5/10/21

RE: Letter of Recommendation for Kaila Kaczmarek

To Whom It May Concern,

I have worked closely with Kaila Kaczmarek at St. John’s Episcopal School since August of
2020, during which time she has served as a 7th grade mathematics and world history teacher and as
an advisor to a group of 7th grade girls. Since she arrived on campus, I have known Kaila to be a
hardworking, disciplined, and dedicated professional who is passionate about helping young people
achieve at their highest levels.

Kaila’s training through her credential program meant that she came to St. John’s with many
great ideas and perspectives about education. Building on this firm theoretical base and taking what
she had gained from her student teaching experiences, Kaila has worked hard to implement
interesting and engaging lessons in both mathematics and world history for her students. In her
classes, students enjoy a structured approach which includes a balance of direct instruction, group
work, hands on activities, and independent work across various media. In addition, Kaila is adept at
using technology to increase student access to materials and to help them stay organized. Kaila’s
communication with her students, parents, and colleagues is also very strong. She asks for
help/advice when she needs it, and I believe everyone appreciates her personable, direct, and
solution-seeking style.

Despite the myriad challenges of teaching in a global pandemic, Kaila has also been a helpful
and supportive colleague. She is a team player and will pitch in wherever she is needed. She is not
one to stay in her room and clock in/out as early as possible. I see Kaila interacting with her peers
across classrooms/grade levels and being able to positively contribute to both school and non-school
related conversations with ease and grace.

Kaila and I have had several productive and enjoyable discussions about challenges she has
faced this year, especially related to hybrid teaching and a standards-based approach to grading
which allows students to redo work. To Kaila’s great credit, she has embraced learning new
approaches, considering different perspectives, and it is my pleasure to write this recommendation
letter in strong support of the completion of her portfolio.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns about Kaila.

Sincerely,

James E. Jordan, Ed.D.

Associate Head of School for Innovation and Middle Division Principal
St. John’s Episcopal School
jjordan@stjohns-es.org
949-858-5144