Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
April 23
To Whom It May Concern:
Anthony Graham is an amazing teacher! After less than one year at Akiva Hebrew Day School, I am able, as his principal, to make that statement. Parents and Administration are extremely impressed with his skills and openness to learn. This past year he taught 4th grade, elementary science and middle school social studies coming to us mid-year after a vacancy occurred at our school. Mr. Graham took over from an experienced, well-respected teacher and he was able to “win” the students and parents over as their new teacher. He subbed in the classroom for a few days as we observed him, and the students immediately stated how much they respected him and wanted him to replace their former teacher.
As his principal, I supervised him in teaching situations, during one on one interactions with students and during our Elementary Staff Meetings. Mr. Graham does not hesitate to meet with students who are having difficulties and works hard to build a bridge to each and every student. He relates extremely well to students and definitely has a true empathy for the elementary child. He is consistent with students and has worked with some difficult situations successfully. During staff meetings, he continues to be part of the solution to any situation and works hard on projects outside the classroom. Mr. Graham shares concerns, but always supports group and/or administrative decisions. He is extremely organized and a dedicated teacher. He is probably one of the best parent communicators that I have observed in my career. He is most successful with the elementary range of students more so than middle school age child. We all have our gifts and his is teaching the elementary students.
Mr. Graham will continue to grow as a teacher for he is still in the formative years. However, I am thoroughly impressed with how effective he is in the elementary classroom, despite his few years of experience. I believe he will be an outstanding, seasoned professional/master teacher if he continues as such. It would be a total loss if he left our school. If you would like to further discuss his capabilities, feel free to contact me 248.808.0869 or [email protected]
Sincerely,
Teri GiannettiPrincipalAkiva Hebrew Day School
Anita BattAkiva Hebrew Day School21100 West Twelve Mile RoadSouthfield, MI 48075January 30, 2014
To whom it may concern,
I have had the privilege of working with Anthony Graham in several capacities. As Anthony’s “New Teacher Mentor” and as the Director of Curriculum, Anthony and I worked closely to ensure his transition to our school went smoothly. I also worked with him as he gained comfort with our dual program and curriculum. During this time, Anthony exhibited those characteristics one would want in an educator.
Anthony is thoroughly committed to his students, spending countless hours creating dynamic lesson plans. He delivers these lessons with a focus on total engagement. His organization shines in his lessons, which are delivered clearly and succinctly. Anthony is often the last teacher to leave the building, ensuring that his classroom is organized and that he is prepared to teach the next day. His classroom is a wonderful place to be.
One area that makes Anthony stand out among his peers is his ability to allow assessment to drive his instruction and through this, Anthony’s students have seen a marked increase in test scores. Anthony takes the initiative to meet regularly with me to discuss his students’ performance and ways he can meet the needs of each student. Using data as his guide, he has differentiated his instruction throughout the course of the day and the payoff has been phenomenal. Having started the year with several students at risk in language arts, only one student is currently at risk—a testimony to Anthony’s ability to combine the science and art of teaching.
Anthony has also shown initiative and leadership abilities in our school. Anthony chairs our positive behavior system in our school. He took it upon himself to work with other teachers to create a rubric and guide to facilitate the successful adoption of the program. He organizes the monthly incentive program that accompanies our behavior system.
It is with pleasure and pride that I recommend Anthony for any leadership position in education. Anthony’s skills set and his drive set him apart from all others.
Sincerely,
Anita Batt, M.A.T.Director of Curriculum and Instruction
