May 17, 2021

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Taylor Dody as a candidate for

a Virginia Beach City Public Schools teaching contract upon completion of
her studies at Longwood University. As one of my AVID students for the
last 3 years, Taylor is a student who demonstrates strong organizational
and academic skills in the AVID classroom, during AVID activities, and in
her rigorous coursework. She is a self-starter and a determined individual
when she sets her mind to do something, and she will follow it through to
the end successfully. Taylor easily shares her ideas with others when
needed, and typically takes a leadership role within her group when placed
in a collaborative setting. I was fortunate to see her mature over the last 3
years and watch as Taylor challenged herself by taking AP Human
Geography, AP Biology, AP Psychology, and AP Environmental Science as
well as Honors and AP English classes in tenth grade through senior year.
With her career aspiration to be an elementary school teacher, Taylor
participated in the Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow program for two years
and has thrived as she realized this is her calling. She regales me with
stories of her experiences in her John B. Dey placement and often may ask
for advice on how to work with a particular student. She is constantly
trying to learn and improve the delivery of the instruction she gives when
working with these elementary students. It has been a joy to watch her
gain confidence in her desire to be the best student teacher she can be. I
have no doubts that this drive and determination to learn and excel will
continue as she begins her education studies at Longwood University in the
Fall.

Outside of the classroom, Taylor has also come into her own with her
extracurricular activities which include her position as the first AVID Club
President, Historian for the German Club, and her involvement with
numerous AVID events like our annual Blood Drive, Boo Bash, and
Homecoming Bonfire events. She has been an active member in the
following clubs or activities while at Cox: VTFT Citywide Leadership
Symposium, Beach Buddies, Cox Leadership Workshop, German Honor
Society, Care by Community, and Operation Smile. She was one of the
students selected to travel to Stuttgart, Germany in the summer of 2019 to
visit Cox High School’s sister school. Just recently, her hard work and
dedication in her VTFT internship with John B. Dey Elementary School was
acknowledged when Taylor was awarded first place in the Educators Rising
Leadership Awards for her Virtual Field Experience. She has done over 150
hours of community service with numerous organizations such as John B.
Dey School Afterschool Art Club, J & A Blue Moon Half Marathon, Covenant
Church and Panama Peace Mission with Operation Smile. Taylor is an
overall great student, and I predict will be an even better and involved
educator for VBCPS.

Again, I give my heartfelt recommendation for Taylor Dody for

consideration of a teaching contract with Virginia Beach City Public Schools
upon graduation from Longwood with her degree and teacher
certifications. Please contact me if I can be of any further help.

Sincerely,

Kelly P. Gregory
Kelly P. Gregory
AVID Coordinator/Elective Teacher
Frank W. Cox High School
2425 Shorehaven Drive
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454
(757) 477-5964