1. March 1, 2013
To Whom it May Concern:
I am writing in regards to George (Jim) Stadtler, who completed his student teaching in my classroom a
few years ago. Mr. Stadtler taught both AP United States History and Government/Economics as part of his
student teaching experience. He also worked with the Physical Education department as part of his Master’s
program, bringing outdoor education to our campus. Since he successfully completed his student teaching with
us, he has returned to his home in Bangkok to teach. He currently teaches Social Science and advises the
student council at a school in Bangkok; he also works with UNESCO. His current students are also working on
a sustainable gardening project, and they will be selling the products of their labor in the local market.
Mr. Stadtler is incredibly enthusiastic and very dedicated to his students. He routinely spent time before
school, after school, and at lunch working with our students. He had extremely high expectations of the
students (requiring complete sentences in all cases, for example), and offered students a great deal of support to
reach his standards. He excelled at questioning students, drawing deeper and more substantial answers
whenever students tried to coast by with a simple answer. He was very encouraging, and offered students a safe
and supportive way to participate in class. He also gave quite detailed feedback on assignments as a matter of
routine, and often met with students who were struggling to help them redo or better understand an assignment.
Mr. Stadtler is very dedicated to improving his instructional practice; whenever he finished designing a
lesson or teaching a lesson, he sought out constructive feedback. He willingly and cheerfully adapted his plans
if the lesson didn’t work out exactly as he thought it would, and sought student input because he “was here for
them”. He utilized a variety of instructional techniques, including direct instruction, small group work, and
student-directed activities. He worked very well with the other teachers in the department, and routinely went
above and beyond our expectations of student teachers. Mr. Stadtler spent many hours observing other teachers
on campus in order to see different instructional practices and techniques in use, and then worked to incorporate
them into his own lessons. He was sincerely committed to becoming the best teacher he can be.
I recommend Mr. Stadtler enthusiastically; he is a committed and reflective educator who is dedicated to
helping his students achieve and to prepare students for life beyond the classroom. If you have any questions,
or would like additional comments, please feel free to contact me at monahan_k@sgusd.k12.ca.us or at (626)
573-2453. Thank you for your time and consideration of Mr. Stadtler.
Sincerely,
Kathleen M. Monahan
Social Science Department Chair
Gabrielino High School