Dear Sir or Madam,

I had the pleasure of working with Michael McCormick for the 2018-19 school year. At the time, I was serving at
Holmdel High School as an assistant principal and the supervisor of visual and performing arts. In both roles, and in my
current role as principal of Spotswood High School, my chief responsibility to faculty is to be an instructional leader.
Mr. McCormick has displayed highly effective instruction with a variety of students, from students fulfilling arts
requirements in our 20th century music course to the accomplished vocalists in our advanced Chamber Choir, each
with a unique set of needs. It is my pleasure to offer my highest professional recommendation for Mr. McCormick.

Effective instructors cannot simply be masters of their content area. Mr. McCormick displays extensive knowledge of
the content, of his students, and of effective pedagogical strategies for music education. In his vocal music classes, Mr.
McCormick displays extensive knowledge of the content, guiding students towards proficiency, instructing through
feedback, and encouraging a growth mindset. His students display pride in their skills, and seek to meet a high internal
standard.

Mr. McCormick is also able to easily create rapport with all of his charges, leading to a positive classroom culture,
where students want to engage with the content both because they find it interesting, but also to impress their instructor.
He provides opportunities for students to take ownership in the classroom and display leadership, strategies that
increase the investment for high achievers and struggling learners alike. It is of note that most of his students continue
in the vocal music program throughout their high school experience. Finally, his pedagogical knowledge is vast. Mr.
McCormick regularly uses best practices, such self-assessment in his classroom to help each student reach his or her
potential.

I had the pleasure of hiring Mr. McCormick at Holmdel High School, and it must be said that he is a gem and has a
bright future in education. His level of expertise in the content and in his practices mirrors that of veteran instructors.
He jumped in quickly, collaborated well with his colleagues, and impressed students and parents. He will be an asset to
your program. I know he will bring the same level of enthusiasm and professionalism to your school.

Please contact me if you have any questions regarding Mr. McCormick’s candidacy. I would be happy to elaborate.

Sincerely,
Amy Jablonski
Principal, Spotswood High School