich Middle School. Assuming that
her early promise continues to be evident, I think she would make a valuable addition to
LPS science staff.
Tracie Chapo