The principal of Central Lee Middle School, Kim Ensminger, wrote a letter of recommendation for Christopher Bruns, who is in his second year of teaching seventh grade geography and math, as well as high school geometry, at Central Lee. Ensminger praised Bruns for being an active participant in staff meetings and professional development, for introducing new technologies to staff, and for working hard to understand the school's instructional goals. Ensminger also noted that Bruns integrates technology into lessons, engages students well, and provides quality feedback during student-led parent conferences. Ensminger highly recommended Bruns for a teaching position.

1. Central Lee Community School District
2642 Hwy 218
Donnellson, IA 52625
319.835.9510 or 319.463.7321
Kim Ensminger, Middle School Principal Director of Transportation
kensminger@centrallee.org Director of Student Services
January 25, 2015
To Whom It May Concern:
It is my pleasure to share this recommendation for Mr. Christopher Bruns. Mr. Bruns is in his second year of teaching at
Central Lee. Mr. Bruns teaches seventh grade geography and general math. He also teaches one section of Geometry
Concepts at the high school. Mr. Bruns coached seventh grade baseball last summer, and plans to coach middle soccer
this spring. As a new teacher and coach, Mr. Bruns has fulfilled these multiple duties admirably.
I was impressed with Mr. Bruns from the very beginning. Mr. Bruns is an active participant in teacher meetings,
professional development, building-wide activities, and is not afraid to share his thoughts and ideas with the entire district
staff. He works well with the middle school staff and is an integral member of our teaching team. He has brought many
new ideas to boost efforts at making our culture/climate more positive and fun for students. Mr. Bruns has introduced
new technologies to our teaching staff, as well. He has helped spearhead the implementation of LiveSchool, an online
behavior management tool, at the middle school and is a regular user of Canvas, the district student management system.
Mr. Bruns works hard to understand our instructional goals at Central Lee. He continues to learn about the Gradual
Release of Responsibility Teaching Framework to stay consistent with our teaching practices, and plans lessons that
incorporate our district standards and learning goals. Mr. Bruns integrates technology into his instruction, when
appropriate, through the use of presentation software, a Promethean Board, learning tools such as Quizlet, and a host of
other internet resources. Mr. Bruns is willing to try new and creative activities to engage students in the learning process.
He has established a professional rapport with, and understands the eccentricities of, the students—especially middle
schoolers.
Mr. Bruns is also a part of various other learning experiences at Central Lee. He was introduced to the Student-Led
format of parent conferences. Mr. Bruns is able to provide quality feedback to parents and students during these
conferences. He is learning about PBIS (Positive Behaviorial Interventions and Support), and supports its implementation
through our building program and activities at the middle school. Mr. Bruns has proven to be a hard worker and
organized person. Many hours are spent organizing and planning for instruction, and fulfilling district-wide
commitments.
I would highly recommend Mr. Christopher Bruns for a teaching position. He has a solid foundation to build upon. He
will work hard to refine his instructional practices and knowledge. Mr. Bruns brings many qualities to the table that will
only enhance his potential to shape young people’s lives in a positive direction. With time and experience, Mr. Bruns will
only grow and improve as an effective, capable teacher. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like further
information or clarification regarding Mr. Bruns’s teaching experience at Central Lee. It is difficult to sum up a person’s
qualities in a brief letter.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim Ensminger