February 21, 2016

To Whom It May Concern,

I am pleased to write on behalf of Mount Royal University this letter of support
for Ms. Jennifer MacPherson. I write with full confidence in both the importance
of the position she wishes to undertake and the growth she continues to show in
her professional development. I first met Jennifer in 2012 as I am a Professor
within the Department of Education at Mount Royal University MRU. The
program is highly competitive, with an application acceptance rate of only 12%. It
was within this work that I was first introduced to Jennifers considerable interest
in education, her extensive experience and her excellent oral and written skills.
I had the privilege to teach Jennifer in two Education courses over the past
three years at MRU: EDUC 3601 Program of Studies and Curriculum Instruction
in Teaching Science (Winter 2014) and EDUC 2351 The Learner: Aboriginal
Cultural Dimensions and Classroom Applications (Winter 2013). Her keen
interest, passion and unswerving commitment to gaining more knowledge to
assist elementary students were exemplified by the completion of all required
course work and instructional hours in often very tight timelines. Jennifer was a
valuable member of these two classes; she emerged as a Leader amongst her
peers and an exceptional and thoughtful student. Jennifer applied and was
successful in admission (only 24 students selected) to our 15-week Integrated
Year 4 Practicum and as a result she is currently teaching at Altadore
Elementary School. As Integrated Year 4 Practicum Program Coordinator, I have
had the pleasure to oversee the program as she shows tremendous confidence,
proficiency and dedication to her students and in her own professional
development.
As Professor for Jennifer, I have come to appreciate the high quality of her
academic skills and depth of knowledge acquisition that most definitely merits her
placement in the Calgary school system.
Both the theoretical knowledge and the methodological approaches of
Jennifers professional practice will provide benefit to both the Calgary school
system and the Alberta teachers community. Through her intensive elementary
school field placements and most specifically within the full-time integrated 15-

week teaching semester, she has proven herself as a valuable and innovative
member of the educational community of Calgary.
Jennifer is a valuable member of our MRU community, the larger Professional
Education Field and an exceptional student and educator. I trust that the
selection committee will consider Jennifers extensive experience, high academic
achievements and motivation, the passion she possesses for teaching and
learning and the merit of her work in granting her this opportunity.

Sincerely,

---------------Kevin O'Connor, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Department of Education
Faculty of Community, Health and Education
Mount Royal University
Calgary, Alberta
403-440-8504 phone
403-440-7744 fax
koconnor@mtroyal.ca