1. To: Prospective Employers
From: Dean Janet McMahill
Re: Recommendation for Jennifer Field
Date: November 21, 2011
It is my pleasure to present this recommendation for an outstanding teacher
education candidate Jennifer Field. Although I am proud of all Drake graduates,
there are those who provide extraordinary leadership and are deserving of a
personal recommendation from the Dean. Jennifer Field is one of these individuals.
I have known Jennifer for the last two years as she works to complete her dual
degrees in Secondary Teacher Education and Secondary Mathematics Education.
As you review her credentials/professional portfolio, note that she has a powerful set
of field experiences in area middle schools and high schools. Jennifer has also the
distinction of being a Drake University Presidential Scholar for the four years she
has been at our institution.
Along with other educational deans and presidents, I am becoming increasing
more concerned about the number of high school students who elect to pursue
careers in science, math, engineering and technology (STEM). In order to have
high school graduates placed in these fields, we have to have highly qualified
STEM teachers. Jennifer Field is the teacher who can deliver the appropriate
Iowa Core and national Common Core standards while inspiring students to
enjoy and use mathematics.
In addition to my connection to Jennifer’s academic work at Drake, I have come
to know her for her leadership in our student senate last year and her current
service on the SOE Dean’s Student Advisory Team. In every instance, she is a
leader, encourager and overall joy to those involved.
When I consider the hundreds of students I have known in the past 22 years at
Drake, I would place Jennifer Field in the top 5%. I recommend her without
reservation and look forward to following her career.