April 1, 2021

To Whom It May Concern:

I can put this simply: Ashley Sherrod is one of the more capable and inspirational teachers I have encountered in my
twenty-two years of public and collegiate level teaching. Several years ago, I had the opportunity to work with her
when she began teaching in the summer preschool program, which I oversee. From the start of that summer, it
became clear to me that she is an exceptional teacher who could not better prepare her students for kindergarten. The
positive relationships she fosters with and between her students creates a healthy classroom culture where students
feel safe, and free to learn from their mistakes. She is one of those teachers you hope your own child gets.

As time passed, Ashley started assisting with administrative duties throughout the building. I thought I recognized a
bright and capable young woman whom I would be able to work with well in this capacity. Little did I know. . . As
our working-relationship grew, and her instructional innovation and ability to work with people became more
apparent, I started to wonder if I had just as much to learn from her as any of the staff we were leading.

It did not take long for my muses to find answers. And, once they did, I was inspired and downright amazed by her
innovation and level of commitment to the school division. I continue to collaborate with Ashley on a number of
division level initiatives such as curriculum design, benchmark testing and, most recently, online learning modules
during the COVID 19 pandemic.

I have spoken with Ashley over the years about her career goals. She recently completed her administration and
supervision endorsement and is now applying for an administration position in your division. I could not be more
confident in my recommendation of her. Over the course of our relationship, I have seen firsthand the strong leader
that she is, and I have no doubt she will be an asset to your organization.

One can look at her resume and see the seemingly endless list of awards and commendations she has achieved thus
far in her career. What one cannot see on her resume is the fine person that she is. Mrs. Sherrod displays the steadfast
interpersonal skills and acute levels of emotional intelligence that are necessary for a school administrator to possess.
Ashley is a committed worker who will put in the time and effort necessary to move your school to the next level of
teaching and learning. I could not recommend her to you with more enthusiasm. Please feel free to contact me if you
would like to discuss her qualifications further.
 Sincerely,

Dr. Joseph A. Douglas

Instructional Specialist
Coordinator of Gifted Education
“The City of Colonial Heights where quality education is a step ahead”