SAINT JOHN ACADEMY January 31,2017 Dear Administrators, Colleagues, and Fellow Teachers, ‘As the assistant principal, mentor teacher, group leader, and middle school team member at St. Andrew Catholic School in Riverton, I have had the privilege of working with Cathy Middleton over the past two years. Ms. Middleton is a dedicated, energetic, and passionate teacher. I believe she would be an excellent addition to any faculty. T met with Ms, Middleton shortly after she signed her contract. She was hired as the middle school science teacher for grades five through eight. She was eager to leam the curriculum expectations for the grades she would be teaching at the school. We discussed the curriculum standards for each grade, science fair responsibilities, and teaching strategies which she could implement. She was willing to listen to suggestions and asked many thoughtful questions to improve her understanding of the expected level of educational outcomes. Her education and experiences at the Hogle Zoo made her an invaluable addition to our school. She not only taught the students the material from the book, but was able to connect the academic concepts to real-life applications. Ms. Middleton maintains high expectations of her students and they are encouraged to be academically successful, particularly in the skills of writing, classroom behavior, and in the labs and scientific projects assigned to the students. The Science Fair, held annually at St. Andrew's, has become an enriching experience for the students. She recruited talented judges that have expertise in a wide range of scientific fields, are able to communicate positively with the students, and are always willing to return the next year. Her teaching style is dynamic and incorporates a variety of modern and traditional techniques to engage students in the learning process. She clearly communicates academic, behavior, and participation expectations to students and their families. ‘As members of the middle school team, we met weekly to discuss curriculum, teaching strategies, and concerns about students. Ms. Middleton was always prepared to participate in the meeting, She made insightful and productive suggestions for improvement within the team. She ‘was an attentive listener when advice was given and acted confidently when modifying the given advice to work within her classroom. She assisted in developing a new behavior modification plan for students which allows them to improve behavior and organizational skills while enhancing communication with parents. As a result of her professionalism, Ms. Middleton has developed a great rapport with students and faculty. Her passion for the field of science, teaching, and providing a safe and challenging atmosphere for the students is evident in every lesson she teaches. She is also willing to take on an increasing level of leadership. For example, S422 Linway Terrace, MoLean, Virginia 22101 - (703) 366-7554 + Fax: (703) 448-3811 stjohnacademy.orgSAINT JOHN ACADEMY ‘when a new teacher joined the middle school team, she freely related her recent struggles with being a new teacher and how she successfully addressed several challenging situations. She also freely shared cultural information about the school environment and described the satisfaction that comes with each successive year as a veteran teacher. thoroughly enjoyed working with her and expect her teaching career to be a continued success in the future. The students at St. Andrew School have benefitted greatly because of Ms. Middleton's presence, experience, knowledge, and excitement for teaching science. Her addition toa faculty will no doubt improve the level of education the students receive and will improve the performance of the faculty. One could not find a more talented and energetic addition to their team. ; } ELippetho cre blag rw) Elizabeth Gallagher Fifth Grade Teacher St. John Academy Former Assistant Principal St. Andrew Catholic School Gaze Linway Terrace, MoLean, Virginia 22101 + (703) 366-7554 + Fax: (708) 446-3617 ‘stjohnacademy.org