August 25, 2016

To whom it may concern:

I am delighted to recommend Alexandra Preston for position teaching as a high school English teacher. I
have had the pleasure of knowing Ali as a student in three classes and, in our relatively small English
Department, have had considerable contact out of the classroom as well. I feel altogether certain in
giving Ali a strong recommendation.
I first met her three years ago, she was enrolled in my section of Approaches to Literary Study, an
introduction to literature and literary theory for English majors. This is unfamiliar and frequently
daunting material for most new majors, requiring considerable study and imagination; and I demand a
good deal of my students, both in their written work and in class discussion. Ali was continually more
than equal to the challenge: perfectly prepared for every class (with perfect attendance); the ideal student
in terms of organization and commitment. Her essays demonstrated the same organization and attention
to detail she showed in her class preparation, and more, they revealed a thinker, and a person, of great
maturity. In two subsequent courses (European Literature II and British Lit II) she demonstrated the same
levels of talent and dedication.
I want especially to underscore two additional qualities Ali has demonstrated over and over. The first is
her commitment to teaching; in virtually every conversation we have had over the years, she has looked
forward to the career awaiting her. She is eager to face the challenges. Secondly, she is very mature, with
a mature sense of personal responsibility. She will never give less than a hundred percent. That sense of
responsibility, combined with her intelligence and sensitivity, and obvious devotion to her chosen career,
make Ali an excellent prospect for classroom. In her capacities as teacher and counselor, I would
enthusiastically trust her with my own children.
Thus my recommendation is the strongest possible: without question or reservation. Ali is a sure thing, a
teacher who will inspire her students and bring great credit to the district that hires her.
Please let me know if I can provide additional information.
Sincerely,
Professor Terrance Riley
Department of English
Bloomsburg University
(570) 389-4736
triley@bloomu.edu