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Master teacher, trusted colleague, global citizen….these are some of the outstanding qualities of Nancy. I am pleased to write a letter of recommendation for Nancy, having known her as a teacher at West Junior and for the last five years at Columbia Independent School, four of which I was her Upper School Director. Nancy teaches both Middle and Upper School Spanish, from Spanish I through AP and Advanced Spanish Seminar. Our graduates, in their commencement speeches, always recognize her, not only for her ability to help them speak fluent Spanish, but also because of her empathy, humor, and motherly ways. She is beloved by all!

Nancy is the teacher who has her students come to her home to eat breakfast, so they can practice Spanish in social settings. She also invited the senior class of 12 to her home for dinner, providing each with a personalized letter about their growth, not only in the Spanish language, but also in character. She provides engaging lessons that maximize student interest and the use of language, as well as holding each student to high expectations and accountability. She often integrates her lessons with our Innovation Center, as well as with English, Science, and Performing Arts.

But what sets Nancy apart, besides her exemplary teaching, is her passion about learning and finding new ways to get all students involved… in our school, the local community and in global cultures and service. Here are just a few examples: During our intersession week on Survival, she had students come to Centro Latino to learn how its community center is meeting the needs of both Latino students and others in ‘”at risk” neighborhoods. She planned a trip to Paris and Barcelona this year for students and interested parents to learn more about global cultures. She is a world traveler, visiting Cuba in January to assist with the filming of a documentary about the Cuban people, its culture and its tumultuous history. She is the coordinator of our Rotary International’s Interact Club, which has provided community service to local agencies. She took our seniors to the Central Missouri Food Bank so they could give back to the community as part of their senior week activities. She organized a trip with our eighth graders to Arkansas and the Heifer International project, where students stayed in simulated poverty, learning how to promote sustainable solutions to global hunger and poverty. She was instrumental in having one of our students selected by the National Youth Ambassadors program of America to visit Colombia last summer. And lastly, she has spearheaded the Children’s Grove organization at our school, helping to promote kindness and mental health.

Nancy is a great role model for both students and teachers, not only for her belief in ongoing professional growth, but also for her approach to creative problem solving, engaging instruction, and supportive relationships. She also is a great team player, leading a teacher committee this spring that worked with students to build an interactive wall and light display on the solar system in preparation for the upcoming Solar Eclipse.

But I think Nancy’s most important qualities are the relationships she has built with students, parents, and colleagues. She is a positive faculty collaborator and a willing mentor to new teachers, as well as being a trusted colleague and friend who continues to enrich our learning culture.

I am privileged to have the opportunity to work with Nancy and know she will be an asset to any instructional program or global endeavors.

Nancy is an amazing teacher who cares deeply about the success of her students. Her passion for Spanish enables her to be an amazing teacher and tutor. She is high energy, morally sound and an incredible instructor.