Peabody 315  Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701  (479) 575-4209  (479) 575-6676 (Fax)

College of Education & Health Professions, Curriculum and Instruction Department

Career and Technical Education Program

March 24, 2020

To Whom It May Concern:

I take great pleasure in writing this letter of recommendation for Brady Blackwell concerning attainment of a
secondary teaching position. I have known Mr. Blackwell for several years at the University of Arkansas. I
also serve as Mr. Blackwell’s graduate academic faculty advisor. Mr. Blackwell is a dedicated student and
outstanding professional. Mr. Blackwell is well respected by the career and technical education faculty and is
regarded as a person of character and integrity. He demonstrates responsibility and positivity in the classroom,
and easily collaborates with colleagues.

Mr. Blackwell has been a dedicated and reliable intern at Washington Junior High School. He is willing to take
new challenges to contribute to his student teaching experience. He researched and designed the curriculum for
an Introduction to Business course. He collaborated with other teachers teaching the course to better understand
the standards.

I was most impressed with Mr. Blackwell’s compassion for his students. He had one student who was
consistently not turning in work. After consultation with me, Mr. Blackwell developed several research-proven
strategies to encourage the student to turn in work. He was successful and the student increased his grade in the
class by two letter grades. This demonstrates willingness to go above and beyond to meet the needs of your
students.

Mr. Blackwell has varied experiences in the business world. This has been advantageous to him as he relates the
curriculum to the business world. His content knowledge of the curriculum and pedagogy is above reproach. I
believe Mr. Blackwell has the knowledge, skills and dispositions to be an outstanding teacher in your school.

Currently, with the coronavirus pandemic Mr. Blackwell has demonstrated professionalism and compassion
with his schools at his intern school and with faculty at the University of Arkansas. He has been a positive force
in the program and has made an impact on the faculty. He has demonstrated leadership skills in the face of
adversity.

I am confident Brady Blackwell would be an asset to your school. If I can be of further assistance please feel
free to contact me at (479) 530-2455 or borr@uark.edu

Sincerely,

Betsy Orr, Ed.D.

Associate Professor, Business Technology Education