January 06, 2018

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is Prof. Van Stewart BS, MS and I am contacting you to offer a letter of reference for
Ms. Brandi Simmons. I first met Ms. Simmons when she enrolled as a student in my Science
Foundations course (Sci 352 taught in 2016). I had a small class of eight students from Education and
Nursing programs. I always make a serious attempt at getting to know my students and what drives
them onward in their academic programs. Due to the small class size, I was fortunate to get to know
each student and offer them guidance and support during the course and beyond.

Very early, Ms. Simmons demonstrated a quest for knowledge and an ability to quickly utilize
concepts I introduced in class in her other courses and interactions with other students, family and
friends. She was a very quick study and it served her well in the course.

As I had taught science at elementary and high school levels prior to my collegiate career, I was
able to introduce methodologies (such as new technology adaption and multiple modes of expression)
that I used to teach younger students. I told the students that when they are in their teaching careers,
these concepts would be of use. Ms. Simmons absorbed these concepts and even discussed how she
applied them in multi-tasking her school work and job duties. Ms. Simmons was able to utilize academic
concepts almost immediately and grasped them seamlessly.

In group and lab assignments Ms. Simmons was a leader and also made sure her classmates
were not lost in the laboratory settings. I knew this skill would be of great use as she moved on to be an
instructor navigating her own courses. The labs are student led with the instructor (me) acting as a
reference. This builds self-direction and critical thinking skills in the students. Again, Ms. Simmons
excelled in this part of the course. Not only did she need little (if any) direction, she was able to assist
her fellow students when they seemed lacking or needing help.

Ms. Simmons will excel in any capacity or situation presented to her. She is a dutiful student
and hard worker. I wholeheartedly offer this letter of reference in support of her academic and
professional endeavors.

Respectfully,

Prof. Van Stewart BS, MS

Prof. Van Stewart B.S., M.S.

Science Instructor
Baker College
Cell 1-409-344-3371