Letter

of Reference
Jordan Logan
May 2018

To Whom It May Concern:

I have been asked to write a letter of reference for Jordan Logan and I am so honoured
and pleased to do so. What a privilege to have the opportunity to brag about this talented,
caring and dedicated young man. Let me tell you a bit about him.

Jordan has been an excellent student while at the University of Lethbridge; probably, I’d
say, in the top 1% of students I’ve had in my three years here. Why? Well, first, let me say that
he was an excellent contributor in the classes he’s had with me...a student leader, regular
contributor and participant, great attitude and sense of humour, and thoughtful and intelligent
in how he added to class conversations. On top of this, his ability to collaborate and get along
with his colleagues made him a valuable asset in my classes. Everyone likes him. This is
important because it’s a skill he’s going to use his entire career to build excellent collegial
relationships.

I also supervised Jordan during his first professional semester practicum. He was in a
tough class, with a few difficult students, but he handled himself in a manner worthy of respect
and commendation. His willingness to do whatever it took to meet the unique needs of his
students showed me that he is going to be an excellent professional educator. Jordan brought
enthusiasm, care and a very strong work ethic into his practicum and his Teacher Mentor
appreciated his excellent practicum.

Then for Jordan’s third and final professional semester—and in addition to his 15 week
internship—he had to conduct a Professional Inquiry Project as part of his graduation
requirement. The Professional Inquiry Project is a chance for students to leave a lasting legacy
for the school in which they do their internship. Students find out a need that the school has
and research and develop a solution collaboratively with their Teacher Mentor for the purpose
of leaving that project behind in the school for the benefit of teachers and students. Jordan’s
project, “Problem Solving with Self-Regulation” addressed a vital and timely need in his school;
to help children learn to regulate their own processes of solving challenges or questions they
faced in their day-to-day school lives. Not only did Jordan work closely with his Teacher Mentor
to develop this resource for his school, but he went on to present his project at the annual
Celebrating the Challenges conference for the Council of Inclusive Education. His session was
well attended and the feedback was excellent. Keep in mind that those who usually present at
this conference are either seasoned professionals, PhDs or invited workshop keynotes. Though
he felt a bit intimidated by this crowd, it did not stop him from submitting his proposal and
then delivering an excellent presentation. Just being accepted to present at this conference as
a student is a major accomplishment. This shows Jordan’s desire to be a contributing member
of the profession and his motivation to initiate useful and important PD that can benefit
everyone. I do not have Jordan’s permission to share the website he developed for his project,
but it is full of excellent resources for teachers who wish to dig deeper into self-regulation and
problem solving.

Finally, I want you to know that I can only offer my highest recommendation for Jordan,
with absolutely no reservations whatsoever. I would gladly have him be my own children’s
teacher. I trust him. I believe in him. I think he’s an excellent teacher who would be an asset
to any school and classroom.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss Jordan’s potential contribution
further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Chris Mattatall, PhD
Associate Professor
Assistant Dean, Student Program Services
University of Lethbridge
Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2X4
chris.mattatall@uleth.ca