May 24, 2006

Department of Childhood/Early Childhood Education

State University of New York College at Cortland

P.O. Box 2000

Cortland , NY 13045

Re: Dr. Lin Lin

Reappointment

To: Dr. Andrea LaChance

Dr. Cynthia Benton

Dean Edward Caffarella

Having been a student of Dr. Lin Lin 's this past spring, I have had the great privilege to get to know the warm, intelligent, energetic, caring, and hard working professor. Dr. Lin Lin exudes a genuine passion and zest for teaching that makes her truly one of a kind. Her assiduous work ethic and strong moral character make her an asset to this college.

Anyone who knows Dr. Lin Lin will comment on the depth of her character. Dr. Lin Lin always came to class extremely upbeat and positive, although she must have been exhausted after putting in many hours of work at the college, as well as caring for her young children. The minute Dr. Lin Lin walked into class, the room would come alive. Students slumped in desks, half-sleeping, or bored with the uneventful school day, would immediately feel rejuvenated and interested in the task at hand. Dr. Lin Lin was a little bundle of energy, always greeting the class with a warm smile and a kind word; her upbeat attitude was infectious. She could make the most monotonous day animated, just by being her energetic self. Further, Dr. Lin Lin 's unpretentious attitude makes her a “real” person. She is not one of those aloof teachers that seem millions of miles away and whom students are afraid to speak with. Rather, she is a compassionate person who students feel comfortable speaking with, knowing they will be respected and that she will take the time to address their concerns. Her amiable attitude puts students at ease, as well as makes them feel welcome and cared about. Her attitude is what helped to make her class a “favorite” among Block I students.

Dr. Lin Lin takes her role as an educator very seriously. Well-organized lessons, assignments and activities all reflect careful planning, and much time and effort on her part. Dr. Lin Lin spends hours carefully grading assignments. She feels it is her duty to provide her students with direct and helpful feedback, in order to foster their growth and improvement. She would feel as if she were ‘cheating' her students, if she were to do anything less than thoroughly read and make written comments on assignments. I have had very, very few teachers in my whole educational experience who have been as dedicated to their students as Dr. Lin Lin is. I admire Dr. Lin Lin for the time and effort she has put into teaching her classes. She is a true educator; one who genuinely cares about the success of each of her students and one who will put whatever time and effort needed into helping her class succeed.

Dr. Lin Lin 's classes and assignments were challenging and extremely relevant. Students were challenged to think critically, by working in groups, holding discussions, and applying learned knowledge or information to real-life situations. Dr. Lin Lin stressed the application of Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory, Characteristics of a Community, and Bloom's Taxonomy in the classroom setting. The integration of technology and other interrelated ideas also required her students to become familiar with the latest advancements or strategies in education. She helped us to view ourselves as educators, seeking new ideas and methods for ensuring efficient, happy classrooms, in which the needs of our students will be met. Also, while these assignments were difficult, Dr. Lin Lin would always offer assistance and was sensitive to the needs of her students. Further, she felt it was important for each student to strengthen his or her character. As future teachers, Dr. Lin Lin realizes her students must be honest, fair, compassionate, professional, and show integrity and pride in their work. She recognizes the need for her students to grow in character, in order that they become respectable teachers and role models.

Dr. Lin Lin is a true professional. She has an intense work ethic, a strong moral character, and intelligence, which make her a very important part of our college community. I strongly urge you to consider Dr. Lin Lin for reappointment. She is among the best teachers I have ever had the privilege to know.

Sincerely,

Eileen J.J. Hoyt

C#00290820

1641 Francis Rd.

Marathon , NY 13803

(607) 849-6911