The University of Kansas

TRIO Talent Search

February 2, 2017

Dear Selection Committee,

It is an honor to write this letter of recommendation for Ms. Tambree Davis who is applying
for a teaching position at an elementary school within your district for the 2017-2018
academic school year. I have had the privilege of knowing Ms. Davis since 2004 when she
joined the University of Kansas TRIO Talent Search Program. This federally funded TRIO
program works with students who may be the first in their family to attend college, come from
a low-income family environment, and/or live in the urban core of Kansas City, KS. The
program helps youth reach their academic and college goals. Ms. Davis was a very active
participant in our college access program since she was in the 6th grade. In addition to being a
participant in TRIO, Ms. Davis was selected to be a Peer Helper for our younger students
while she was still in high school. Currently, Ms. Davis is employed with the KU TRIO
Talent Search Program as a part-time team member. We are extremely lucky to have served
as her mentor during her middle and high school years, and now working together as
colleagues. As the Director of Talent Search, I have had the wonderful opportunity to mentor
and work with Ms. Davis for the past 13 years. She is an incredible individual who cares
deeply about those around her, both personally and professionally. This 2-page
recommendation letter will not do justice for how much Ms. Davis means to our program, our
students, and our organization as a whole.

During Ms. Daviss time in our program, she was an all-round great student. She was
extremely motivated and committed to her studies, community, and future. As a TRIO
professional, I have worked with over 1000 high school students in my tenure and Ms. Davis
ranked as one of our top students. She graduated from Sumner Academy of Arts & Sciences
in Kansas City, KS, which is a highly competitive high school with a demanding college
preparatory and rigorous curriculum. She was very focused on her academics and was well-
respected by her teachers and the school administration. Next, Ms. Davis attended and
successfully graduated with a Bachelors degree from Pittsburg State University and is
currently pursuing her education degree from PSU.

Ms. Davis was very involved in our program and she took advantage of the many
opportunities available to her. In the 6th grade, she was selected by her school counselors to
participate in our intensive Career Horizons Summer Program on the university campus. In
the 7th grade, she was again selected and participated in our Discover Technology Summer
Program and in the 8th grade she was accepted into our YES Scholarship Program. As a
student in our program, Ms. Davis demonstrated a true commitment and interest in learning,
and was dedicated to strengthening her leadership skills. She was a role model to her peers
and was focused, determined, kind, and respectful. Her involvement and progression in our
program as a middle and high school student demonstrates an on-going passion for learning,
education, and hard work.

Since 2010, Ms. Davis has been employed by KU Talent Search. In fact, the summer
immediately following her high school graduation I hired her to work as a summer camp
mentor for 6th and 7th graders. In my 20+ years, I have never hired an individual to serve in

AAI/CEOP Gateway Tower II, Suite 103 Fourth & State Ave. Kansas City, KS 66101 (913) 342-9823
this capacity who was not at least a sophomore in college. This is a perfect example that
shows her professional growth, dependability, and accountability. Ms. Davis has continuously
gone above and beyond in assisting with summer preparations, serving as my right hand
person, and getting the job done! Furthermore, she has always maintained a fun mindset,
positive energy, and a Lets do this and lets do it with EXCELLENCE attitude! Last
summer I moved her into a new role as the science facilitator. Here, she oversaw the science
class and ensured that this component was a success. She engaged the students in STEM
activities and effectively managed the many logistics of this class. Overall, Ms. Davis needs
very little guidance or supervision and she takes the initiative to get projects completed, and
always guarantees that the summer programs goals and objectives are met in a timely
manner. During the academic year, Ms. Davis helps seniors with their college and career
plans, works on various office projects, mentors and leads STEM activities in our monthly
Science Academy for our 7th graders, and assists wherever she can so our program can be
successful.

I have supervised many colleagues during my time with KU TRIO Talent Search and I can
honestly say that Ms. Davis is an incredible colleague to have she is excited to learn new
things, seeks to grow as a professional, maintains a sense of professionalism, and is open to
feedback and suggestions. Moreover, Ms. Davis is a creative and driven individual who is
also exceptionally mindful, responsible, and hardworking! I have observed Ms. Davis
working with students, interacting with staff, engaging with parents, and participating as a
team member. She has poise, integrity, and an excellent work ethic and always goes above
and beyond! Her enthusiasm and passion for her work is an asset to any organization and her
patience with students is amazing. Ms. Davis exhibits outstanding problem solving skills, is
insightful and reflective, committed to the growth and positive mindset of students, has a
shared vision, is willing to be flexible, and is able to communicate effectively with not only
her colleagues but also with youth. Ms. Davis serves as a role model for our students and she
continues to develop positive, valuable and meaningful connections with them. Her genuine
personality and her positive attitude and energy are demonstrated in all that she does. All of
her skills and contributions have tremendously helped to support our program and help our
students reach their college goals. We feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to know,
mentor, and work with Ms. Davis since she was a 6th grader in our program.
Lastly, Ms. Davis strongly believes in equal educational opportunities for all students and this
is exhibited everyday by her commitment and dedication to young students and to giving back
to the educational community. As her colleague and mentor, I have been impressed with her
unwavering work ethic, loyalty, and her gift for working with youth. Ms. Davis has the ability
to effectively communicate with students so that they become excited about the world of
academics. I definitely recommend Ms. Davis for a teaching position within your district. She
will, without a doubt, be an asset to your school, district, and community and in my opinion,
do an outstanding job teaching your students. Please feel free to contact me at (913) 961.0371
or dukstein@ku.edu if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you for
your consideration.

Respectfully,

R. Dukstein

Rebecca Dukstein, MS. Ed.

Director University of Kansas TRIO Talent Search

AAI/CEOP Gateway Tower II, Suite 103 Fourth & State Ave. Kansas City, KS 66101 (913) 342-9823