1. January 29, 2015
To Whom It May Concern:
I have been asked by Jessica Campora to write a letter of recommendation for
her and I am reluctantly happy to do so. Reluctant, because I do not want to lose
such an excellent teacher; happy, because I think the world of Ms. Campora and
realize she is moving from Memphis to be closer to her family. Promise Academy is
a kindergarten through fifth grade charter school located in North Memphis.
Currently there are 475 students enrolled – 94% FRL, 95% African-American and
5% Hispanic.
Ms. Campora joined our staff three years ago and is responsible for teaching
fifth grade Math and Science. She followed a teacher who was able to have her
students close to 80% proficient in mathematics and so had very large shoes to fill
and fill them she did! Her students have consistently scored as high on the State
mandated end of year test (TCAP) and she is a Level 5 teacher. She not only is a
master teacher at communicating effectively to her students mathematical concepts
and processes but she is also a master teacher at teaching the students the qualities
of “grit and perseverance”. Under her tutelage her students “own” their data and
learning and strive to do their best on her classroom, interim and end of year
assessments.
Before she told us her plans of moving from the area, we had tapped Ms.
Campora to move into an instructional leadership position for overseeing our math
curriculum, lesson planning, and assessments. While we did not want to lose her in
fifth grade she is ready for leadership and her move to overseeing our mathematics
program would ensure a quality program and implementation for all our grade
levels. We greatly regret that we will not be able to implement this important
initiative under her supervision but strongly believe she is ready for a similar
position in another school.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she is the fifth grade team leader
providing guidance and oversight. She also has conducted PD for her colleagues on
several occasions. Ms. Campora is seen as a leader in our school and she will be
sorely missed. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any further questions.
Sincerely,
Thomas A. Beazley
Executive Director, Promise Academies