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Mark Shillitoe

Director of Digital Learning, Technology and Media

GEMS World Academy-Etoy

Switzerland

m.shillitoe_gwe@gemsedu.com

@markshillitoe

learningfreewheel.wordpress.com

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Reference for Claire van Loon

To whom it may concern,

I have known Claire for two years as a colleague, where in my position as Vice Principal and PYP Coordinator, she joined
Berlin Metropolitan School as a first grade teacher.

Claire has an exemplary knowledge of the PYP values, concepts and skills, and how these connect to inquiry based learning.
This is reflected in her transdisciplinary practice and the creative learning environment she nurtures. She engages learners in
collaborative planning and problem solving, using visible thinking strategies and open-ended questioning to deepen
understanding, evident in her recent facilitation of Genius Hour. Claire believes in developing a community of learners
which is evident in parent engagement workshops and in her leading role of redesigning student led conferences for the
school. She developed a student learning passport, to enable students to have ownership over their learning and
meaningfully guide their parents through the learning process reflecting the PYP Attitudes. This hugely successful event was
attended by 350 students and their families.

Claire embraces innovative use of digital technologies in the classroom, empowering students to develop conceptual
understanding. She was part of an early iPad initiative, embedding the use of mobile learning devices in the classroom, to
transform creativity and collaboration through developing the PYP ICT skills. Evidence is gathered and curated through her
class website, which serves as excellent documentation of both her personal learning journey and those of her students.
Each learner captures and reflects on their learning via their personal websites which have grown into e-portfolios over the
last two years, through diligent development of digital literacy skills. A highlight of these portfolios is the level of parent
engagement in the learning process. In recognition of this initiative, Claire presented at the recent Association of German
International Schools Conference.

Claire has outstanding leadership qualities, regularly leading professional development sessions on emergent writing and
phonics development and sharing good practice in school. She keeps abreast of the latest developments and innovations
through her professional learning network.

In summary, Claire would enrich the learning at your school and combined with her open mindedness and willingness to
embrace new challenges, she would be a valuable asset to your teaching team. I wholeheartedly recommend her for a
position at your school.

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Yours faithfully,

Mark Shillitoe

21 April 2014

GEMS World Academy-Etoy

La Tuilire 18, 1163 Etoy, Switzerland
Tel: +41 21 964 1818 Fax: +41 21 964 1279
www.gemsworldacademy-etoy.com