Arlington Heights School District 25

March 2013 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing this letter on behalf of Allison LaFalce, a teacher with whom I have had the great pleasure of working over the past two years. Recently, while attending the Illinois Computing Educators (ICE) conference, I was introduced to many ideas, projects, and philosophies on how to bring current teaching up to meet the needs of students in the 21st Century. As I sat listening to many presenters, I realized that Allison is already implementing these ideas and teaching these skills within her classroom. Throughout the time that I have worked with Allison, I have watched her constantly thinking of new ways to motivate her students to own their learning and their behavior in the classroom. Whenever a new idea is presented to staff, Allison is the first to do research and determine appropriate ways to implement the idea in her classroom. Allison works well with teams of teachers to plan student centered lessons that combine student interest, collaboration, and learning. Allison has also formed a strong classroom community where students treat each other with respect, work together in groups, demonstrate empathy, and constantly push the boundaries of their learning. As a special education teacher, I have had the fortunate experience of mixing groups of students with Allison. In my 13 years of experience working with teachers to integrate special education students, I have rarely seen a teacher as talented at differentiation and individualization as Allison. Allison knows all of her students well, knows how to work with them, how to help them, and when to challenge them. Through lessons in character, using students passions to drive instruction, and showing and encouraging respect and empathy throughout her classroom; Allison creates an environment in which all students have a chance to thrive. Allisons passion for teaching, flexibility, innovation in planning, and collaboration with students, staff, and parents make her a very strong candidate for any position. I strongly recommend Allison for any position working with students who will benefit from a teacher whose focus is to encourage students to strive for personal excellence in all aspects of their lives. Please feel free to contact me at any time with any questions about my experiences with Allison LaFalce. Thank you, Katherine Redmon Integrated Services Teacher Westgate Elementary School kredmon@sd25.org

Arlington Heights School District 25 2012-2013