Ridge Circle Elementary School 420 Ridge Circle Streamwood, IL 60107-1710 Tel: 630.213.5600 Fax: 630.213.

9407 Neal Siegellak, Principal U-46.org

August 25, 2013 To whom it may concern: I am delighted to write this letter on behalf of Jeff McHugh. Jeff is currently a district instructional coach for teaching and learning. He also recently was the Library Media Specialist at Greenbrier Elementary School where Jeff and I taught second grade together for three years. I have observed Jeff in a variety of instructional and professional settings. His knowledge of ageappropriate curriculum, his commitment to education, and his ability to collaborate with people make Jeff the type of person who will excel and contribute extensively to the courses of study at National Louis University. In twelve years of teaching, Jeff has understood the process for developing educational curriculum. Most recently, Jeff has been a proponent of the Understanding by Design curriculum planning process, whereby instruction begins with the learning outcome in mind. Jeff is effective in aligning assessments with the learning outcomes for lessons. He has worked with colleagues to develop teachers collective skills in building effective curricula. Whether teaching or being involved in another aspect of his community Jeff dedicates himself fully to his commitments. As a teacher, Jeff is one of the first people to arrive at school. His preparation for lessons is meticulous. He seeks opportunities to research the best practices to use in education and he has facilitated workshops for other teachers to develop their skills. Jeff is a collaborative professional. He and I met weekly to plan lessons and he demonstrated the ability to use resources available to reach consensus on the best direction to follow. When more information is needed, Jeff was often the one to do the research or obtain materials. He models an empathetic style in working with both children and adults. As a member of the Principal Selection Committee Jeff worked with colleagues to develop criteria for effective leaders and to interview and select the schools principal. Due to Jeffs background in education and his ability to work well with people, I strongly recommend Jeff for the Principalship Program at National Louis University. Please call 630-2135602 if I can be of further assistance. Sincerely,

Neal Siegellak Principal, Ridge Circle School