April 15, 2019

To Whom it May Concern,

It is with enthusiasm that I recommend Ms. Katherine Clark for a teaching position at your
school. I have had opportunity to supervise and observe Ms. Clark during my tenure at Park
Western Place School/Gifted Magnet. Ms. Clark is a dedicated and effective teacher in the
classroom and a collaborative member of our professional learning community who is always
ready to contribute. She is an educator with heart and a passion for supporting the whole child.

I have seen Ms. Clark grow over the past two years into a reflective educator dedicated
to improving teaching and learning at our school. She plans and delivers high quality instruction
to our diverse student population. She has effective classroom management and uses
responsive classroom methods to develop a nurturing and positive classroom environment
where students feel valued while they are challenged to meet rigorous learning expectations.
She has raised student achievement levels by implementing research based instructional
practices including balanced literacy and cognitively guided instruction. She actively engages
and motivates students with a sense of purpose and urgency for learning while inspiring strong
citizenship and critical thinking. Ms. Clark always monitors student learning to measure the
effectiveness of instructional methods and practices. It has been delightful to watch her develop
from a new teacher into a confident and effective educator.

Ms. Clark collaborates effectively with her colleagues while working with a variety of
coaches and staff developers from Teachers College and UCLA to learn new instructional
strategies. She has a strong rapport with colleagues and is actively involved in seeking out new
professional development opportunities such as her participation in an afterschool professional
book club dedicated to improving student outcomes. She fully implements both actionable
feedback and ongoing learning in her classroom to improve teaching.

Ms. Clark is always ready to go above and beyond for students and our school. She
tutors struggling students, presents literacy and mathematics workshops for parents, volunteers
for school functions and maintains our social media sites. She connects with students, parents
and the school community using a variety of technology and media to nurture two-way
communication. Ms. Clark cultivates trust and positive relationships with all stakeholders, and
she is a valued member of our school community.

I have no doubt that Ms. Clark will make a wonderful addition to your school. Please feel free to
contact me at 310/833-3591 if you have any further questions.

Sincerely

N. Wakasa-Manzano
Noelle Wakasa-Manzano, Principal

1214 Park Western Place, San Pedro CA 90732