September 28", 2017 To whom it may concern: | have known Marina for several years, as her high school science teacher, and more recently as her instructor in a secondary science curriculum course at the University of Alberta. It was here that | saw her teach a number of times. Marina was always poised and prepared, and earned top marks not only for the teaching but also her thorough curriculum work. Of course, like any new teacher, she will learn a lot about the vocation we call teaching, but she is eager, so | know that will not be a problem. There is something different about her that you should know, though. I had to watch her more than once to figure out what it was that was different about her teaching. Some teachers naturally exude confidence — well, she has that; some a strong grasp of the subject matter — has that too, as well as the other things one needs to be a good teacher. No, she teaches with something very rare and special: Joy. | know, | know... seems a little odd at first, but just watch her teach a class for you and you'll see what | mean. The joyous energy is there — here is someone who truly loves to teach, and when that hits her students? Wow. Her classes will be amazing. Her students will be mesmerized. Marinas’ positive energy will be infectious, and you well know how important and rare that is. I've been a teacher for 31 years (now semi-retired), and Science department head for 27 of those, and | think I've only seen this once or twice in my career. My advice is to hire her quick, you will have no regrets. Sincerely, Kevin Engel 780-902-6347 9026347@gmail.com