alegre Semen Drake Ser ccesceae UNIVERSITY Der anes om 55 ere April 5, 2016 ‘To Whom It May Concern: | enthusiastically recommend Brien Behling for a high school teaching position. have known ‘Brien for four academic years during which Ihave watched him mature asa scholar and a person. He isa fine undergraduate student pursuing a strong Liberal Arts education with a double major in ‘Secondary Education and History. He is currently doing his student-teaching at Dowling Catholic High ‘School, where he is receiving quality mentoring from an accomplished faculty. | assure you that he ‘shows every promise of becoming a superior teacher. Based on his Drake undergraduate record, which included coursework with me in history, Brien has the skills and qualifications expected of students atthe best universities. He has managed a rigorous academic program but is now looking for a fulltime teaching position. More specifically to ‘his past performance in the humanities and social sciences, Brien possesses superior verbal, writing, and analytical skills. He thinks critically and comparatively. And he has demonstrated both sympathy for the human condition and an understanding of a complex world. In open-ended class discussions, ‘he drew connections betweer the political structures, economic trends, social structures, and cultural lives in developing regions. In private conversations outside of class, he impressed me with his _general knowledge of world affairs. Best of all Brien was always there prepared for cass. [also want to comment on certain "intangibles" that l admire about Brien. A conscientious, ‘optimistic, and learned scholer, he is completely unpretentious, likeable, and among the few undergraduates whose opinicn | value highly. Much of his erudition and good sense was not set down in nk during exams or in research papers but elaborated in conversations with me in the hallways and classrooms at Drake. He is clearly a student who wants to acquire and share knowledge for the betterment of humanity. We nteracted quite frequently. Brien exhibited an uncommon work ethic, personal integrity, and emotional maturity. He also lead energetically by example. Insum, Brien will make an ideal teacher. I thank you for considering him. Ifyou require any further information about Brien Behling please call or email Sincerely, Malls Ayu Matthew D. Esposito, Phi! Professor of History Drake University 2805 University Ave. Des Moines IA 50311 (615) 271-4121 Email: matthew.esposto@drake.edu