It is with complete confidence that I recommend Mr. Kirk Van Wagoner for a teaching position.
I have known him for two years as an enthusiastic and promising substitute teacher, parent volunteer, and solid community member here at Kelly Elementary School. He is a person with integrity, character, compassion, and a drive for learning and teaching which motivates and engages his students.
Mr. Van Wagoner made himself invaluable to us as a parent volunteer, particularly in the area of technology. We recently adopted the Envision Math program and were working to increase our home/school use of the technology component across all grade levels K-1. Mr. Van Wagoner provided professional development to our entire staff at a staff meeting and worked individually in each classroom to set the teachers up to implement this valuable tool. We also purchased 85 I-pads for classroom use, and Mr. Van Wagoner volunteered his time, again, to support the teachers in their use for increasing instruction through technology. One of Kelly School’s focus areas has been in the area of technology, and Mr. Van Wagoner has been instrumental in moving us forward! His skill and expertise in instructional technology is invaluable for 21st century learning in the schools.
Mr. Van Wagoner also substituted regularly on the Kelly Elementary School campus. He quickly became the “go to” substitute that everyone wanted. He incorporated an enriched and challenging curriculum using the state adopted texts that met the needs of all of the children in his classroom. The students and parents developed trust in him rapidly, and the students’ growth through-out the year academically, behaviorally, and socially provided evidence that he did provide them an outstanding educational experience when he substituted in our classrooms. Mr. Van Wagoner exemplifies the Kelly School motto, “Make good choices for healthy minds, bodies, and spirits…” and worked with the students to model this as well.
In short, Mr. Van Wagoner is a consummate professional eager for learning and for the opportunity to work with young people. He is one who truly makes a positive difference in the lives of children in all areas of their lives, and he is a positive contributor to the community as a whole
It is, again, with great confidence that I recommend Mr. Van Wagoner for any teaching position. The district that hires him will be fortunate to have him on its team.
Sincerely,
Tressie Armstrong
Tressie Armstrong
Kelly Elementary School…Principal
Carlsbad Unified School District
760-331-5800
tarmstrong@carlsbadusd.net
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Teamwork Award:
In appreciation for your commitment to excellence and dedication to success of our students and staff here at Rincon Middle School. You are the best!
Lou Bailey
Principal – Currently at West Linn High School
baileyl@wlwv.k12.or.us
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To Whom It May Concern:
Kirk Van Wagoner has served as an exemplary humanities teacher for Rincon Middle School for the past four years. As Kirk’s support provider for the teacher’s induction program, I observed Kirk’s expertise with the California Standards for the teaching profession as her demonstrated his knowledge and understanding of curriculum to his growing population of 7th grade students. As Kirk’s mentor, I have observed how his goals and expectations have proven to demonstrate his dedication to the teaching profession.
Throughout the school year Kirk has willingly mentored his team, department, and the staff as he served on the Blue Ribbon Literacy Committee. Teachers throughout Rincon admire his creative ability to adapt as well as differentiate curriculum to meet the needs of language learner and Gate students in his class. Kirk has successfully tied technology in to his program through independent research and student projects.
During my observations of Kirk’s classroom I have noted the positive role model he maintains with students and the continued high level of motivation he creates to make history and language arts come alive for his students. Reluctant learners are motivated to learn and excel in his classroom. Activities and group experiences are a norm upon entering his room as a visitor; making everyone feel a welcome part of the student climate.
Respectfully yours,
Glenda Wickstrom
(Teacher on Assignment BTSA/PAR)
gwickstr@csusm.edu
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Dear Sir/Madam:
I am writing in support of Kirk Van Wagoner. During spring 2012, it was my pleasure to work with Kirk at Calavera Hills Middle School in Carlsbad. As acting assistant principal, I worked closely with Kirk in his position as a long term substitute, teaching Drama and math support. During the time we worked together, Kirk consistently demonstrated his professionalism. He was diligent in his lesson planning and dedicated to mastering his subject area. Above all else, Mr. Van Wagoner was well liked by students and staff.
In my opinion, Kirk Van Wagoner is well prepared and well suited for a career in education. He will be an asset to any school. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Judi Stapleton
Electives Department Leader
Calavera Hills Middle School
jstapleton
@carlsbadusd.net
760-331-6408
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I can't think of enough superlatives to express what a wonderful teacher Kirk is. I had my special education students mainstreamed into his class for a few years and felt so lucky to have such a good teacher on my team for my students. He gets along well with everyone, is creative, compassionate, well-versed in standards - he's just about perfect.
Carolyn Zeisler
Special Education Teacher
Rincon Middle School, Escondido, CA
czeisler@eusd.org
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I have known Kirk as a fellow educator for over a decade. He has consistently displayed enthusiasm and innovation whether working directly with students or with school staff on curricular paths. During his tenure at Pearson Publishing, I had the opportunity to work as a curriculum developer for him, and I sat in on department meetings where Kirk expertly and diplomatically collected instructors' needs and desires for thematic units. His active listening, along with his expertise in guiding, planning, and developing resulted in the department's product: a tailor-made, custom-built curricula that met the expectations of state standards, the passion of the teachers, and the interest of students. His leadership through the shaping and creating of this body of work provided unwavering energy and positive direction from start to finish.
Kathleen Ferrara
Speech-language Pathologist at San Bernardino County
katferrara@aol.com
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Kirk Van Wagoner has been a friend I have known since High School. He has always been very motivated and goal oriented. I had the honor to work with him as colleagues, as teachers, in the Escondido Union School District. He is so creative and takes his work to the next level leading the way in his field. His work is polished and he is an inspiration to work with. I had the pleasure to work with him on an independent project. He was a great team leader, had clear communication and expectations and he introduced me to new technology to share our work and keep it interactive. He is adaptable to changes in the field, he works well under pressure, and he is a people person. He is a true professional and sets the standard in education.
Gwen SmithTeacher/Supervisor
gsmith017@san.rr.com
