I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Katie Gomez since August of 2015. Katie has served as an English language arts instructional coach at Crowley Middle School for the past two school years. In my current role as a grant-funded Write for Texas coach, I have been able to attend and contribute to staff meeting and PLCs at Crowley Middle School as well as provide technical assistance as teachers need it. However, my role is very supplementary whereas Katies coaching is robust, immersive, and extremely nurturing. Katie is an inspiring instructional leader. In this capacity, she has facilitated PLC meetings for the ELA department. She has developed meeting agendas and worked diligently to establish trusting relationships with her colleagues. Time and again, I have witnessed Katie bring home-made gifts and other goodies to brighten teachers days and to celebrate their successes. Furthermore, she has expanded her impact by co-teaching and serving as lesson planning partner to the ELA teachers. Most Fridays, she stays well past the end of school hours to plan the next weeks set of lessons with a struggling teacher. Katie is also extremely organized and multidimensional. She has orchestrated numerous campus focus meetings with the staff of Crowley Middle School, and she has worked seamlessly with other instructional coaches in her building and at the district level. I have seen Katie serve as an interventionist, working with students in small groups to broaden their understanding of reading and writing. She has created interactive and engaging lessons on expository writing and other essential content for students and teachers. When I reflect upon Katies strengths, I must assert that she is passionate, energetic, trustworthy, and forward-thinking. She has many leadership qualities that will propel her to be successful in her next position. She also has a broad base of content and knowledge that sets her apart from most candidates. I am proud of all that Katie has accomplished and know that she will continue to serve and lead in the future. Sincerely,
Dr. Cheryl Hunt,
Educational Consultant ESC Region 11 chunt@esc11.net