Education Tower, Room 940

Phone: 403-220-5639
Fax: 403-282-8479
Email: upe@ucalgary.ca

January 20, 2013

To Whom It May Concern:
It is my sincere pleasure to write this letter recommending Mr. Adam Elford for a
teaching position in your school jurisdiction. Mr. Elford was my student in the Secondary
Science Specialization course during the 2012 Fall Semester at the University of Calgary as part
of his B.Ed. degree program. The focus of the course was on planning (subject-specific; unit and
lesson planning; and planning for inclusion, differentiation, and inquiry). Our work was
embedded in the recognition that to be an effective teacher one must be reflective, flexible, and
knowledgeable of the learner; have a firm grasp of the knowledge base of teaching and learning;
and have a solid understanding of the content, structure, and processes of what is to be taught. It
is within these parameters that I am able to comment on Mr. Elfords suitability and potential as
a secondary science teacher.
Adam developed an outstanding unit plan with supporting lessons to address the major
assignment in this course. He recognized the links between the philosophy and rationale of the
Program of Studies, the specific learning outcomes, and effective instructional and assessment
strategies. He used an online presentation tool to illustrate these interconnections. Adam
considered not only the concepts of science in his planning, but also how he would introduce
students to how these concepts and theories are developed within the scientific community. In
order to effectively work with students, Adam researched common pre-conceptions that students
may bring with them to the learning situation and devised approaches to understand his own
students. He developed probing questions that would precipitate student discussion and
employed an historical storyline to frame the learning. All of these examples speak to Adams
creativity and ability to find engaging hooks for students. He was able to justify choices for
confirmation, structured, and more open-ended inquiry activities and utilized a good variety of
formative and summative assessment strategies. Recognizing the diverse needs of learners, his
planning provided for multiple entry point and opportunities.
Adam contributed to the professional community of the class through active participation
in face-to-face and online discussions. The ease with which he worked with peers on group


activities and assignments speaks to his positive interpersonal and collaborative skills. Adam
was open to feedback from the instructor and his peers. In turn, he provided thoughtful and
constructive comments to support the learning of his colleagues. Adam will be a thoughtful and
active contributor to school and district communities of practice.
Over the course of a very busy semester with numerous academic demands, Adam was
able to manage his workload and complete all assignments on time and to the highest quality.
He demonstrated effective organizational skills and the ability to set priorities. I have no doubt
that he will be able to handle the varied commitments and expectations placed on him as a new
teacher, and that he will do so with the utmost professionalism.
In the context in which I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Elford, he has
demonstrated a high level of collegiality, collaboration, diligence and hard work. I feel confident
that he will dedicate himself to his professional practice and continuous growth.
If I can provide additional information to support Mr. Elfords application to your school
district, please contact me at hmschaef@ucalgary.ca.

Yours respectfully,

Hyacinth Schaeffer
Sessional Instructor, B.Ed. Program