Elizabeth Pirola

5521 Nantucket Place

Minnetonka, MN 55345
(231) 709-0092

February 1, 2016

To Whom It May Concern,

It is my honor to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of Erin Johnson for the position of
Dean of Students. I have the privilege to be a part of her Humanities class, where she challenges
her students to become engaged learners in both their personal and academic lives. She is
dedicated to ERAs mission in their continued commitment to excellence. I have watched
students grow exponentially because of her unparalleled dedication.
Erin continuously sets high expectations for herself and all of her students. Her presence
establishes the spoken and unspoken expectations of behavior. Students have likened Erin with
Moses. A senior once said, When Ms. Johnson walks down the hallway during passing time,
students part like the Red Sea to make way for her.
Inside the classroom, Erin skillfully handles behavioral issues. One time, while telling a story of
Odysseus and the lotus-eaters, a student interrupted class. Erin changed track to address this
behavior immediately. Calmly and respectfully, she looked him in the eye and told him to remain
after class so they could chat. She smoothly transitioned back to the lecture about Odysseus
forcing his men off the island. Several chats later, he understood that such behaviors would
not be tolerated. His behavior has greatly improved since she took the time to process his actions.
He needed confirmation that someone cared enough to notice and believe that he could succeed.
Daily examples of what she values and respects are part of her storytelling. During Socratic
seminar, she encourages kids to define honor, respect, and virtue. When kids are struggling to
think, the overall theme is dissected. Instead of using a dictionary, which she says provides
circular definitions, she challenges the students to define words themselves. After one
discussion, Erin explained her definition of fair: When an emergency room is full of patients
awaiting treatment with different ailments, they are all told to go home and take an aspirin. This
is equal treatment. Fair means that, depending on the patients condition, they are treated
accordingly. It is this clarification that helps students comprehend the material on a deeper
level. It also allows them to reflect upon their use of language. This is the same dialogue used to
address behavioral issues. As Dean of upper school, she forces students to identify and
internalize what they have done by examining their actions through discussion.
She has forged strong relationships with students and helps them feel connected. Her energy and
leadership should be an example for all of us. Upperclassmen often visit Humanities; they come
in to share a private joke, to deliver a latte, or to join Socratic seminar. Ms. Johnson is always
accessible to her students. This is a community, not just a classroom. Every student knows her
Rules of Women. I have heard seniors quote her rules in discussions with friends. Her words
clearly impact the students. ERA graduates return to hug Ms. Johnson and share college success
stories.
She plays an integral role in making ERA a success. Erin Johnson would make an exemplary
Dean of Students for lower school. Her ability to relate to students and her strong conviction in
the pillars makes her, in my opinion, the best candidate for this position.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Pirola,
M.S in Counseling