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The School Reform Initiative creates transformational learning
communities fiercely committed to educational equity and excellence.
1550 Larimer Street, Box 257 | Denver, CO 80202
www.schoolreforminitiative.org
September 17, 2014
To Whom It May Concern:
I am honored to write this letter of recommendation for Allen Young as he applies for a position
as an education leader and trainer. While I was the National Director of the Big Picture Learning
network, I had the privilege of working with Allen for over three years and he is a committed
educator, fully dedicated to doing what is best for students.
In my work with Allen, I have had the opportunity to observe him as a building principal, a
trainer for our network, and an informal instructional coach. He is committed to students, but also
finding ways to support other educators to better serve their own students and families. Allen has
been an active member of the Big Picture Learning coaching group -leading network-wide
conversations about school best practices, and working to refine the Big Picture design and create
rigorous learning experiences for students. His professional development experiences are well
thought out, intentional and designed to move every participant forward in their own work.
As a school leader, he is able to work one-on-one with students or educators, while also
supporting the growth of the entire staff in the school. Allen is committed to students and
families, and is able to work with difficult situations and students, helping them find success.
Allen doesn’t give up easily and is committed to providing high quality educational experiences,
and pushing teachers to think creatively about what that high quality education can look like.
Allen was an integral part of the Big Picture Network when I was the director, and he helped
make the network better through his dedicated work. He will bring a variety of strengths to any
leadership and training position and will help create an innovative and rigorous educational
experience. Please feel free to contact me directly if there is any additional information I can
provide.
Sincerely,
Kari Thierer
Executive Director
School Reform Initiative
kthierer@schoolreforminitiative.org
360.292.5102