Jackie Castleman, Principal K-5 Hershey Elementary School Box 898 450 Rear Homestead Rd. Hershey, PA 17033 717.531.2211 April 1, 2016 ‘To Whom It May Concern, It is with mixed feelings I write this letter of recommendation for Ms. Kelly Pierce. She is the type of professional that everyone would want in their classroom or building, so therefore, I share a feeling of great excitement. The team collaboration skills she possesses on a daily basis, makes it hard for me to think about our school without her. We all know the teacher is the keystone of any sound education program and classroom. Kelly’s initiative, knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication to her students and their families along with her commitment to her instruction is what makes her an exceptional educator. She has both the Science and Art of teaching mastered. Thave had the wonderful opportunity to be her supervisor for several years at Derry Township School District. ‘When she first was hired by our district, she was in the role of a learning support teacher. Kelly made instructing, planning differentiating and IEP writing look so easy while she was working with a range of grade levels. When an opportunity to move to first grade opened, she had asked for a transfer and was granted one. This helped her to fulfill her desire to have her own classtoom and students to instruct over longer period of time. She was a fantastic addition to our team of 10 other first grade teachers. From the beginning, Kelly has been very involved with many other committees outside of her classroom. She is a member of our HIP- Hershey Intervention Prevention Team, representative on our Social Studies Curriculum ‘Team, serves as a HEA- Hershey Education Association representative, and works with Math TEAM as a support just to name a few. In closing, Kelly is one of those teacher candidate’s that every district has their sights on. Please feel free to call me to further share about her vast knowledge, passion and experiences related to teaching and learning. I can be reached at 717-531-2211 ext. 6202. Sincerely, 7 ackue Lordttemarn Jackie Castleman, K-5 Elementary Principal