WESTMINSTER

HIGH SCHOOL
Home of Scholars and Champions
14325 Goldenwest Street, Westminster, CA 92683 (714) 893-1381
www.whslions.net

To Whom it May Concern,

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Ms. Kar-Men Lam for a position as a science teacher at your
high school. I have known Kar-Men for over the past year as my student teacher. As my student teacher,
Kar-Men taught two sections of biotechnology, an A-G biology course that is part of the school’s STEM
program. Biotechnology emphasizes proficient laboratory techniques, career technical skills, various
science technologies and most importantly, science literacy.

As a student teacher, Kar-Men is incredibly responsible, has classroom control, high student rapport, a
fair progressive disciplinary action and has demonstrated an ability to teach biology from the perspective
different then her own. Kar-Men made sure that everyday there were high-quality lessons for the
students doing background research and finding examples and analogies which would make the material
more applicable and relevant to the students daily lives. She scaffolds her lessons by using various
instructional strategies that engage students with great efficacy. Uniquely, Kar-Men has great experience
setting up and breaking down the multitude of labs involved in the course as well as the various
demonstrations/phenomenons shown in class. Kar-Men always ensured that the lessons were completed
and would notify me of any issues that would arise. Kar-Men performed admirably, as her students
have reported back to me. Additionally, her students appreciated her frankness and how she pushed
them to do what they needed to do.

Kar-Men has successfully collaborated with myself and other teachers in planning an NGSS aligned
curriculum, keeping a pacing guide, and organizing lab equipment/supplies. As a tech savvy individual,
Kar-Men is well versed in the use of technology in the classroom including canvas, edulastic, quizlet,
google along with various apps associated with them. Kar-Men also continues to expand her science
knowledge by continuing her education through science PDs, discussions with colleagues as well as
self-study. Kar-Men also promotes science literacy (via science news magazines and online articles)
amongst her students by using her recently acquired educational techniques and scientific knowledge to
motivate their interest in science not only as a subject but integral aspect of society.

Since teaching is not just content and knowledge disbursement but a vocation, Kar-Men has immersed
herself in the school culture, attending sporting events, chaperoning dances and even participating in the
school rally. As if teaching and all the responsibilities associated were not enough, Kar-Men stepped up
her science game and has volunteered to help mentor four groups of students for the county science fair.
She has utilized her resources to pull academic journal articles for the students helping them digest the
collegiate level technical terms in ways they can understand. Every week, she meets with each group
guiding them through the scientific investigative process without committing the cardinal sin in
teaching: giving them the answers so that their research is their own.
.
In closing, I believe Kar-Men will do an outstanding job as a science educator. She has fantastic
interpersonal skills, and is a lifelong learner of education. I believe that Kar-Men will be a fabulous asset

Huntington Beach Union High School District

Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges
to any high school that hires her, since she is personable, a team player, responsible and gets the job
done. Please, if you have questions about Kar-Men, do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Huy Pham

MERITS Teacher
AP Biology Teacher
Biotechnology Teacher
Chemistry Teacher
NHS Advisor
Westminster High School
hpham@hbuhsd.edu
714-376-1791

Huntington Beach Union High School District

Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges