April 28, 2015

To Whom It May Concern:

I am pleased to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of Mr. Toby Doyle for a school counseling
position in your district. Toby completed his graduate studies in the school counseling program at Seattle
University. The school counselor education program at Seattle University focuses on preparing students
to be reflective educational leaders and achievement advocates who speak up in the face of injustice.
Specifically, we prepare students to design, deliver, and implement a student-centered, data-driven,
comprehensive school counseling program that promotes the mission of the school.
I have had many opportunities to observe Tobys academic work and his maturation as a graduate student
in the program over the past three years. Toby is a joy to work with. He is active in his learning, is
reliable with his commitments, and incorporates feedback. He is also intelligent, inquisitive,
compassionate, and quick to learn. These qualities, coupled with his extensive experience in the schools,
make him an ideal candidate for a school counseling position in your district. Moreover, Toby is a student
advocate, an educational leader, and a collaborative and compassionate human being who understands
how a comprehensive school counseling program can meet students academic, career, and
personal/social needs. All of these qualities and skills were obvious in his academic and fieldwork.
What perhaps stands out most about Toby is his maturity and passion for helping others. This was evident
in the assignments he submitted to class. I also find Toby to be easy going. For example, he present
himself as calm, cool, and collected when class discussions become heated. I think this is a great quality
to possess when working with youth who struggle with academic, career, and personal/social issues.
You are likely to receive many highly qualified applicants for your position opening. However, I can
think of no other candidate that would bring the combination of energy, passion, knowledge, skills, and
commitment to students. I am not alone in saying that I would not hesitate to contact Toby if I were in a
position to hire a school counselor in the district. He would bring visibility to the school counseling
program and would help promote the profession at the local, state, and national levels. Toby would bring
extensive experience in the K-12 school system and he would be a great role model for male students.
Colleagues and administrators would enjoy working with him as well given his easy going personality.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions regarding Mr. Toby Doyles
application to work in your district. I would be more than happy to speak with you. I can be reached at my
work number (206-296-2843) or via email: vong@seattleu.edu.
Respectfully submitted,

Manivong J. Ratts, Ph.D., N.C.C.

DEPARTMENT OF LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

901 12th Avenue P.O. Box 222000 Seattle, WA 98122-1090 www.seattleu.edu Tel.: (206) 296-5750 Fax: (206) 296-1892

Associate Professor of Counseling

DEPARTMENT OF LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

901 12th Avenue P.O. Box 222000 Seattle, WA 98122-1090 www.seattleu.edu Tel.: (206) 296-5750 Fax: (206) 296-1892