1. AURORA PUBLIC Schools
Division of Human Resources
Licensed Reference Call Questions
Date:
Applicant Name: Heidi Kinsella 6.23.2013 Person Providing Information
Name:
Position/Title/Business Name:
Relationship to Applicant & Date Last Worked with
Applicant:
Position & Location Applying for:
.5 sped
Information Obtained by: (provided by Dr. Susan
Vodehnal, Professor)
Colorado Revised Statute 22-32-109.7 requires school districts to contact former employers of
applicants for teaching positions in the public schools to obtain information or recommendations
which may be relevant to an applicant's fitness for employment. The above referenced statute
[specifically 22-32-109.7 (4)] also provides that any information received from previous employers
shall be confidential information."
1. Tell us about your school
(rural/suburban/urban, diversity, economic
backgrounds, programs offered, etc.)
Regis University College of Professional Studies
Mainly adult students earning their first teaching
credential or added endorsement in reading.
2. What grade level or subject area did they
teach?
Describe their classroom and instructional
management skills.
Mainly graduate students in areas of special education
and literacy
Heidi taught classroom and online courses for us.
Although management is not the same issue as it is in
the K-12 classroom, she still had to be prepared and
handle any situations with the adult students. She did
this well.
3. How does the applicant accept constructive
criticism and implement suggestions?
Very receptive to suggestions and is willing to make
any changes needed.
4. Describe the applicant’s ability to establish
rapport with students.
She has demonstrated concern about our students
and provides thorough and useful communications.
5. What does the candidate do to build a
partnership with parents?
NA
6. Describe how the applicant works with
colleagues and as a member of a team.
Within the college setting she has been supportive for
her colleagues and the ranked faculty. Works well in
the team environment. She has followed up on learning
new ideas in both special education and literacy to be
able to model and teach our candidates.
7. Describe the applicant’s work ethic and
organizational skills.
Does the applicant follow through with tasks
and communication?
Very dedicated; works very hard and accomplishes
much.
Follows through quickly with communication to
students and other faculty about information or
changes.
8. Was there a pattern of absenteeism or
tardiness?
Never
9. How would you rate the applicant’s speaking
and writing skills? Would you say below
average, average or above average?
Both are outstanding and above average. She also is
capable of giving quality feedback in writing or orally.
10. How does the candidate handle pressure and
stress?
I have not seen any problems here; has been able to
handle some very stressful situations that required
quick changes and feedback to students.

2. 11. Does the applicant have good judgment?
Does he/she make good decisions?
Yes, she makes good decisions and seeks advice if
needed.
12. Why is the applicant leaving? She has been affiliate for us which means part time
teaching as she has time. She may continue teaching
a class once in awhile for us since the job is .5.
13. Do you have any reason to believe or
suspect that the candidate has ever had any
inappropriate physical contact with children?
NO
14. Do you know of any reason why the
candidate should not be with or near
children?
NO
15. How would you rate this applicant on a scale
of 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) compared to
other teachers of equal experience you have
work with or supervised? Explain your rating.
Would you rehire this applicant if a position
were available for which he/she is qualified?
9; She has excellent student evaluations and all
contact I have had with her as coordinator of the
reading programs (currently) and previously as
coordinator of special education licensure has been
excellent. She has been a support to me in both
literacy and special ed with our students, CDE
accreditations, and curriculum.
16. What area of growth would you anticipate for
this candidate?
Since she has not been in the kid’s classroom for a few
years, she will need to be sure she is up to date on the
district policies and procedures in special education.
17. Is there anything else you would like to tell
the Aurora Public Schools about this
candidate that you have not already shared?
You will find Heidi and outstanding teacher and more
than willing to learn and update herself on new
regulations and curriculum for special education.