To Whom it may concern,

Jacob Schmudlach did his student teaching practicum with me from January through May of 2014. He observed and taught 4th grade Language, Reading, Social Studies, and Math. During the short period of time he was with me, Jacob created a positive student/teacher relationship with the thirty students we shared. He quickly gained their respect and cooperation. During our Reading block time, Jacob was responsible for planning and implementing lessons that covered district goals and objectives. He created exciting reading and writing activities to go along with each story that motivated students reading. He downloaded and implemented ideas from the internet to enhance his reading lessons for the whole group and each leveled small group. Mr. Schmudlach demonstrated thoughtful planning to meet the required objectives for the Math class. He taught whole group and small group Math lessons covering multiplication, division, and fractions. He demonstrated creative problem solving strategies and held high expectations for every student. Jacob constantly arrived early every day and stayed late to prepare his lessons. He demonstrated a strong knowledge of technology in the classroom. He put together power points on reading vocabulary words, and pulled information off the internet to support classroom lessons and research. Jacob demonstrated a positive, energetic and upbeat teaching style with the students. He has unlimited energy. He presents an open, welcoming, but strong personality. Students quickly found out that behind the smile was a fair but strong disciplinarian. His verbal communication skills with students, parents and building staff were very thoughtful and positive. I feel very confident that Jacob will do a marvelous job managing a classroom of students.

Sincerely, Wyatt Pugh (515) 279-8831

March 26, 2014 Re: Reference letter for Jacob Schmudlach To: Whom it may concern The purpose of this letter is to support the teaching application for Jacob Schmudlach. I had the pleasant opportunity to supervise Jacob during his student teaching experience at Phillips Elementary in Des Moines, Iowa. During the period from January 27th thru May 14th of 2014 he worked with 4th grade students. I would like to support his teaching application by elaborating on his skills. During Jacobs student teaching experience I conducted several formal observations based on the Iowa Teaching Standards. I observed Jacob exhibit positive expectations for all students, establish good classroom management techniques and design lessons for student mastery. The range of abilities and disabilities was vast at Phillips Elementary. However, while serving those students he addressed each students needs with tenacity and creativity. Jacob worked closely with his mentor which resulted in success in the 4th grade setting. Jacob has made a lasting impression when it comes to his rapport, responsibility, and resourcefulness. His competence to adjust quickly to the needs of young students is a definite strength. He has the ability to help them feel safe and nurtured, challenged and encouraged. Jacob Schmudlachs flexibility in working with students, teachers, administration and the public earned him an enviable reputation as a young educator who truly cares about education and people. Without question, he has the academic preparation, the dedication and the people skills to become a competent teacher in any educational program. I believe that Jacob Schmudlach would be an excellent candidate for a teaching position. He possesses the highest level of professional commitment and competency in his work with students and colleagues. For all these reasons, I am pleased to recommend Jacob Schmudlach. Please feel free to contact me at 515-964-5352 if I can be of further assistance. Sincerely, Denny Warren DRAKE University Supervisor of Student Teaching

April 4, 2014 To Whom It May Concern: I am proud to have the privilege of writing this letter of recommendation for Jacob Schmudlach for a position as a teacher in your school district. I have known Jacob since the fall of 2009 when I initiated the recruiting process for Drake and have observed him in a variety of situations. In doing so, I have witnessed a young man who has all the characteristics necessary to be an excellent teacher and role model for young people. In May of 2011 I had the opportunity to travel Tanzania, Africa with Jacob to be part of a historic football trip in which the Drake football team competed in the only collegiate football game on the continent of Africa, worked in orphanages and summited Mt. Kilimanjaro. Jacob was in my group at the orphanage and in climbing the mountain. In spending this time with Jacob in a foreign country I was able to observe him in a variety of stressful situations. In doing so, I witnessed a young man who had the humility and selflessness to work well with others, who related well with people from another culture and who had the determination to persevere through difficult circumstances on the mountain. In addition, having coached Jacob for the last four years, I have these and under positive qualities that will serve Jacob well as a teacher. One such quality is his ability to be poised in adverse environments. In these situations Jacob would stay loose and help others to do so. Never did he do this in a way that distracted from others but rather, in a way that focused people around him, bringing out their best in difficult situations. Another such quality is that Jacob is a team player who gives of himself to advance the team. Last season Jacob, as a senior, was in position to play significantly for our team. Then, during the pre-season he suffered an injury that kept him out for well over a month. His response? Without complaint he helped the sophomore player behind him improve and that young man went on to become an all-conference player. Jacobs support and advice certainly helped that young man have the success he did. I am confident that Jacob Schmudlach will make a positive impact on your school and the young people he teaches. Therefore, I give him my highest recommendation without reservation. If you have any questions feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Rick Fox Head Football Coach Drake University Des Moines, IA 50311 515-943-3760 (c) rick.fox@drake.edu