July 8, 2010

To Whom It May Concern: As English Department Head at Horizon Science Academy in Toledo, it is my pleasure to recommend Tonya Schauwecker for a position with your school. I have known and worked with Tonya for three years, and can easily say she is one of the most motivated and energetic teachers I have had within my department. She carries herself in a way that commands the respect of her students, while also being a very caring and involved teacher. The way her students feel about her is apparent by their dedication and loyalty shown to her. In addition, Tonya is highly involved outside of her regular classroom responsibilities, leading several different student clubs and activities with her usual exuberance and enthusiasm. Horizon Science Academy Toledo is an inner city charter school, which serves a large percentage of high poverty students and their subsequent issues. Tonya has shown the ability to take on the everyday challenges found with our students, and deal successfully with a myriad of different student educational levels and family situations. Teaching in an urban setting is not easy, but Tonya has faced the challenge with patience, optimism, and consistency. In addition, she has undertaken the tremendous task of leading the tenth grade students through Ohio Graduation Test preparation, and that is no small accomplishment. For two years running, her students have scored over 75% proficient; both years, the only teacher to do so among the other disciplines represented on the OGTs. I am happy to recommend Tonya for any position for which she might be applying. If you have any questions or would like to discuss her performance further, I can be reached at 419-902-5788 at any time. Sincerely,

Nan Sirianni English Department Head Horizon Science Academy 425 Jefferson Ave. Toledo, OH 43604