March 13, 2020

Barbara Harris
Supervisor
University of Oregon - UOTeach
Eugene, OR

To Whom it may Concern:

Russell Arkin is a teacher-in-training with the University of Oregon and I am his supervisor. I have worked with
Russell for four months during his winter practicum. I observed him teach four complete class periods. He was
responsible for teaching the curriculum for one class for six weeks this winter. I was able to give him critical feedback
with every observation and he used that feedback to forward his teaching progress.

Russell is professional in every way, starting with collegial respect, to solid preparation for class, to meaningful
engagement with students and finally, mastery of mathematics. The students were a mix of abilities and, yet, it was
evident Russell wanted them to succeed and showed his enthusiasm for learning and the subject matter. The
students in the middle school class were diverse in ability and attitude and he handled most situations calmly, firmly
and with the goal to further the mathematical insights. He was also able to adjust for unforseen circumstances and
still have control of the classroom.

I am a retired high school mathematics teacher, having taught all levels of mathematics over years. I became head of
the mathematics department, participated in selecting curriculum and was on the hiring committee when hiring new
teachers. I would not hesitate to hire Russell to teach beside me in a middle school or high school setting.

Thank you very much for your time. I can be reached at 541.221.9645 or barbharris3@gmail.com.

Barbara Harris

EDUCATION STUDIES | 5277 UNIVERSITY OF OREGON, EUGENE OR 97403 | T 541-346-3404 | EDUCATION.UOREGON.EDU/EDST

An equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act