Department of Teaching and Learning

April 17, 2024

Dear Search Committee,

I am writing in support of Brad Ciaramitaro for a middle or high school science teaching
position. Brad was a student in my Minor Science Methods course and Major Science Methods
course in Winter 2023 and Fall 2023, respectively.

Both science methods courses focus on supporting teacher candidates in developing the
knowledge and skills to plan and enact NGSS-aligned science lessons and units in diverse middle
and high school classrooms. In the Minor Science Methods course, teacher candidates plan and
teach investigation-based science lessons. The lessons involve eliciting and interpreting student
thinking, managing small group work, building respectful relationships, leading a group
discussion, and explaining and modeling content. In the Major Science Methods course, teacher
candidates plan and taught NGSS-aligned, phenomena-driven science units that engage students
in scientific modeling, investigations, data analysis, and explanations and argumentation. This
course builds on the core teaching practices in the Minor Science Methods course while also
focusing on formative assessment. In these classes, Brad taught engaging, content-driven lessons
that built on students’ ideas to drive the lessons and units.

Brad is a calm, thoughtful science teacher who prioritizes student voice in ways that drive the
science learning. Throughout his teaching, he always began by eliciting students’ ideas and using
those ideas to lead into the investigation-based or model-based lessons he taught. He worked
hard to plan and teach engaging lessons where students were positioned to use their own funds of
knowledge and experiences to make sense of engaging science phenomena. His really worked to
drive his instruction with student interest in ways that supported students in doing the thinking
and figuring out, instead of lecture-based science teaching. In doing so, he built relationships
with each of his students by finding out their interests and making time to talk with them each
day. Brad would always comment that he made every effort to talk with each student at least
once per day either before, during, or after class. His focus on building relationships with
students and using their interests to drive learning is evident in all he does.

Brad is a charismatic, yet calm, person who demonstrates a passion for learning and growing in
his career. During my classes, he would regularly ask for feedback and take time to reflect on his
teaching in ways that emulate a motivated, thoughtful educator. He would reflect on how to
bring all students into the science learning environment in ways that are supportive for particular
students and their needs. In his teaching, this was evident in his calm, engaged demeanor where
School of Education and Human Services

Pawley Hall, Room 486 | 456 Pioneer Drive, Rochester, Michigan 48309-4482
Office: (248) 370-2613 | Website: oakland.edu/teach
 Department of Teaching and Learning

he attended to each student’s ideas and needs. Brad’s ability to stay calm in all situations is not
only evident in his teaching, but also in his military career in the Michigan Air National Guard.
He has been honored in both his educational career and military career, reflecting Brad’s hard
work.

I have watched Brad teach multiple lessons and his charisma, care, and calmness for students is
evident in each and every interaction. The ways he talks with students and really listens to them
demonstrates his intentionality for supporting and connecting with students. Brad is a strong
science teacher and I recommend him for any middle or high school science teaching position.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like more information.

Sincerely,

Amber S. Bismack

Assistant Professor of K-12 Science Education

Department of Teaching and Learning

Oakland University

456 Pioneer Drive

Rochester, MI 48309

bismack@oakland.edu

(231) 750-0515

School of Education and Human Services

Pawley Hall, Room 486 | 456 Pioneer Drive, Rochester, Michigan 48309-4482
Office: (248) 370-2613 | Website: oakland.edu/teach