International Academy One of Americas Top Ranking High Schools

1291 Torpey Drive - Newsweek: 2003-2009-2012

Troy, Michigan 48083-5444 USA Ranked Top Five High School in the United States
Telephone: 248.823.8300 Fax: 248.823.8313 - U.S. News and World Report, 2009-2012


Principal: Lynne Gibson; Associate Principals: Ryan Brinks, Nhu Do, Christopher Smith; IB Coordinator: Sarah Fairman
Counselors: Lisa Ann Acton, Jane Dittus, Renee Jamil, Melissa Kinney, Stephanie Smyth
June 9
th
, 2014

To Whom It May Concern:

It is a pleasure to work with Erin Byrge at International Academy East. IA East is an International Baccalaureate
school that fully implements both the middle-years (MYP) and diploma (DP) programs. Instituting these rigorous
programs requires IA teachers to be held to a higher standard, including a longer work day, longer school year, and
significantly greater workload than most high school teachers. Erin is truly an inspirational teacher, working continuously
to learn new technologies and teaching methods. She also enhances our learning community through her contributions
made to the Science department, positive relationship established with students and staff, and leadership of school clubs.

I have taught Biology next-door to Erin for the past 4 years. In that time she has taught all three levels of
Chemistry: 10
th
grade MYP Chemistry, 11th grade IB1 Chemistry and 12
th
grade IB2 Chemistry. Despite having
multiple advance-level science courses to prepare for each day, Erin remarkably designs creative and engaging lessons
every day. I have always been impressed by Erins willingness to try new instructional methods and technology in her
classroom. Erin has successfully created a flipped classroom for all levels of Chemistry and implements the use of
POGIL (Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning) activities. Use of a flipped classroom allows Erin to differentiate her
instruction: using class time to meet one-on-one with her struggling students while her more advanced students work
ahead on more challenging material. The POGIL activities engage students, motivating them take ownership of their
learning through collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving.

As Erin continuously browses for new technology and teaching methods, she shares her best practice with the rest
of the school via professional developments, staff meetings, or just a simple email. She inspires her colleagues to pursue
teaching strategies and tools beyond our comfort level and gives us support along the way. Erin has enriched my
pedagogy more than any other colleague I have encountered in my 11 years of teaching. Many of the technologies and
methodologies I use in my classroom are a direct result of Erins influence.

Erin has demonstrated leadership in many ways at the International Academy. She has sponsored several school
clubs, served as sophomore class advisor, planned the Group 4 science camp weekend, and served as science department
head for 3 years. No matter the task, Erin dedicates herself fully, is organized, and successful. She is therefore highly
respected by her students and colleagues.

International Academy East and the Science department are lucky to have found such an intelligent, innovative,
committed, and collaborative teacher as Erin Byrge. I am grateful for her presence in my professional life. Although I
would never want to see her leave our school, I know that she would be an asset to any institution and therefore highly
recommend her for the chemistry/math teaching position available at your institution.

Please feel free to contact me for further information.

Sincerely,



Jaclyn M. Toepel-Hartzell
International Academy East
MYP Biology / IB Biology
jtoepel@bloomfield.org