Tom DeClark

Imlay City High School

1001 Norlin Drive
Imlay City, MI 48444
(810) 724-9819

April 24, 2017

To whom it may concern:

Mrs. Kelli Henderson, a student teacher who has been in Imlay City High
School has requested that I write a letter of recommendation for her. It is a pleasure
to do this for Kelli.

Kelli has been a part of our science department this entire school year and
has been an integral part of the STEM 10 th grade project on infectious diseases. She
has not only taught the Biology classes but this is the first year of this STEM project.
Our school is a part of a National, SECEP grant, and as part of the grant we must do
a school wide STEM project in ninth grade last year and tenth grade this year. Not
only did Kelli engage the students in the project she helped plan the project. The
science department met to decide what to do and she was not just along for the
ride she took an active role in, not only the planning, but what to purchase and
where would be the most economical way to purchase the materials needed for the
project. We have 3 Biology teachers who were doing this project all for the first
time and Kelli was the first one to get to it. She adapted and changed some things
on the fly that were excellent ideas and additions that the other Biology teachers
will now do when they get to the project. She also did the project in a different
order than we originally planned and her ideas helped make this project a success.

I was able to have Kelli come and observe my class room and I observed her
on several occasions and have been very impressed with her. She handled her
classes like a veteran teacher. The classroom was one of mutual respect and
genuine learning was taking place every day. Kelli graciously accepted both praise
and ideas to improve on. She not only listened to suggestions, she tried them in the
next classes showing her ability to evolve as an educator.

I, whole heartedly, recommend Mrs. Kelli Henderson, she has what it takes to
be a successful teacher. I would want my child to have her as a teacher.

Sincerely,

Tom DeClark

High School Science Department Chair

Imlay City Community Schools

(810)724-9819 tdeclark@icschools.us