November 23,2014

To Whom it May Concern:

It is a pleasure to write a letter of recommendation for Heather Thornton. I have known Mrs.
Thornton since the fall of 2005, when she was hired as an Educational Technician lll to work in
the inclusion classroom setting in the Special Educalion Program at AD Gray Middle School with
me. Because the position at AD Gray was my first at the middle school level, I was somewhat
intimidated by Mrs. Thornton's extensive experience in education. However, after Mrs.
Thornton's first week on the job, I concluded that I had no reason for concern. She has always
been supportive. She has done an outstanding job and embraced every task with a high level of
conscientiousness, responsibility and professionalism.

The responsibilities of Heather's position throughout the school year have included one-on-one
instruction; assisting IEP students in mainstream classes;small group instruction; clericalduties,
including using lnfinite Campus to help with the formidable array of Special Education paperwork;
communicating with teachers and parents; and participating in and writing reports for IEP
meetings. Heather understands the importance of her relationships with students and mainstream
teachers. To ensure IEP students'success in the mainstream, she is adept at creating materials
to support students who are struggling to master specific standards. lf she sees a student that
needs assistance, she takes the initiative to provide the needed support. She never shies away
from students, no matter how challenging they may be. I can say unequivocally that Heather has
done an outstanding job performing all of her responsibilities.
Heather's understanding of middle school philosophy and education is current and relevant. She
has a thorough understanding of the Common Core Standards and the Workshop Model.
Heather is also skilled with Moodle, lnfinite Campus, and Empower. She not only knows of them
but uses them daily in her work.
ln terms of teacher/student relationships, Heather has demonstrated the ability to treat students
fairly and with consistency, including behavior and academic expectations. Whether working with
students as a group or individually, Heather always treats students with respect. She has a
genuine concern for students. She strives to bring out the best in students through respect and
hard work. The students in turn respect her as a staff member.

ln summary, I would say in addition to a solid base of pedagogy, Heather possesses that special
intuitive quality that makes her a highly competent teacher and a significant individual to her
students.

lf I can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me at (207) 832-5098 ext. 109,
(207) 975-3261 or colleen jaques@sad40.k1 2.me.us

Respectfully, 3

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Colleen Jaques
Medomak Middl$ Sch{ol, Besource Room Teacher