1. Abigail Dallmann, PhD
100 Venture Way, Suite 200
Hadley, MA 01035-9450
Phone: 413.545.3861
Fax: 413.545.4258
Email: dallmann@uww.umass.edu
Web: www.umass.edu/uww
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution.
March 1, 2016
Dear Graduate Admissions Committee for Fort Hays State University:
I am writing to recommend Danna Lukman to your Master’s program in Education. Ms. Lukman was a student
in two of my classes and was also my advisee. Ms. Lukman is intellectually curious about the field of education
and also the discipline of English literature and language. Ms. Lukman is also a strong writer and able to discuss
her creative process in writing. I strongly recommend her to your program as she is passionate about teaching
English to speakers of other languages.
Ms. Lukman was a student in my introductory class, Frameworks of Understanding, as well as my section of
the junior year writing class Writing About Experience. Both classes were fully online, with approximately 20
students from a variety of disciplinary and professional backgrounds. Ms. Lukman had a strong online presence
in both classes. She was an active participant in discussion, and was diligent and excited about the various readings and
coursework. Her willingness to discuss ideas with students from a range of backgrounds and her enthusiastic and critical
engagement with readings from a range of disciplinary perspectives demonstrate her intellectual curiosity. Ms. Lukman
is almost exuberant in her participation and this energy is a positive influence on the learning community. She
works very hard and is proactive in asking questions and following up on any feedback she is given. These
qualities in terms of her willingness to engage deeply and work ethic are the qualities that demonstrate her
ability to complete advanced study.
Ms. Lukman is also a strong writer. She earned a high grade in the writing class as well as a high portfolio
credit evaluation for her writing regarding her experience as a chef, a teacher, and a creative writer. Her
experiential learning portfolio was engaging for me and the faculty committee. She was able to analyze the
skills and approach she took from working in a fast-paced restaurant and describe how these skills transferred to
her work as an educator. Ms. Lukman also articulated her writing process and gave examples of her creative
work and her thinking behind her work. The writing Ms. Lukman produced in the Writing About Experience
course not only demonstrates her command of English and the ability to write both creatively and analytically.
Her portfolio writing also highlights her suitability for the career of working with English language learners.
Ms. Lukman is passionate about education and about language and literature.
I strongly recommend Danna Lukman to your graduate program in Education. Ms. Lukman will be a strong
and committed member of your intellectual community, and will make a superb teacher of English. Please feel
free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Abigail Dallmann