ADMINISTRATION BOARD OF EDUCATION

DANIEL J. RIORDAN, Ed.D.

REAVIS HIGH SCHOOL MARY ANN COOK
Superintendent District 220 President

ERIC NOVAK
Est. 1950 RUSSELL McKINLEY
Vice President
Chief School Business Official
6034 West 77th Street • Burbank, Illinois 60459-3199 ANDREA CREGER
JULIE A. SCHULTZ Phone: 708•599•7200 Secretary
Principal www.reavisd220.org TED ARNOLD
GERARDO AYALA
JAMES BRODINSKI
February 21, 2019
LINDA O’DOWD

To Whom It May Concern:

When Stephanie Moore enthusiastically approached me to ask for my recommendation, I immediately agreed. She is an
asset to the faculty at Reavis High School who has developed strong relationships with several of my colleagues, and I was
honored that she asked me.

I have known Stephanie since she covered the maternity leave of a fellow English teacher last year. What I noticed
immediately about her was her laid back and approachable personality. Students felt comfortable communicating with her
whether the purpose was to seek clarity regarding an assignment or to ask questions about a personal issue or to enhance
a personal relationship with an adult. Given our school’s diversity, a teacher like Stephanie is essential to making every
student feel welcome and safe.

Although we interacted intermittently last year, I really came to know Stephanie through her role as a writing coach in our
school’s resource center and as a volunteer speech coach. I teach Honors Oral Communication and Critical Thinking, and
although I work with very bright kids, I want my writing workshop class days to be successful. Stephanie has enthusiastically
entered my classroom and each time, invests so much time and effort into assisting my students as if they were her own.
Even after, she would follow up with individual students and ask me about the result of the finished product. She clearly
cares about her work and the quality of work the students produce.

Where I have spent the most time with Stephanie has been through our collaboration as coaches for the Reavis Speech
Team. With a huge team this year, Stephanie has been invaluable as an extra set of eyes and ears for our student speakers
and performers. She asks probing questions that yield thoughtful responses from our students. In addition to her creative
and bright suggestions and critiques, she encourages students to come to conclusions about their writing and their
interpretation of text on their own. She continues the educational component beyond the end of the school day.

As a colleague, Stephanie possesses a quality I lack. Earlier this month, we hosted the IHSA Regional Speech competition. As
hosts, we were running around constantly, fixing problems and communicating with others to make the day run smoothly.
Whenever a problem arose, Stephanie stepped up and said, “I’ll do it.” I never had to ask. I continuously told her she was
the MVP of the day--she smiled, and said--“It’s really no big deal. I’m happy to do it.” She not only took initiative and
successfully solved problems, but she did so with a smile on her face and no expectation of gratitude. That is her laid back
and approachable personality. She is dependable in stressful situations and a strong team member.

I strongly recommend Stephanie Moore as a member of any high school faculty, even though, selfishly, I want her to stay at
Reavis. She has so much to offer young people as they figure out who they are through writing and speaking. If you have
any questions regarding my recommendation, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Kate Szczudlo

Kate Szczudlo, English Teacher & Co-Head Speech Coach

kszczudlo@d220.org

PROMOTING A STUDENT-CENTERED ENVIRONMENT

PROMOTING A STUDENT-CENTERED ENVIRONMENT