Our Lady of Hope Parish

St. Cecilia Catholic School

106 E. Wheaton Ave.
Clare, MI 48617
989-386-9862

Elizabeth Kindermann
St. Cecilia Catholic School
Clare, MI 48617
June 10, 2015
Dear Hiring Committee:
I am very pleased to write this letter of endorsement for Miranda Caldwell. In my twenty-five years of experience as an
educator, in both public and private K-12 and higher education environments, it has been my pleasure to work with and
supervise many individuals. Beginning with Mirandas interview, I, and the hiring committee comprised of her soon to be
teaching colleagues, knew she would be a wonderful addition to our school family. We found her to be an energetic, cheerful
individual, with an optimistic, can-do attitude. Miranda had just graduated in the spring and possessed the excitement and
passion, that I later found was not simply that of a new teacher, but truly is part of who Miranda is an educator.
Replacing a teacher is never easy, but especially with only one week before the new school year begins. Miranda willingly
accepted the first and second grade blended classroom assignment, only one week prior to the beginning of the school year!
Taking on a new teaching position is challenging enough, without the demands of blending the needs of different aged students
with special needs. Miranda took on this assignment, which included some students considered to be more challenging due to
developmental, emotional and psychological issues. As a first year teacher, it can be a challenge to gain the confidence of
students parents, however, she did just that by maintaining open, proactive, positive relationships with them, making use of a
variety of communication channels. Always professional with colleagues and parents, she effectively participated in individual
education planning meetings with fellow teachers and support members from the public school system.
Miranda made use of several best practices in teaching methods and classroom management strategies, such as Daily Five and
the newly adopted Northwest Evaluation Assessment, Measures of Academic Progress tests. Miranda effectively used the
testing data to guide instruction in her classroom and to inform parents about their childs academic progress during parent
teacher conferences. She introduced and guided her young students in the use of educational technology. Utilizing the learning
management system, Moodle, she enabled her students and their families to access educational resources such as Kahn
Academy and Discovery Education, both at home as well as in the classroom.
In the year I was blessed to supervise her, I can attest that her calm, gentle nature, yet consistent control of the classroom
enabled the first and second graders to love learning and be excited about attending school. She incorporated consistent,
constructive and affirmative reinforcement and approaches in handling discipline issues. Miranda is a faithful Christian and
although not Catholic, she consistently upheld the teachings of the Catholic faith, and strived to learn more about the Churchs
teachings. Incorporating a virtues curriculum, her students learned how a Christian citizen should behave and what those
specific behaviors should look like.
In closing, I believe Miranda would be a tremendous addition to the teaching staff of any school. I have no reservations about
recommending her for any teaching position. As St. Cecilia closed its elementary school doors this year, Miranda was an
encouraging colleague for her fellow staff members and our school families. She is a genuine professional and someone who
authentically cares for the welfare of students. Please do not hesitate to contact me about my recommendation, via e-mail at
ekindermann@midmich.edu or by phone at 989.302.2110.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth A. Kindermann, Principal

Our Lady of Hope Parish

Saint Cecilia Catholic School