Creekside Middle School

3525 West 126

th

Street, Carmel, IN 46032 phone: 317-733-6420 Fax: 317-733-6422

24 February 2014 Dear Creekside Administration, I have known Stephanie Barnes for the last four years on both a professional and a personal level. As a student teacher, and then a first year teacher at Creekside Middle School, I looked to Stephanie as a mentor. I can state without hesitation that not only is she a phenomenal teacher but a person of the highest professionalism and character. As a teacher of language arts, Stephanie excels. Her content knowledge is vast. She is comfortable in the classroom and confident in the presentation of well-prepared units. I am impressed by her ability to implement project based learning, create new curricula, and differentiate instruction. When faced with complications, she adapts seamlessly and in the best interest of her students. Not only is she a consummate educator, but her true strengths lie in her ability to lead colleagues. Stephanie has been my ultimate cheerleader. As a new teacher, I fumbled through situations like communicating effectively with difficult parents. Stephanie gave me concrete advice on how to collaborate with parents for their childs success. Stephanie helped me rework my plans for differentiation by making heterogeneous groups that led to success of all of my students. Stephanie shares ideas and resources freely. We often sit down to discuss recent professional readings or research and brainstorm how that could drive our instruction. Whenever I approach Stephanie, she actively listens to my concerns and make me feel as if I am heard. Then, she offers me specific, manageable ways to overcome the problem. My impression has always been that Stephanie measures her value by how she is able to encourage and build up others. Stephanie is able to give me deeply constructive critiques while empowering me to be better than ever. I can tell you without hesitation that Stephanie will be a superb department chair who will serve her colleagues with professionalism and challenge them to be excellent. I would be honored to be a teacher in her department because I know I would be held to the highest standards and grow immeasurably. I would be pleased to discuss my experiences working with Stephanie in greater length with anyone who had further questions. Sincerely,

Thomas L. Harmas David Jennings Principal Assistant Principal

Jessica Tubbs Assistant Principal

Bryce Stewart Athletic Director

Creekside Middle School

3525 West 126
th

Street, Carmel, IN 46032 phone: 317-733-6420 Fax: 317-733-6422

Stephanie Liechty

Thomas L. Harmas David Jennings Principal Assistant Principal

Jessica Tubbs Assistant Principal

Bryce Stewart Athletic Director