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Physical Education Department

May 25, 2020

To whom it may concern,

I have known Catherine Lutjen for 2 years now. She has been my student, teaching assistant and research
assistant. In this letter, I will describe her attributes that clearly show her potential in the field of physical
education as a strong beginning leader.

Catherine is a determined young professional who has a lot to offer. She focuses on implementing
developmental activities that meets the needs of her students. She has obtained the necessary experiences to
begin a career in physical education and coaching. She has experience being a student, athlete, teacher and
coach. She is willing to learn and is open to new ideas.

In class, Catherine has shown passion as a learner and wants to understand why things happen. She is very
curious about teaching and learning in general. Her expertise as a teaching assistant has provided her with the
confidence to be a leader in physical education. She has been an assistant in five classes here at SUNY
Cortland in aquatics, lifeguarding, adapted physical education, sport models and movement education. This
shows not only her dedication to our field but her willingness to learn and mentor students. In my movement
education class, Catherine has truly been a role model to other students as she was a teaching assistant for
multiple semesters. Her work as a research assistant has allowed her to look critically at teaching and learning
in order to provide the most individualized and developmentally appropriate program to young people.

I had the pleasure of having Catherine take an outdoor education course with me last summer where she was
one of 7 students whom I went on a wilderness trip with. She was always positive and kept an amazing
attitude even when put in a variety of unfamiliar environments. She was always the first to offer a helping
hand to anyone in the group. She showed good leadership and followership. Her smile was contagious and
each day her actions show how big her heart truly is.

She respects her roles as an athlete, learner, leader, mentor and teacher and is motivated to become the best
physical educator she can be. She has the desire and love for learning, a component key to becoming an
amazing leader in our field. She built an amazing community of friendships here at Cortland and I am sure
she will do the same wherever she teaches.

I hope this letter has provided some valuable insight that can assist you when making your hiring decisions. I
highly recommend Catherine Lutjen for a position in Physical Education. Please feel free to email me or call
if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

5/26/2020

Helena Baert, PhD.

Associate Professor
Physical Education Department
Helena.baert@cortland.edu
(607) 753 5618

2107 Park Center • P.O. Box 2000 • Cortland, NY 13045-0900

Phone: (607) 753-5618• Fax: (607) 753-5975