April 5, 2014

To Whom It May Concern,

This letter of recommendation is for Ms. Morgan Lanahan. I had the opportunity to work
with Ms. Lanahan at Metea Valley High School from January 8 through March 7, 2014. Ms.
Lanahans responsibilities included planning, organizing, conducting, and assessing Concert
Band, Concert Winds, Symphonic Winds, Wind Symphony, and Wind Ensemble. She also
taught daily technique classes, chamber music rehearsals, and assisted with student-led
sectionals. Ms. Lanahan assisted with jazz band rehearsals and the organization of several
performances and clinics.

Ms. Lanahans enthusiasm and excitement for teaching was evident prior to her student
teaching experience. She quickly developed a positive rapport with the students and was
immediately considered part of the staff by faculty members. Her caring personality,
enthusiastic attitude, and positive approach in the classroom helped her develop collaborative
relationships with the students.

Ms. Lanahans knowledge of her content area is exceptional. Even more impressive is
Ms. Lanahans awareness of her own continued professional development. Ms. Lanahan was
quick to identify and develop areas she wished to improve while continuing to develop her
strengths. Self-evaluation played a crucial role in her student teaching. She continually
evaluated her students progress as well as her own teaching methods. Ms. Lanahan was not
hesitant about asking questions and for advice not only from me, but from other staff members,
directors at area schools, and college faculty members. I believe, her sincere effort to grow
professionally combined with her many strengths will help to create an outstanding career in
education.

While at Metea Valley, Ms. Lanahan taught students in grades 9 through 12 in a variety
of settings. She taught in both rehearsal and classroom settings. She also taught students at a


variety levels from beginning to advanced. Ms. Lanahan was very comfortable working with all
students. She successfully taught students who are at-risk, and students with disabilities while
teaching in a mainstream classroom.

Ms. Lanahans success in the classroom resulted from detailed planning of each of her
lessons. Her plans included the components necessary for a well-rounded music education.
Utilizing theory, history, ear-training, and musicianship throughout her lessons enabled students
to gain the necessary knowledge to meet the performance objectives. She developed several
strategies to teach new material and review previously learned material to assist with all types of
learners. Her student-centered approach helped motivate all students to take ownership in their
music education.

Ms. Lanahan is very organized and went above-and-beyond in so many ways while at
Metea Valley. She assisted in the organization of the Wind Ensembles performance-clinic at
the Illinois Music Educators Association conference. She also helped plan and organize the
Wind Ensembles performance at Symphony Center in Chicago. Ms. Lanahan sought-out ways
to contribute administratively, gaining experience in music parent organizations, budgets,
inventory, music library, concert logistics, field trips, and departmental tasks.

Ms. Lanahan was well prepared for student teaching and has the necessary attributes of
an excellent music educator. She has a sincere interest in the teaching profession and developing
her skills further as a teacher and conductor. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to work
with her.

Sincerely,


Don Devany
Fine Arts Department Chair