I am writing to recommend Michele Kerr for a position teaching secondary mathematics. I have been Michele’s math methods instructor in the Stanford Teacher Education Program since the fall of 2008 and am currently her clinical placement supervisor. In knowing Michele in these two very different contexts, I have learned a great deal about how passionate she is about facilitating students’ learning of mathematics. Specifically, from classroom observations Michele manages a classroom with ease and grace and her rapport with kids is immediately apparent.

Michele cares deeply about students. A constant in her discourse about her work as a tutor, academic advisor and teacher is that she wants to help students be successful in mathematics. To this end, Michele makes considerable effort in and out of class to make herself available to students, including consistently drawing in students to work with her at lunch and after school. In one conversation I had with Michele recently she described her belief that teachers should not let kids fail, a belief that clearly drives how she teaches and supports her students.

Michele’s classroom reflects strong classroom management skills. Her authority is clear and unquestioned, and students know what is expected of them at all times. Students are not late to her class, and bring materials and notebooks consistently. Students work well with each other and it is clear norms are in place that when one person is talking, everyone else should listen to what they have to say. In my last observation of Michele’s class, as one student began talking during an introductory activity, all other students became immediately silent and listened thoughtfully to her. This is in part to the norms of behavior Michele has instated and reinforced since day 1.

It is important to add to this description of Michele’s strong classroom management skills that students are not afraid of her or her class. In fact, the way Michele has set up her class facilitates her rapport with individual students and with the group as a whole. Students ask questions and offer suggestions comfortably, and the atmosphere in the class is welcoming and focused. Michele and her students engage in the mathematics together, and talk to each other as colleagues.

I highly recommend Michele for a teaching position at because of her experience and skill working intimately with students, her ability managing a public high school classroom and her incredible commitment to student learning. I am happy to elaborate on any of the above.