1. June 1, 2015
To Whom It May Concern:
I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Ms. Lori O’Brien, whom I have known for the past
year. As the Director of Educational Services in Saratoga Union School District, I had the pleasure of
working with Lori during our summer math academy and while she was a math teacher at Redwood Middle
School.
From the very moment Lori started working in our pilot program, she proved to be an integral member of
the team of three other educators. She consistently contributed positive energy, extensive knowledge of
student development, mathematics content, instructional resources and teaching strategies to the team
and to other students. Lori offered a plethora of instructional activities that promoted learning goals and
connected with student experiences and interests. She artfully adjusted instructional plans according to
student engagement and achievement. She consistently built on students’ life experiences, prior
knowledge, and interests to make the content relevant and meaningful to them at their instructional level.
From the very first day I met her, Lori has continuously impressed me with her kind and caring attitude
toward all students. She works well under pressure and maintains a sense of humor and positive attitude.
She is approachable and has the ability to listen intently to all points of view. She is friendly, empathetic
and clear in all of her communications. Students feel respected and nurtured, are empowered as learners,
and are held accountable for their actions and learning.
Mrs. O’Brien is an exemplary teacher who possesses the skills, educational background, and the passion
that any school community would cherish! I eagerly recommend Mrs. O’Brien for a teaching position. She
is an exemplary teacher and colleague who is truly a leader in finding ways to build students’ love of
learning. Please feel free to contact me at (408) 867-3424 or rzarea@saratogausd.org if further
information is needed.
Sincerely,
Roberta Zarea
Director of Educational Services, Saratoga Union School District
