Red  Deer  College,  School  of  Education,  

100  College  Blvd,  Red  Deer,  AB,  T4N  5H5  
 
January  28,  2019  
 
To  whom  it  may  concern;  
I  have  known  Lana  Kostenuk  for  the  last  year,  as  she  was  a  student  in  both  my  Social  Studies  
Curriculum  and  Ethics  and  Law  in  Teaching  courses.  Through  the  courses,  she  actively  
participated  and  provided  meaningful  contributions  in  both  the  class  discussions  and  activities.  
 
Throughout  the  year  I  have  been  impressed  with  Lana’s  maturity,  insight,  and  professional  
growth.  She  reflected  on  the  complexities  of  the  Social  Studies  curriculum  and  collaboratively  
created  a  Social  Studies  unit  that  was  engaging  for  her  learners.  She  understands  what  it  takes  to  
create  a  dynamic  and  learner-­‐centred  social  studies  classroom.  In  one  of  her  responses  she  
wrote,  “Powerful  Social  Studies  emphasizes  the  importance  of  self-­‐action  in  relation  to  the  local  
and  global  community.  It  sparks  in  individuals  the  desire  to  be  socially  responsible  because  as  
history  reveals,  actions  have  consequences.  In  order  for  Social  Studies  to  be  powerful  it  is  crucial  
it  be  taught  in  a  purposeful  and  collaborative  manner.  Community  is  a  foundational  element  to  
the  content  of  study;  instruction  and  learning  must  follow  suit.”    
 
In  the  Ethics  and  Law  course,  she  explored  a  number  of  case  studies  and  laws  that  will  ground  her  
teaching  practice.  In  regards  to  technology  use,  she  commented,  “[technology]  gives  students  
access  to  unlimited  data,  research  and  general  information  as  well  as  offers  simulations  and  
virtual  reality  options  that  target  higher-­‐level  thinking.  As  with  most  things  in  life,  misuse  can  take  
place  manifesting  in  cyber-­‐bullying,  excessive  screen  time  and  online  criminal  activity.  It  has  been  
said  to  keep  your  friends  close  but  your  enemies  closer.  This  phrase  can  be  used  in  a  
technological  context,  describing  the  importance  for  us  as  educators  to  educate  not  only  our  
students  but  ourselves  on  technological  advancements.  Keeping  up  to  date  with  what  is  going  on  
in  the  online  world  will  help  us  monitor  what  our  students  are  doing  as  well  as  increase  the  level  
of  trust  and  respect  we  get  from  them  in  return.”  Lana  understands  the  complexities  of  
technology  and  is  willing  to  continue  developing  her  knowledge  as  she  grows  as  a  teacher.  
 
Lana  is  friendly,  has  a  great  sense  of  humour,  and  her  positive  nature  would  be  an  asset  in  any  
classroom  and  any  school.  Lana  is  reflective  in  her  practice,  always  asking  questions,  and  building  
her  skills  and  teaching  practice.  It  is  without  hesitation  that  I  recommend  Lana  for  a  teaching  
position.  She  is  enthusiastic,  hard  working  and  a  positive  force  in  a  classroom.  Please  feel  free  to  
contact  me  at  (403)  815-­‐5504  or  email  at  Heather.Fansher@rdc.ca  if  you  have  any  questions.  
 
Sincerely,  
Dr.  Heather  Fansher  
Instructor,  BEd  program  

Red Deer College | 100 College Boulevard | Box 5005 | Red Deer | AB | Canada | T4N 5H5 | www.rdc.ab.ca
  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

Red Deer College | 100 College Boulevard | Box 5005 | Red Deer | AB | Canada | T4N 5H5 | www.rdc.ab.ca