Diana Ferguson taught Spanish courses at Columbus State Community College in 2003. The letter writer, who observed her class, says Diana had an excellent rapport with her students and promoted a healthy learning environment. Her lectures were well-organized and incorporated grammar, vocabulary, and communicative activities effectively. As a colleague, Diana is pleasant, respectful, and always willing to help others. The letter writer highly recommends Diana without reservation.

1. August 20, 2012
To Whom It May Concern:
It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation on behalf of my colleague Diana
Ferguson. I have known Diana for more than nine years. Diana taught SPAN 101 courses for us in the
winter quarter of 2003 here at Columbus State Community College in Columbus, Ohio. Since I am the
coordinator of the Spanish program, one of my duties was to observe our part-time instructors.
Observing Diana’s class was quite a pleasant and refreshing experience. Since the very beginning of the
class, I noticed the rapport that Diana had established with her students. She communicated with them in
a nice and relaxed fashion. Her demeanor in the classroom promotes and maintains a healthy
environment, which leads to learning the target skills more effectively because students feel at ease and
confident. Her presentation style also encourages students to reflect on the material being presented,
which also stresses and fosters critical thinking.
Her lecture was conducted flawlessly. She was successful in intertwining all the major components of the
class coherently and logically. She was especially successful combining grammar and vocabulary by
incorporating to her lecture activities that encouraged students to use the target vocabulary items along
with communicative activities which focus on the use of the target grammar structures. The way Diana
planned and organized her classes provided students the tools needed to communicate both orally and in
writing and at the same time, promoted a sense of accomplishment in her students. This is a key element
for students to be successful.
As a colleague, Diana is a pleasant, respectful and well-mannered individual. She is always willing to
help her peers and her students as well. As I stated before, Diana has the gift to deal with all kinds of
individuals. Her personal way to interact with others renders her the ideal teacher in any setting.
I also need to comment on her control and dominion of the Spanish language. As a native speaker of
Spanish, I must say that Diana’s dominion of both the grammar and the culture of the Spanish language
are very sound and solid. She has all the insight necessary to instill in her learners the skills they need
based not only on her impeccable teaching skills but also on the thorough knowledge of the language and
its culture.
Diana’s enthusiasm, professionalism and charming personality render her a real asset in any setting. I
recommend her without any reservations.
Gilberto Serrano, Professor
Lead Instructor, Spanish program
Columbus State Community College
gserrano@cscc.edu
614-287-3863