The Clinton School for Writers and Artists

th

10 East 15 Street New York, NY 10003

Phone: 212.524.4360/Fax: 212.524.4365
www.theclintonschool.net
Jonathan Levin, Principal
Cheryl Goett, Assistant Principal

Dear Committee:
I am writing to highly recommend Una Miller for a supervisory position.
Una is a master teacher, mentor and understands what it takes to run a highly successful
school. She has worked for years in an extremely competitive school District 2, one that
currently ranks number one in ELA scores in NYC, and number two in Math.
During the past decade Una she has honed her practice, mentored a range of teachers from
those whose practice was in crisis, to those who were highly effective. She helped me build a
strong and clear culture at MS 131, a place where students understood that learning and fun
were not mutually exclusive, and simultaneously continuing to build her knowledge around
Danielson, literacy in the content area, special education and social studies at NYU.
Una first came to my attention in my capacity as Assistant Principal of MS 131. As one of our
8th grade Social Studies teachers, Una worked collaboratively to craft a challenging and
innovative curriculum in U.S. History. Instead of simply writing a research paper on foreign
policy, she asks our students to make a documentary on U.S. involvement in Afghanistan.
Instead of writing a biography of an industrialist, she put capitalism on trial.
Una translated this strength in designing units to building a vertically aligned Social Studies
curricula. She has a remarkable ability to make educators feel comfortable with her support, and
as result I saw true growth in the teachers she worked with.
As an administrator, Una would immediately put her ability to build a positive school culture.
From dealing with some of the toughest students on the Lower East Side, to some of the
highest performers in NYC, Una helped make a place where students felt comfortable,
energized and enthusiastic about being part of our community.
Una truly understands what it takes to build a school that asks students to do more than
memorize facts and stay quiet. She would bring a wide range of experience and skills to working
with adults and children.
I recommend her without reservation and would be happy to discuss her qualifications by
phone. My direct number is 347.787.7069.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Levin
Principal