College of Education

Memorial Hall 3126A

MSC 6908
395 South High Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia
22807
(540) 568-4950

To Whom This Letter May Concern:

It is with great pleasure that I submit this letter of recommendation for Candice Manuel. I have had the privilege of
working with Candice as a student at James Madison University in her teacher preparation courses in the Elementary Education
Program. Candice possesses both superior academic and personal skills that will allow her to continue to experience the success
that extends beyond her years at James Madison University. She already exemplifies the characteristics of an excellent teacher,
leader, and person and would be an excellent addition to any school faculty.
Candices performance in her work at James Madison University is exemplary in every way. The quality of her work in
unit and lesson planning is exceptional and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of student learning and understanding.
For example, in teacher preparation courses, students are frequently asked to present developmentally appropriate lessons on
various content. Candice possesses and demonstrates a natural ability for presenting content in such a way that is both engaging
and effective in the delivery. She successfully adjusts instruction to respond to the various levels of understanding that would be
expected in an individual classroom or clinical setting. She already has a command of copious amounts of teaching and learning
strategies that will serve her well in diverse classrooms or any setting involving children. Each of these traits exceeded
expectations in her student teaching placements, all three practicum placements and microteaching exercises in her methods
courses. Her hard work and commitment to teacher preparation is indicative of her dedication to becoming a master teacher.
Candices relentless pursuit of excellence is evident in her celebrated academic career at James Madison University
including her outstanding academic record in both her cumulative work at James Madison and her teacher education course
work.
Candices natural movement towards leadership roles among her peers is a testament to her people skills and overall
maturity. Her magnetic personality brightens any room. Fellow students look to her as a role model and she possesses
compassion and concern for her peers that is admirable and refreshing. Candices maturity level is well beyond her years. She
approaches challenges with an upbeat, positive attitude without letting them break her stride. You would be hard pressed to find
a student that matches Candices sincerity, compassion, intellect, and drive to better herself and community. Candices successful
participation in classroom settings requires her to create emotionally and physically safe environments that promote the most
learning for each individual, a skill that will continue to serve her well in the public school setting.
As a current faculty member in a College of Education, I am aware of the expectations of the teaching profession and
the essential qualities for successful teaching. I believe that Candice possesses the necessary skills to be a master teacher. I am
aware of the type of student that makes the maximum contribution to and receives the maximum benefit from opportunities.
Candice is that type of student. It is with no reservations that I recommend Candice for a teaching position in your school and
school division.
Sincerely,

John Almarode, Ph.D.

Department Head, Educational Foundations and Exceptionalities
Assistant Professor of Education