Curriculum Vitae
PK-12 Letters of Reccommendation
From Fellow Teacher Charles Oehrtmann, RSU14
May, 2021
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing you regarding Alex Adams, a candidate for a teaching position in your school. Alex first came to RSU 14 in the 2017 – 2018 academic year as a beginning band director at Manchester School in Windham, Maine, and as a chorus and general music teacher at Jordan Small Middle School in the neighboring town of Raymond.
A typical Tuesday, Thursday or Friday for Alex looks like this:
Arrive around 7:15 AM after an approximately hour-long commute from his home – sometimes in
questionable travel circumstances. Students arrive at 8:00 – his first class begins at 9:25
Review the previous week’s assignment to link it to the focus for this week’s class until students arrive at
8:00, or contact parents who have questions.
Work with any students who want extra help from 8:00 – 8:20.
Prepare to perform on any instrument he can get his hands on so he can be playing as students pass by
his room on the way to meet their homeroom teachers after the busses drop them off.
Teach the band classes at Manchester School, then prepare to travel to Jordan Small Middle School to
complete the day’s assigned classroom schedule.
Stay after school a JSMS to help any students who might need it.
After the long but rewarding day, find the time to rehearse with other adults in a variety of music
ensembles on an occasional basis. Alex is one of those music teachers who not only “talks the talk”, but “walks the walk”.
At Jordan Small Middle School, Alex established a rock band that initially met after school for students who volunteered their time and talents. It was such a success at one concert that now it has become a part of the regularly-scheduled academic day.
Alex has scoured local resources for instruments to add to the fleet of school-owned band instruments that are available for students who might otherwise not be able to participate in the instrumental program due to the financial situation of their families. The drum set that now resides in the Band Room at Manchester School was one that Alex went to Bangor to get, a city nearly two and one-half hours from Windham. This is one example of the lengths Alex will go to find resources for the band program.
Alex also incorporates technology in his classes, using Garage Band as a tool for students to compose their own music. He uses rhythm tracks during his band classes, and is always seeking new technological tools to spur student growth. His website contains not only the schedule for upcoming performances, it also contains audio and visual resources for students so they can better understand how their particular part fits within the ensemble in which they are participating, be it instrumental or vocal.
I can’t imagine a more dedicated young teacher, and I can unhesitatingly recommend him for any teaching position in which he might be interested. As the former orchestra specialist and one of the former choral teachers in this district, I am well aware of the challenges and rewards that are involved in being the director of an instrumental or vocal ensemble in RSU14 Windham / Raymond Schools. As a seasoned veteran, and Alex’s mentor, I can truly state that he has “got the goods” and know that the classes he teaches and ensembles he directs are in very capable hands.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely,
Charles Oehrtmann
Manchester School / Windham Primary School
March 12, 2019
To Whom It May Concern:
I write this letter of recommendation for Alex Adams with mixed feelings. While I am pleased to be able to recommend a highly effective music teacher to your hiring committee for this exciting opportunity, I would hate to see Alex leave our school district! I have had the opportunity to observe Mr. Adams working with students on many occasions as his direct supervisor over the last year and a half. These instances include general music classes, chorus rehearsals, band rehearsals and and guitar classes.
Although Alex is only in the second year of his public education career, his ability to deliver an outstanding level of instruction is on par with some teachers with more years of experience. He has consistently proven to be reflective of his teaching practices, analyzing if he met his objectives for each class and making adjustments for future classes based on the learning of the students. Mr. Adams is able to challenge and support all the young musicians he works with in a very student-centered manner, regardless of their skill level or prior experience. He has an eclectic knowledge base which allows him to develop innovative ways to reach a variety of students that “hook” them into learning about music. Alex incorporates visual arts, computer technology, performance demonstrations and many other techniques to keep his students engaged and productive during classes.
Mr. Adams frequently collaborates with colleagues in our school and the district music department. He is highly respected by the students, staff and parents because of his enthusiasm for the subject he teaches and genuine commitment to his students.
The first 20 years of my career in education was as a music teacher so I have worked with many music teachers and attended hundreds of school concerts. Alex is well on his way to becoming an outstanding music educator in every aspect of the profession. I recommend him without reservation for the position for which he is applying. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly for further details regarding my recommendation of Mr. Adams for a position in your school.
Sincerely, Randy Crockett
April 21, 2017
It is with great pleasure that I write this RECOMMENDATION FOR ALEXANDER ADAMS. I first met Mr. Adams nearly five years ago when he interviewed for entrance into USM’s music education program. In that interview Mr. Adams impressed me with his keen intellect, vivid imagination, and openness to exploring new ideas and teaching practices to engage artistic thinking and action.
Throughout Mr. Adams’ time in our program, I have seen his approach to teaching grow from from broad observation to highly focused actions built on his insightful perceptions of students and contexts. His teaching draws on a strong philosophical base, considerable knowledge of learners, deep artistic understandings, and practical teaching skills which engage students in hands-on/minds-on learning. He is masterful at asking questions, probing understandings, and drawing out of students what they already know so that they can continue to develop new knowledge and skills in a manner that seems natural and seamless.
In his two student teaching practicuums I have seen an educator with a thorough command of his subject who is well-liked and respected by students. Mr. Adams has a keen knack for connected with a variety of learners through differing means as suits their individual needs. His broad interests and insights allow him to engage in conversation with nearly anyone he meets. This skill has been widely noted not only by his field-based mentors, but by their colleagues, too.
Without question, Mr. Adams will bring a wealth of imagination, energy, and artistic spirit to any school fortunate enough to gain his employment. He will be greatly admired by students with varied artistic and musical interests, respected by colleagues, and enjoyed by parents for the incredible experiences he will offer their children.
Mr. Adams is among the top 3-5 students that I have taught in my twenty years at USM. I offer him my highest recommendation.
Cordially,
Michele Kaschub, PhD
Professor of Music & Coordinator of Music Teacher Education University of Southern Maine
School of Music