Lincoln High School

Lincoln Public Schools / 2229 J Street / Lincoln, Nebraska 68510-2933

Bryan PenasScience Teacher
phone: 402.436.1301

January 18, 2014 To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this letter to highly recommend Taylor Montgomery for a science teaching position at Lincoln Public Schools. I have worked with Taylor for 6 months in different capacities and would like to describe why he would be a good addition to the district. Taylor possesses several skills that make him excel in teaching: his ability to make strong supportive relationships with students, his reflective nature, his willingness to learn in different situations and to put in the extra time in order to make the most of those learning opportunities. Taylor did his practicum with me in the Fall Semester of 2013. He observed and taught in all three of my Biology and Applied Biology classes and he was there to reflect on the day during a plan period. Although he was required to be there for two hours a day he spent a least five. Because of the extra time that Taylor was willing commit to and his great instincts with students Taylor was able to progress quickly and Taylor was leading these classes well before the semester was over. He is very effective and adaptive in leading a large, diverse class whether it involves an inquiry based activity or a direct lecture. Taylor continues to have a diverse experience with a highly diverse student body at Lincoln High, in student's ability, socio economics status and ethnic backgrounds. The classes that Taylor leads have students with language abilities ranging from English language learners to students reading in the 70th percentile. Taylor has shown the ability to adjust his instruction both to the class and the individual. This is only part of how Taylor is able to use his knowledge of students as individuals in order to facilitate their learning. Taylor is well liked and respected by students. He is able to talk with them about their interests and hobbies as well as content. Taylor has developed strong connections with many students. His classroom is positive and engaging while maintaining a focus and atmosphere that fosters learning. Taylor is currently in charge of planning for and teaching three Biology and Applied Biology classes at Lincoln High School as well as two other periods with another teacher during the Spring Semester of 2014. Taylor and I reflect on the lessons he has planned and taught, discussing what he felt went well and what he would like to do to improve. He also adapts lesson from period to period depending on the needs of the students. My experiences with and observations of Taylors performance as a teacher is why I highly recommend him for a teaching job in the Lincoln Public School District.

Bryan Penas Science teacher Lincoln High School

Lincoln, NE 68510