South High School

1700 E. Louisiana Ave.

Denver, CO 80210
Tel 720-423-6000
Fax 720-423-6280
www.denversouth.dpsk12.org

April 13, 2021

To the Selection Committee:

I am most pleased to write a professional letter of recommendation for my colleague, Danielle (Dani) Speed. I have known Dani
for the past seven years as we have both taught mathematics at Denver South High School. During these years, I have come to
know Dani as an excellent and dedicated educator, a true team member within the department, and a teacher who is always
willing to push herself to increase her effectiveness for all students. When Dani asked me to write a letter of recommendation for
entrance into her graduate program, I was thrilled. Dani is the type of person who will flourish in a graduate program; she will
bring years of teaching experience to ground her studies, she will elevate the level of intellectual discovery to her classmates,
and she will be respected for her love of learning. During her studies and once you confer her graduate degree, Dani Speed is
the type of person you will remember, and when she graduates, you will be proud to call Dani Speed one of your alumni.

Dani Speed has distinguished herself at Denver South High School,as an outstanding mathematics teacher. Within the
department of Mathematics, Dani’s skilled work with her students has made her a favorite of those lucky enough to have Dani as
a teacher. Dani has dedicated herself to her craft and to her students, working twelve-hour days to make sure her lessons were
the very best and were engaging to her students. Dani also made sure she was in contact with her students who needed extra
help, and she worked to make sure each of her students were receiving the very best instruction. Dani Speed has shown she
knows what it takes to be an outstanding educator, and her students have shown great progress.

When Dani Speed began her work in special education, she became the go-to teacher for students who needed specific
instructional assistance in their mathematics classes. Dani’s ability to make mathematical concepts accessible to all students has
again distinguished her as an educator who is dedicated to helping all students have access to mathematical concepts. Dani’s
work is rooted in equity, and her desire to have all students believe they have the ability to succeed in mathematics is what
motivates Dani.

Now that Dani has decided to continue her graduate work in special education, she will continue her legacy of influence. Dani
has proven she has what it takes to be an outstanding graduate student, and based on my years in my own graduate programs,
I realize that innate curiosity is the driving force behind those who succeed in their rigorous and demanding journeys toward a
master’s degree. Dani Speed lives in the world of intellectual curiosity.Through her love of sharing new ideas she has learned to
engage in intellectual conversations about mathematics and special education, Dani loves to learn, and graduate school is
where Dani shines.

Writing a letter of recommendation for Dani Speed and sharing her amazing qualities for entrance into your graduate program
was a true joy! Dani Speed is a dedicated educator, a team member who elevates and positively influences all she works with,
and a person who thrives on learning new ways to help her students. If you accept Dani Speed into your program, you will
witness an individual who will not only thrive in a rigorous academic program, but she will also positively impact the quality of
experiences and outcomes of those in her cohort and in her courses. These are the types of graduate students who have the
greatest impact not only in their programs but also in their fields, both before and after they graduate. Dani Speed is that person,
and if you select Dani for your graduate program, you will soon realize she will be one of your very best.

Sincerely,
Dr. Karmen Kirtley, Ph.D.
Denver South High School
Mathematics Department