Letters of Recommendation and Student Appreciation
From 2022-2023 I have been fortunate to encounter many incredible teachers through my Master's program: my cooperating teacher, my field supervisor, and my greatest teachers: my students. Stepping into a classroom for the first time, I was prepared to teach, make mistakes, and learn from them. What I wasn't prepared for was the extraordinary caliber of humans--both mentors and students--I would get the pleasure to engage with and learn from. Teaching and being involved in my students' lives is so much more than I was expecting, and so were these kind words they had for me.
Field Supervisor
To whom it may concern,
It is my pleasure to write this letter in support of Zachary Sanders, an educator who has demonstrated a true commitment to growing his practice toward educational equity.
I was assigned to be Zak’s supervisor at the beginning of this school year as part of the HTH Graduate School of Education San Diego Teacher Residency program. I was immediately struck by his bright personality, humor, and investment in developing his teaching confidence. Observing him in the classroom has allowed me to see the authentic way that he builds relationships with students, who feel heard and supported by him every step of the way. I was also able to observe his excellent front-of-the-room skills, which feel advanced for a teacher this early in his career.
During his 10th grade humanities takeover, Zak co-designed an eight-week lesson focused on affordable housing that combined social sciences, English, and math. It was important for Zak to weave in dynamic experiences for students, so beyond assigning a collaborative research essay, a model home, and Socratic seminars, he also organized two field trips, invited community partners and speakers, and allowed students to choose the medium of their final project. This showcases his commitment to student voice and choice and taking learning outside of the classroom.
As a teacher who is new to the high school sector, Zak is committed to deepening his teacher toolkit. I’m confident that he could contribute great things if given the opportunity. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Sincerely,
Paola Capó-García
English Literature & Composition
High Tech High Media Arts
10th Grade Student
Dear Mr. Zak,
I am writing this email to recognize and appreciate how hard you work as a teacher, and how much you impact me and all your other students as well. How hard you try every single day is really inspiring honestly, and something I know not many can do. Especially not as well as you do. You persist through the talking, the laughing, the not paying attention, all of it honestly and you never once raise your voice or take it out on us no matter how much you want to. I’ve had many many teachers before and I do not know a single one of them can keep their cool as well as you do.
Yesterday, at the socratic seminar, people were messing around, laughing when they shouldn’t be, etc. You didn’t once yell, or get angry, you just calmly went over to them and told them to stop. You always do the right thing in situations like these. Sometimes you may take a student aside and tell them your thoughts, but from what it seems like to me, you don’t even think about yelling. That is an extremely important skill to have and you honestly have mastered it. I admire you for being so open about your sexuality. If I was a teacher I would never tell a bunch of judgemental kids that I’m not straight. It really amazes me how open you are with us, and how little it bothers you that we might judge you for it. You truly are a really great teacher Mr. Zak and I love having you as one of mine. You teach with passion, you teach with so much knowledge, and most of all, you show that you are happy to be teaching. I really hope you continue your work after you complete your program, and that you keep impacting students as much as you have impacted me.
Sincerely,
​
Neelakshi
10th Grade Student
Dear Zak,
I am writing this letter on National Teacher Appreciation Day to recognize your work as an important teacher in the 10th grade. Humanities has always been one of my favorite classes since middle school. Learning about history, current events, and writing has always been something I took joy in participating in during those classes. Being in your classes has reminded me of the joy of learning those topics. You are such a positive energy to see every day, even when everyone is tired in the mornings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You will be there to brighten up the room with your positivity.
When someone is having a hard time working during class you’ll sit with them to walk them through it so they understand. Even if students aren’t paying attention during class you will never hesitate to help them. It just shows how much of a good person and teacher you truly are. I know that you are looking for a school to work at in the future but wherever you decide to work I know your students will be thrilled to have you as their teacher because I know I’m thrilled to be your student! I appreciate the work you put into everything you do for our class. Thank you for everything.
Sincerely,
RaJanae
10th Grade Student
Dear Mr. Zak,
I am writing this letter on National Teacher Appreciation Week to recognize your work. I appreciate your patience and love towards your students. The passion you put in your work is admirable and incomparable.
Being in your class and getting taught by you brings me joy and peace of mind. My favorite place in school or where I feel the most comfortable is in this class. I find it easier to concentrate and relax. Humanities is the class I can't wait to go in the whole day. You make it feel like a safe place to be at for a lot of us. I always feel included and noticed when you support me by helping me or answering my questions. It’s always a pleasure to talk to you and just have a conversation with you in general. I love how contagious your vibe is and I admire the happiness in you. I hope you continue this great work with students and guide them like you usually do. Keep up the good work because you're doing an amazing job ! We appreciate you Mr. Zak.
Best,
Dayanna
10th Grade Student
Dear Mr. Zak,
The reason I'm writing this letter to you is because you help me the most out of every teacher. I think you are the nicest and most helpful teacher in our school there is one other person just like you and that's Maria-Elena but i wanted to write it for you since you have been recently helping me more. I also see that you help everyone not just me and that's really cool.
An example is during the map quiz when me, paul,and jesse were in the commons even though it was a test you still helped us a lot and made it more fun to actually wanna learn about the countries and cities. Also today when I needed help with my essay you helped me with that and how I should organize it more too.
Sincerely,
Jayden M.