May 24, 2021
To Whom It May Concern:
It is with great pleasure that I recommend John Snyder as a Middle or High School teacher. I
have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Snyder over the past school year as his supervisor,
observing his work with his students and providing a valuable contribution to the larger
community. Mr. Snyder is an eager teacher who embraces students and the school’s goals to
further culturally relevant work and standards based instruction.
Mr. Snyder has a strong pedagogical foundation and high expectations for students. When I walk
into his classroom I see highly engaged students who are elevating their thinking. Mr. Snyder has
a thoughtful list of tools to draw upon when scaffolding for students. What I appreciate most is
his steadfast commitment to grow students to meet the standard rather than lowering the standard
to meet the student. I have seen students accomplish high levels of rigor in regards to both
literature analysis and argumentative writing. Students in his class show independence and
curiosity. His choice around texts and assignments support preparation for high school and
beyond. In our model of instruction, English Language Development is integrated into ELA. He
collaborates weekly with our ELL teacher and co-teaches when appropriate to assure the highest
level language scaffolds are present in his instruction. Mr. Snyder also seeks to have strong
relationships with his students through morning advisory and holding a weekly chess club where
students can come together and have a space to check-in. He is prepared, organized and always
ready to support students in the ways that best meet their needs.
In addition to his instructional practices, Mr. Snyder plays an important role on our staff.
Although new to our building this year, he has raised the overall level of expectations for our
staff both academically and in regards to parent communication. Mr. Snyder supports the
organization and implementation of regularly reaching out to families where attendance and
engagement needs to improve. He utilizes many methods to communicate with families, meeting
individual needs, including how he communicates and making sure that it is language specific
using interpretation services. He has a strong relationship with his peers and is highly respected
both by his colleagues and families. Mr. Snyder also is a leader in our Professional Learning
Community. He keeps the team centered on standards based instruction and focuses on what
change ideas can be implemented in his own classroom, but also collaboratively constructing
change ideas that can be implemented building wide. In all of his work, Mr. Snyder is humble
and eager to find ways to improve his craft. Our K-8 is converting to a K-5 at the end of the year
and our district is opening a new comprehensive middle school. Mr. Snyder has been asked to
join the leadership team as they develop policies around grading, Professional Learning
Community Structures and Assessment.
We are very sad to lose Mr. Snyder as his work has been excellent and he has helped his students
and our team grow in multiple ways. Mr. Snyder is a warm demander, reflective, takes feedback
well, and truly wants to see his students valued and successful. Any staff would be fortunate to
have him and I would hire him again without hesitation.
Please contact me should you have any questions.
Best,
Cr sta Gasse
Crystal Gassert
Interim Principal
Lent School