COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

13 April 2013 To Whom It May Concern:

I write to highly recommend Allison Millea for employment. Allison will graduate from Drake this spring with majors in both English and Education with a reading endorsement. Allison has been a student in several of my courses, including Adolescent Literature as well as an independent study on writing the young adult novel. Allison is an exemplary student in every way she is studious, adventurous, assertive, intelligent, and creative in her approach to learning. She has been a delight to work withand I am confident that she will be an excellent teacher and member of your staff. During her time at Drake, Allison has worked diligently to achieve her goals. Not only has she excelled in her academic work, she has made the effort to work on her teaching skills outside of the classroom as well. She was worked in various capacities at Roosevelt High School, Callanan Middle School, and Greenwood Elementary. She has also volunteered with the I Have a Dream Foundation in Des Moines. Allisons focused efforts towards becoming an educator are evident in her coursework as well as in her extra-curricular activities. Allisons presence and participation in my classes has always made me glad that she was there, and in retrospect, provide evidence of her future as an educator. In my discussion based courses, a crucial aspect of discussion is always the willingness to be open to ideas as well as the ability to listen and engage with your fellow classmates. This process is not always easy for studentsbut Allison was a thoughtful and aware participant in every discussion. She spoke when she had something to say, but more important, she listened to others and acknowledged their contributions. This quality is one that I feel is not easily learned, but yet is vital to creating an active and vibrant learning environment. Allison embodies active learning as a student and I strongly believe that her knowledge, expertise, and experience will carry over into her own classroom. Allison recognizes that an important aspect of learning is listeningand I know she will be an outstanding educator for this and many other reasons.

Howard Hall 2505 University Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50311-4505 T 515.271.3777 F 515.271.2055

One of Allisons qualities that I find exceptional is her willingness to be open to new ideas and to new people. She was always the kind of student that would make an effort to be inclusive in her classroom participation. She also has a finely developed sense of humora quality that is a necessity for an educator, in my view. Allison is smart, thoughtful, dedicated and tireless. I cannot think of anyone more qualified to become an educator.

I recommend Allison Millea very highly and without reservation. I certainly hope you give her every consideration, as I feel very strongly that she will be an asset to your institution. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need or require any additional information.

Beth Younger Associate Professor Department of English Director of Womens Studies Drake University 515.306.2871 (cell) beth.younger@drake.edu