Bayan Ghanem

Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park

2245 W Pershing Rd
Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 247-8400
ghanem@hsamckinley.org

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter of recommendation on behalf of Christopher Malavé for the position of a
Social Studies teacher.

Mr. Malavé recently completed his student-teaching assignment in my 10th grade United States
History classroom. He did an excellent job and had great rapport with my diverse group of
students. The students truly enjoyed their time with Mr. Malavé and they developed
relationships based upon mutual respect, common interests and genuine empathy. These are
Mr. Malavé’s best qualities and make him a natural at teaching and working with any group of
students.

Mr. Malavé was a model student-teacher in all other aspects of the profession. He never missed
a day of work. Mr. Malavé was prompt, on time, and always had his work done well in advance.
While classroom management is an acquired skill, student-teachers this semester had an
unusual experience considering that a majority of their experience was formatted through
remote learning as a result of Covid-19 quarantine. However, this did not deter Mr. Malavé from
maintaining productivity, effective teaching, and building relationships with the students. He
smoothly adapted to remote learning, an experience that most veteran teachers never had
before. He soon developed his own unique style of teaching through the challenging and
rigorous assignments he gave to our students, while motivating the students throughout this
process, as well. Mr. Malavé also ensured that he received constructive criticism, whether that
be from me as his cooperating teacher and/or the students, in order to create the best possible
learning environment during an unusual and unpredictable period of time. During the time he
spent physically and virtually at HSA McKinley Park, Mr. Malavé worked wonderfully with
administration, teachers and support staff.

I think that Mr. Malavé would be a tremendous asset to any school or department. I have
observed and worked with him this school year and he has demonstrated all the necessary
qualities needed to be a wonderful and successful teacher. He puts the interests of the students
first and foremost at all times. He adapts well and is always working to improve his skills. Mr.
Malavé has demonstrated that he understands the importance of continual learning and has
shown this to be true in all aspects of his student-teaching experience. Mr. Malavé is extremely
hard working, is a team player, and is well respected by both his students and his peers. I have
the utmost respect for Mr. Malavé and I believe he would definitely be a positive addition to any
teaching staff.
Please feel free to contact me on this matter. My cell phone number is (773) 865-6095. My
school phone is (773) 247-8400. My email is: ​ghanem@hsamckinley.org

Sincerely,

Bayan Ghanem

Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park