Rancho San Joaquin Middle School

Department of Instrumental Music Brendan McBrien, Director, Mike Modeer, Principal

April 8, 2014 To Whom It May Concern: In the spring of 2012, Mario Jativa completed his student teaching with me at Venado Middle School, where I taught since 1988. At the end of that term he interviewed for, and was offered the position of music director at Lakeside Middle School in the same district. He is now completing his second year of teaching and has been an integral part of our district middle school music staff in the Irvine Unified School District. We regularly work in PLCs (professional learning communities) in the IUSD, and Mario is an active contributor to that process, giving suggestions and offering concepts for us all to share and try. Mario had an extremely successful year of student teaching with me, and since joining our district at Lakeside Middle School; Mario has developed a dynamic and impressive music program at that school. His work with the bands, orchestras, choir, and jazz ensemble have both challenged and grown the musicians at Lakeside. Mr. Jativa has performed his duties with the utmost professionalism and has led his students in two successful performances at our district music festival held at University High School each March. Mario came to teaching with more abilities and experience than most young educators I have worked with, and has continued to grow professionally during his two years in the IUSD. In his time at Lakeside, Mr. Jativa has developed a warm and friendly relationship with the students and staff at Lakeside. His time at Lakeside was filled with growing experiences that challenged Mario as an educator and as a musician. He displayed grace under pressure and quick-thinking which showed a great deal of wisdom in one so new to this field. I am impressed with his ability and ease in front of his students. Its not often I encounter such a gifted, and dedicated educator as Mario Jativa, but my time working with him has shown me that his abilities and dedication to teaching will make him a valuable asset to any school. I am happy to offer Mario Jativa my highest recommendation, and feel he will be a strong and effective educator as well as a positive influence on young people.

Sincerely,

Brendan McBrien Director of Instrumental Music, Rancho San Joaquin Middle School (949) 936-6536 brendanmcbrien@iusd.org