1. Debra L. Cherkaoui
98 Rayburn Road
Stoughton, Massachusetts 02072
debracherkaoui@me.com
September 1, 2014
To Whom It May Concern:
Ms. Salma Tazi was my daughter’s third grade teacher during the 2013-2014academic school
year. As a teacher myself, at the middle school level, I had an equally demanding schedule as
Salma and consequently very little extra time to help my eight-year-old navigate the very
important transition to third grade. I could only hope and pray that my daughter’s new teacher
would be both kind and understanding to my child, as well as thorough in her coverage of
academic standards. My prayers were answered.
Salma has a wonderful way with students. Throughout the year, I never had to worry whether
my daughter was being treated fairly, kindly and if she was learning. Salma had everything
under control. She applies just enough discipline when needed while at the same time showing
that she cares very much for them. She understood my daughter’s strengths and weaknesses
from very early in the school year. She held my daughter to a high standard and would not
accept anything but her best effort, without excuses. She has a strong command of the
curriculum and always had a solid plan for where she wanted the students to go. Importantly,
she also established the right kind of daily routine for the kids, which is so important for
students of that age.
I always knew what my daughter was studying at school. Salma kept parents constantly up-
to-date, via regular electronic communications about current lessons and any upcoming test or
project. She gave parents ample opportunities to ask questions and provide feedback. Her
homework assignments were never “too-little” or “too much”. She always achieved the right
balance in her assigned work, which, as a fellow teacher, I know is not always an easy task.
When the school year ended, I was disappointed to have to move on. She has been the best
teacher my daughter has had thus far, and I know my daughter feels the same way. At the very
least, many of the strategies that Salma provided my daughter will serve her in the upcoming
school year as well. I would highly recommend Salma Tazi as a teacher at any institution. She is
an extremely dedicated and reliable person. She expects and gets the best from her students,
which is why our family was so fortunate to have her as my daughter’s teacher.
Respectfully,
