MONTANA

STATE UNIVERSITY

May 4, 2015
To: Selection Committee
Re: Courtney Zundel

Department
Education

of

Unit of Curriculum and

Instruction
Unit of Educational Leadership
Unit of Adult and Higher
Education

It is a real pleasure to recommend Miss Courtney Zundel for a teaching position. For
well over three years I've worked with this outstanding young woman, who was a student
in two of my classes: EDU 101 Teaching and Learning and EDU 330 Emergent
Literacy. Both were required for elementary education majors.
In Emergent Literacy, a class of approximately 35 students, Courtney distinguished
herself by turning in top-notch work and exuding positive energy-every
day. Her zeal
for learning the art and craft of teaching became apparent to me in numerous ways.
Always choosing to sit in front of the class, she was fully engaged and prepared. Further,
she competently mastered the foundational principles needed for those who would teach
young children to read and write. While some of her classmates submitted uneven work
throughout the semester, Courtney's assignments were characterized by precision and
attention to details. When I saw her name on an assignment, I knew it would be fine
work, and never did she disappoint me. Accuracy is an important teacher characteristic, I
believe, and Courtney can be counted on to produce quality material that is completed on
time. Indeed, her commitment to class remained constant despite the challenges of a full
slate of coursework and a practicum along with outside responsibilities. While still in her
elementary school field experience, one of Courtney's cooperating teachers shared with
me her pleasure in collaborating with such a dependable teacher candidate. I was not
surprised. Courtney goes the extra mile; she does not shirk responsibility, but embraces it.
I would ask that you give Courtney an opportunity to interview. I promise-she will
impress you. Besides the fact that Courtney is a hard-working, dependable teacher, she is
friendly and personable. Students wi11love her, and she them. With confidence, I predict
that Miss Zundel will go far in her career. A person of integrity who leads by example,
she is the quintessential role model. Indeed, children will be better individuals for having
had Miss Courtney Zundel as their teacher. In fact, if my daughter were still in the
elementary grades, I would hand-pick Courtney to be her teacher. Miss Zundel receives
my foil and enthusiastic endorsement.
Sincerely,

P.O. Box 172880

Bozeman, MT 59717-2880
www.montana.edu/wwweduc/
Tel
Fax

(406) 994-3120
(406) 994-3261

Ann Ellsworth, Ph.D.

Professor of English Language Arts
Honors Faculty
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT 59717
ann.ellsworthramontana.edll
(406) 581-7035