Michael Croft Principal Cornwall Consolidated School 5 Cream Hill Rd. West Cornwall, CT 06796 860-672-6617

In August of 2014, Dan Smith interviewed to be the head soccer coach at Cornwall Consolidated School, where I am the principal. He had good recommendations, experience

in coaching, and clear, mature ideas about working with young people. Shortly after Dan began coaching, our middle school science teacher became ill and we needed a long-term

substitute. Dan was clearly bright and able to connect with children, so I asked him to take

on the challenge. Since then, I’ve seen Dan’s excellent work with children which has led me to find different ways to keep Dan in our school.

As a substitute science teacher, Dan did a wonderful job. He was prepped and taught three different classes. It was hard work and he tackled it. He got information and ideas from the

regular teacher, added many original lesson plans of his own, used feedback from me and others to adjust his plans, and was excellent. He was thoroughly prepared each Monday

when we met to discuss his plans for the week. His easy manner with the students allowed

them to feel instantly connected with him. He took on all the tasks of a classroom teacher: report cards, communication with families, faculty meetings, parent conferences, and more.

I could not have asked for more. When Dan stopped teaching science, he even had

requests for tutoring from parents who saw how well he connected with their children.

When our science teacher returned, staff members clamored for me to find a way to keep Dan around. So, we created a building sub position, something that our small school had

never had. Dan has been successful substituting in kindergarten through 8th grades.

Teachers are happy to have him return as a sub because they are impressed by his execution of plans and his manner with children.

One thing that I want in any teacher, but especially a PE teacher, is someone who is going

to take initiative, bring new ideas, and be ready to collaborate; Dan has done all these

things. He is always looking for new ways to be helpful to colleagues. He developed a successful incentive program to encourage students to eat fruits and vegetables. Dan’s

“Food for Thought” program was embraced by students and culminated in a schoolwide

exotic fruit party!

It is easy for me to recommend Dan Smith for a position at your school. His passion for physical education shines when he substitutes in PE. He loves the subject; communicates

effectively with parents, colleagues, and students; connects with children; and approaches

his work with energy and creativity. He clearly has the tools to be a very successful teacher. Please contact me if you’d like to hear more.

Sincerely,

Michael Croft