April 10, 2014

Letter of recommendation for Sara M. Reid To Whom It Concerns, Sara was a student in my Organisms and Environments (Biology 104) course in the Fall, 2013 semester. I enjoyed many lively interactions and discussions with her and her lab group during the semester, both in and out of class and am confident that I know her well enough to provide these comments. As an elementary education student at Hope College, Sara was required to take Biology 104 as part of her academic preparation. It is not unusual for students in this class to express strong discomfort with learning and understanding science. When she discovered that others in her lab group possessed rather strong backgrounds in science, Sara was initially skeptical regarding her ability to understand the science and to contribute to the group. As the semester progressed, I was pleased to watch her gain not only confidence in her ability to do science but also in her interest in learning and understanding science. In my experience, Sara demonstrated the most growth of any student I have taught in the class. The majority of the course is active-learning based, and Sara thrived in the environment. She was an active participant and a leader during activities and lab procedures, clearly evidencing her excellent interpersonal skills, determination, and dedication. As she gained confidence in science, Sara became a class leader in asking questions that applied the material to situations beyond the classroom; in short, she developed many of the attributes that characterize those whom we call scientists. By the end of the semester, Sara had developed a scientific interest, fund of knowledge and understanding that exceeded that of the majority of her peers. I am pleased to know that Sara will one day be an elementary classroom teacher who will certainly enhance the teaching of science at the elementary level. I am fully confident that Sara will make a contribution to the lives of the students entrusted to her, to the school in which she serves, and to the teaching profession. I look for great things from her. Cordially,

Dan A. Gerbens, Ed.D. Hope College Biology Department Email: gerbens@hope.edu telephone: 616-395-7720