EDUCATIONAL STUDIES

33 E. CONGRESS PKWY
CHICAGO, IL 60605 1996
312 369 8140
WWW.COLUM.EDU

March 2, 2015
Letter of Recommendation
I am writing this recommendation on behalf of my graduate student,
Jessica Burton. Jessica was a student in the graduate art education masters
program at Columbia College Chicago from 2013-2015. During this time I
observed her leadership skills, her academic progress and her skills as an art
educator.
Ms. Burton has demonstrated strong leadership skills. She volunteered
to be a participant in a variety of community projects that her cohort sponsored
throughout her two years in graduate school. Jessica was a member of the
student chapter of the IAEA/NAEA and held the office of president of the
organization, she was also elected the graduate representative in the student
government and she has currently been elected to a four-year term as the
National Art Education Associations Preservice Division Director- Elect.
Jessica had a clear understanding of group dynamics within her cohort, she was
a wonderful leader and she was a great supporter of community building within
the cohort. She has a wonderful sense of humor, and her upbeat attitude was
very contagious in the cohort. The members of her cohort respected Jessica for
her guidance, dedication and artistic passion. She is a caring person and she
never hesitated to volunteer her time and expertise to other members of her
cohort.
Ms. Burton was a strong academic student in our program. She was
well prepared for class, enthusiastic about the course work and she was an asset
during group discussions. Jessica has a passion for the arts, which lead her to
Columbia and her goal to become an art educator. She balanced her artistic
photography work with her course work throughout her graduate work. Jessica
developed exemplar lesson plans that focused on integrating the arts with
content areas. She focused on making sure all the diverse learners in her classes
were given the opportunity to achieve. Jessica was part of a team of students
who researched and wrote three art advocacy documents that have been used at
the Illinois Art Educations Capitol Day and various conferences and
workshops. Ms. Burton also participated in our first Capitol Day as an advocate
for the arts in Springfield during the spring of 2014.

EDUCATIONAL STUDIES
33 E. CONGRESS PKWY
CHICAGO, IL 60605 1996
312 369 8140
WWW.COLUM.EDU

She made great connections with her students at both the elementary/
middle school and high school student teaching experiences. Her cooperating
teachers and her supervisor were impressed with her comfort level during both
experiences, and her creative teaching ideas. Jessica is very goal oriented and
she has high standards for herself and her students. She participated in many
extra activities during student teaching related to her placements, which
reflected her strong work ethic and team approach.
Ms. Burton will be an excellent art educator. She has been one of the
most creative pre-service teacher candidates in our program. She is passionate
about art and she cares about students achieving in the arts. She will be a
valuable asset to your faculty, a caring educator for your schools community
and an outstanding art instructor for your students.
Sincerely,

Anne L. Becker Ed.D.

Education Department
Columbia College Chicago
600 Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL. 60605
abecker@colum.edu