1. FOX LAKE GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 114
Excellence in Education
Lotus School 29067 West Grass Lake Road, Spring Grove, IL 60081 (847) 973-4100 (847) 973-4110 Fax
In partnership with students, staff, family, and community, we are devoted to meeting
the educational and social needs of each of our children in a safe environment,
enabling them to become productive life-long learners in a changing world.
April 28, 2014
To whom this may concern:
It is a pleasure and privilege for me to write this letter of recommendation for Patrick
Mattes. Patrick has worked at Lotus School as an ESL maternity leave, Substitute Teacher
and also as our 4th
grade Instructional Assistant. I have had the opportunity to work
closely with Patrick this past school year and see all that he is capable of.
Patrick is very professional, organized, and prepared. He is willing to share ideas and
brainstorm with other teachers when asked for advice on how to better meet the needs of
a particular student. Patrick shows concern not only for the students that he assists, but
also for the other students in the regular education classrooms. He is dedicated and wants
to provide the best possible learning opportunity to all the students. He is also flexible and
continues to do whatever is asked of him. Patrick’s initiative to “jump in” is a huge asset and
one that has been very much needed with this particular group of students.
Patrick is creative, energetic, and dedicated. He continues to have a very positive impact on
all of the students and staff with whom he works with. His good nature and humility make
him very easy to work and get along with. Since January, Patrick has taken over our Tier II
program and has worked with smaller groups of students on various needed skills. He has a
very unique way of getting students to learn and to realize that learning can be fun.
I would recommend Patrick for any position for which he is qualified. He will be an asset in
any school and will be a dedicated teacher in that position due to his compassion for
children as well as for learning. He has continually exhibited the behaviors needed to
enhance the learning environment.
Sincerely,
Erica M. Bender
Fourth Grade Special Education Teacher
embender@foxlake114.org
847.973.4034

2. FOX LAKE GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT 114
Excellence in Education
Lotus School 29067 West Grass Lake Road, Spring Grove, IL 60081 (847) 973-4100 (847) 973-4110 Fax
In partnership with students, staff, family, and community, we are devoted to meeting
the educational and social needs of each of our children in a safe environment,
enabling them to become productive life-long learners in a changing world.