1. HARVARD-WESTLAKE SCHOOL
Audrius Barzdukas
Associate Head of School
Head of Upper School
November 10, 2015
To Whom It May Concern,
Trust me: hire Paula Evans. She is among the very finest educators with whom I have worked. Indeed, I write this letter of
recommendation for Paula with mixed feelings because I do not want her to leave Harvard-Westlake while wanting her to
chase her dreams and create a better life for herself. We have been colleagues for 13 years, during which she has taught
mathematics, served as our mathematics department chair, and been a member of our Faculty Academic Committee.
Paula is a force for good in the classroom and our community. She is a brilliant and clear thinker, has a tireless work ethic,
and is utterly devoted to her students and the craft of teaching. Her leadership has transformed our mathematics curriculum
and pedagogy. The curriculum is more relevant, coherent, and accessible and the pedagogy is more student-centered,
interactive, and vibrant.
Paula is an energetic and idealistic teacher, able to motivate students and instill in them a passion for learning and seeking
to understand. She knows that teaching is as much the transmission of inspiration as of information. Her lesson plans are
well-organized, elegant, and engaging. Laughter regularly emanates from her classroom. Paula’s students respect her and,
even more important, want to perform well for her.
Paula believes in every student’s ability to thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classes.
She has a genuine desire to prepare her students for success in a more technologically complex, diverse, and hyper-
connected world. As important, Paula understands that scholarship and citizenship are two sides of the same coin, and that
good teaching empowers students to make ethical choices and try to make life and the world better.
Paula spends countless hours helping students outside the classroom. Her office is always full of students talking about
mathematics, relationships, or any of the other myriad subjects that engage the high school student’s mind.
In her role as mathematics department chair, Paula has led several initiatives to improve teaching and learning. Paula
created our school’s STEM-Fest, an annual festival that has grown to encompass more than 100 student presenters and be
supported by five corporate partners. Paula also created “Bridges to a Brighter Future,” a student-run online mathematics
tutoring service. Paula was the founder of our school’s robotics team and HW Inc., an event for students to use STEM and
business skills to develop an entrepreneurial idea and present it to a panel of venture professionals who critique the idea.
Every year she has been department chair, more students have taken and received a score of 3 or higher on AP mathematics
examinations. During her tenure, the number of students choosing a mathematics class as an elective has increased by 30
percent. She has identified, helped hire, and mentored new faculty members who have strengthened the department. Paula’s
leadership has changed us for the better, and her positive influence on us will continue long after she leaves.
Please give Paula’s candidacy careful consideration. I guarantee she will improve any school, class or program with which
she is associated. If you have any questions, please call me at (818) 487-6685.
Sincerely,