Jan 18, 2014: To Whom It May Concern: It is my pleasure to write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Ms. Lauren Bagby.

Lauren joined the Chandler community two years ago as adjunct faculty member. She was hired to provide classroom support to our English and history classrooms as a Writing Fellow. This two-year position was designed to provide extra attention and faculty resources to an unusually large class, a class that will graduate Chandler School in June 2014. Lauren is a passionate and dedicated member of our faculty. From the moment she stepped on campus she was determined to immerse herself in the life of the school and learn all she could about teaching. This position is the first of its kind, and Lauren was proactive from the start. She was quick to find opportunities to help with the writing process across subject areas. She was cautious and thoughtful, careful to balance her role with that of the lead teacher. She demonstrates a real knack for adaptability, having been asked to support the writing process in several different classrooms over the past two years. In her capacity as a Writing Fellow she has co-presented lessons, designed her own lessons, lead small group activities, worked with students one-on-one and graded student writing based on a lead teachers rubric. She identified students who needed extra support with the writing process and designed an elective course to support their individual needs. She is facile with 21st century learning tools, having spent time teaching and supporting lessons using programs such as iMovie, KidBlog, Weebly, Word, PowerPoint, Wikispaces, Voicethread, FirstClass, and our course management system, Whipple Hill. Suffice it to say, Lauren is a quick study, and is a teacher who has seen and used a variety of teaching methods to enhance student learning. Lauren was assigned an advisory group both years she was with Chandler School. Lauren is known for developing close bonds with her advisees, communicating clearly with parents and actively pursuing students when necessary. Addressing the social and emotional learning of middle school students is one of Laurens many gifts. I have been in the room when she advises students or makes a phone call to a parent. Each time, I have been impressed by her warmth, her word choice and her tone. She is empathetic and understanding. She is an excellent listener and tireless advocate for her students. She is particularly sensitive to the constellation of challenges that adolescents face. This year, Lauren broadened her advisory role by helping to coordinate the advisory curriculum. She and our school librarian serve as Advisory Curriculum Coordinators for the eighth grade. Each week they disseminate advisory lessons to the grade level teachers, and/or design new lessons from scratch, based on the needs of the grade. Laurens ideas are always constructive and student-centered.

Lauren is a team player who involves herself in the life of the school. She contributes to faculty meetings, helps to manage cross-curricular projects and co-coaches our intramural basketball team. She teaches a variety of electives including Creative Writing, Script Writing, Trivia Games, and a Writing Workshop. She has been a chaperone on every outdoor education trip we provide, having stepped in to help on a camping trip to Joshua Tree, a canoeing trip to the Colorado River and a backpacking trip to the Sierras. She is constantly called upon to cover classes or help with the inevitable loose ends that are an ever-present part of the school day. Lauren is always eager to help the school in any capacity. Lauren has excellent written and verbal communication skills and is organized, reliable and committed to her work. She is reflective in her teaching practice and receptive to feedback. She approaches her work with great initiative and a positive attitude. Lauren Bagby will be a fine addition to any school that is fortunate enough to retain her as a teacher. If you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely,

Anneke Emerson Assistant Head Chandler School