To The Selection Committee,

I have been asked to write this letter of recommendation for Saundra Rathburn
and am most pleased to do so. I have taught Science at Lake Shore Public Schools in St. Clair
Shores for 15 years. In that time I have been privileged to work with Saundra. She brought an
infusion of enthusiasm for learning and teaching Science to our department that was missing.
We have a small department of 7 teachers for a school of over 1200 students. That means we
all have to work together and teach multiple topics. Saundra came into our department and
didn't blink at the thought of teaching 3-4 different subjects 3 times a year. She has so much
enthusiasm and drive that many of us wanted to either co-teach with her or teach the same
subjects as she was that trimester.

There are many things she did for our department that it is hard to list them all, so I will
just give the highlights. She took on teaching a Physics class that barely had enough students
to run each year. Her program grew to where there were twice the number taking the class.
Each year she added challenging projects for the students. This year she was able to help over
21 students qualify for the state bridge building contest. The year before that she and her class
were invited to participate in Square One Network’s program on intelligent cars. But to give you
an idea of her versatility, while teaching these classes where the academically bright students
go, she took on teaching both a co-taught Biology class and a Chemistry class for students
at-risk or Special needs. This shows someone who knows how to organize and differentiate
instruction. In these 2 classes, she had them raise salmon eggs to release for the DNR. The
students were successful in releasing over 50% of the eggs. Her students love her and wish
they could have her for all 3 years of Science.

For the department she managed to get the administration to recognize that we had
many needs that had been ignored or passed over for years. Since she took on the role of PLC
leader for us, our district is finally going to have all levels work on scope and sequence from
kindergarten through High School. Previously, Science was not really taught before 5th grade.
There was little common knowledge for the Middle school and HS teachers to work with.
Saundra has met with Elementary level teachers helping them give common experiences to the
students. We expect that in a few years time, the process will really help with the new Science
standards. This next year the High School Science department is looking forward to new/
repaired equipment and a new prep room. These will allow us to expand the projects and
hands-on activities. We have been asking for years for this but it was Saundra that got the upper
administration to actually walk through our rooms and see for themselves how our space and
equipment needs were inadequate. I have retired but wish I were going to be there to enjoy
these improvements. They will make teaching to the Next Generation of Science Standards
much easier.
 In summary, I really do hope that you select Saundra. All teachers work hard but few
inspire the rest of us to do it too. Saundra is one of the few that inspired me to do more than "my
best" for my students. These are the teachers we need to honor and support their success.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Gasser MS.

Lake Shore Public Schools (retired 2015)