March

17th, 2015


To Whom It May Concern,

It is a pleasure to write a letter of recommendation for Esther Hopkin, who is
seeking employment as a dance teacher in the public school environment. Esther is
an incredibly accomplished and conscientious young woman and will make
considerable contributions, not only as a dance teacher, but also as a citizen of the
school wherein she teaches.

I have known and worked with Esther for approximately 4 years. During that time I
have been her teacher in several classes and settings, from a rigorous anatomy class
to a more practice-based teaching methodologies course, to a performance setting.
In all instances I have found Esther to be an engaged learner, willing to think
critically and ask probing questions. Her thirst for knowledge and learning leads her
to create a consistently stellar product, whether it be a research paper, dance
curriculum, lesson plan, or movement and choreography. In all of these settings,
Esther excels.

Through substantial teaching opportunities with both elementary and secondary
students, Esther has honed and refined her skills to become an accomplished
teacher. She instructs children, adolescents and young adults with finesse while
demonstrating understanding of their differing developmental needs. She teaches
with clear knowledge of the theoretical content of dance; and understands how to
deliver it in ways that will engage diverse learners. As evidenced through her
successful student teaching placement in a Title I school that houses the most
diverse population of learners in the state, Esther is well prepared to handle a
variety of challenges. In all instances, her compassion and regard for her students
are evident.

Esther is a leader and a collaborator, traits that she demonstrates consistently
among her peers and in working with students. She is persuasive and positive while
holding others to the same high standards of excellence that she expects of herself.

In her role in the presidency of DancEnsemble (a student-led performing company),

Esther demonstrated impressive leadership skills in situations that required her to
make decisions involving her peers. In all instances she acted with integrity.

I have no doubt that Esther will be a positive addition to any school that chooses to
hire her. She will teach and lead with a clear vision for what a dance arts education
can offer; and she will work to build a program that produces excellence and
commands respect. She will be an inspiring role model for the young students she
teaches and will contribute as a citizen of the school. I recommend her with
confidence in her capacity to inspire excellence in all who work with her.

Sincerely,



Pamela S. Musil, Professor
Contemporary Area Head
Department of Dance
Brigham Young University
pam_musil@byu.edu
901.422.4873