PStegink Consulting LLC

By Whom: Philip Stegink, Professor Emeritus, Calvin College; Consultant, PStegink Consulting LLC
Date: November 2019

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my pleasure to write a letter of recommendation for Madison Vanderhoof. I have known Madison for several years,
dating back to our work together in her first days as a student at Calvin University and my final two years as Coordinator
and Advisor for the undergraduate Special Education Program. It was pleasure to serve as Madison’s major/program
advisor. Though our time together was relatively short, I feel that I have important experience with Madison that positions
me well to write a letter of recommendation for her.

I know Madison as someone who is passionate about working with and supporting individuals who have identified
disabilities. I know she holds a deep respect for all people as deserving of belonging and inclusion. In my experience with
Madison, I saw her as someone who celebrates all abilities, while understanding the need for unique support for some
individuals.

As a learner, Madison combined an inquisitive nature with tenacity. Though I did not teach Madison in a course, we enjoyed
many conversations about ability and disability. She showed deep passion for understanding how disabilities are viewed and
how those with identified disabilities are often marginalized. She asked probing and thoughtful questions about attitudes and
practices often encountered by individuals with identified disabilities.

Madison showed that she was able to confront and accept challenging situations. Given demands on her time early in her
career at Calvin, her course schedule was significantly compromised. As she and I worked through selecting and plotting
courses required for graduation in a timely manner, we discovered that schedule conflicts required her to take two rigorous
math courses during the same semester. While this was highly unusual and many were skeptical that Madison would be able
to manage the workload successfully, by all accounts she did so very well. When I debriefed that experience with her, I
recognized that her determination to accept this unusual responsibility and to be successful with it led her to commit the
hours necessary. That determination and focus are powerful characteristics of Madison. I am confident that these
characteristics will continue to carry her to success in the days ahead.

During our work together at Calvin, Madison showed many characteristics of an effective educator. She was well organized
and able to plan successfully. She was conscientious, completing course work thoroughly and thoughtfully. By all reports,
she worked well in teams, taking leadership as well as support roles. She appropriately managed myriad academic
expectations, maintaining an even disposition in the context of competing demands. Madison displayed a wonderful sense of
humor and a positive outlook on her work.

Although I know this from speaking with colleagues, rather through direct observation, Madison has shown herself to be
effective with students while interning in a variety of classrooms. She holds a natural affinity for teaching and leading. She
develops meaningful relationships with students and they readily work with and for her. She brings warmth and humor to
interactions with students and with colleagues. I am confident that she will be a valued member of any teaching team that is
fortunate to bring her on board.

In sum, I believe Madison showed herself to be an excellent educator-in-preparation. I know that she has developed, and is
developing, excellent professional skills. She has gained the confidence of professors, mentors, and colleagues in various
places in which she interned and where she worked. I am confident that she is ready to take on the role of a professional
educator and that she will be successful supporting all students, including those with identified disabilities. I further believe
that Madison will lead both general and special educators in the developing the abilities of all students.

If you have questions or would like to speak further about this recommendation, feel free to contact me.

Warmly,

Philip Stegink
Professor Emeritus
Education Department e: pstegink@calvin.edu
Calvin College c: 616-450-4496