School of Eauestion Drake a UNIVERSITY CColliee-Scripps Hall a12 3507 University Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 5031-4505 1 sxsea7ia0s4 F son January 22, 2 inuary 22, 2018 1800-44 DRAKEG725) 12054 To Whom It May Concern: It is my pleasure to write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Jon Aldrich in his pursuit of a school leadership position. I have known Jon for nearly two years in my role as his advisor and one of his instructors in the Drake Educational Leadership program. Based on my previous experience as superintendent of the Urbandale Community School District, | believe | possess 2 unique insight into the selection of school leaders. have been impressed with Jon as a student in the Drake program. He has indeed grasped the concepts from the courses | have taught, but his work goes beyond that. | have found Jon to be a person who possesses an Insightful wisdom about his learning and work. He is extremely thoughtful, asks probing questions, and makes connections between our coursework and the “real world” of education. One of Jon’s many strengths is asa systems thinker/leader. He is able to see both the “big picture” as well as the parts and how the parts work together to meet the aim of the system. t have observed, first hand, his implementation of these principles in his own classroom and | am of the mind that if one can apply these concepts at the classroom level, they have the wherewithal to apply them at the building level. The concepts apply across systems, regardless of the size of the system Jon is2 lifelong learner who possesses a “growth mindset.” This frame of mind allows Jon to see all potential challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement. This mindset was at work during his leadership of his schoo’ first ever science fair. This opportunity had its own set of challenges, however Jon’s perspective permitted him to see all obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow while simultaneously facilitating a well- received school event. Key in all leadership positions is the ability to build and maintain effective interpersonal relationships. | have ‘observed Jon doing such as a member of his Drake cohort. To that end, Jon is well-respected by his. classmates and is seen as a leader. He offers his ideas as both an opportunity to invite others to think differently about topics as well as to add a voice of reason when appropriate. Regardless of the situation, task, or event, Jon maintains strong relationships with others, something | also observed when | visited his classroom. ‘Asa result of my experiences over the course of my career, I believe effective leadership to be the key ingredient in every effective school and organization. Jon Aldrich isan individual, with a strong grasp of instruction and learning, who will be an outstanding educational leader and I strongly urge you to consider his candidacy. | believe this will bea great decision for your district.