February 12, 2014

To Whom it May Concern, As an educator of deaf students working for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind, I am writing on behalf of Amanda Sorensen. It is my pleasure to recommend Amanda for a teaching position at your school in the upcoming school year. Her outstanding rapport with students, parents and staff, assiduousness, passion, and ingenuity set her above other teachers and should help confirm decision to make her part of your team. I was first introduced to Amanda in autumn of 2012 when my deaf students were co-enrolled in her 4th/5th split general education classroom at Mill Creek Elementary. Because a large amount of our time is shared, I gained my impression of Amandas teaching qualities through daily classroom and collaboration time. First of all, students hold Amanda in very high regard, which results in wonderful behavior management and a day filled with engaging activities. Parents are also very pleased with their childs educator and classroom environment. This is evidenced through their demonstration of gratitude in various forms, including emails, phone calls, discussions at conferences, and comments on the class blog. Amanda is a valuable part of the Mill Creek staff due to her involvement in various committees, outstanding collaboration skills, and inclination for assisting others. Secondly, her diligence is demonstrated by the grades and test scores of her students. Amanda never fails to help her students meet her high expectations; even if it means she is the first teacher to arrive at school in the morning and the last one to leave. Next, she has a contagious passion for teaching and learning which sparks joy and interest in the minds of her young pupils. A last quality to note is Amandas originality. This is easily observed by entering her classroom and seeing the vast range of projects, bulletin boards, posters, and other materials she has created to help students engage in learning. Although she is an irreplaceable part of our staff and I would be very sad to see her leave Mill Creek, she desires a teaching position that will use her qualities to their fullest potential. I feel extremely confident in saying your school will greatly be enhanced by the addition of Amanda to your team. Her successes are sure to please you. I appreciate your consideration for her. It would be a great pleasure for me to see her in a more satisfying position at your school. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time. Yours Sincerely, Meghan Rakow Deaf Educator meghanr@usdb.org

STEVEN W. NOYCE Superintendent JENNIFER J. HOWELL Associate Superintendent of the Deaf ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 742 Harrison Blvd Ogden, Utah 84404-5298 801-629-4700 Voice 801-629-4701 TTY 801-629-4896 FAX 1-800-990-9328 Toll Free

SALT LAKE OFFICE 3098 S. Highland Dr. Suite 205 Salt Lake City, Utah 84106-3085 801-464-2000 Voice 801-464-2001 TTY 801-467-6411 FAX

OREM OFFICE 424 South 350 East Orem, Utah 84058 801-431-5100 801-224-8018 FAX

SALT LAKE CAMPUS AND JEAN MASSIEU SCHOOL 1655 E. 3300 S. Salt Lake City, Utah 84106 801-657-5762 Video Phone 801-464-2004 FAX

847-828-1078