Directions for LETTERS OF SUPPORT
One letter must be from applicant’s employer/administrator and should include the information regarding ongoing opportunities the candidate will be given to provide professional development for others as he/she completes the Professional Developer requirements. Also, the employer should state the willingness of the district to support the efforts of the Professional Developer to continue on-going professional learning. The letter should include:
- Applicant's implementation of SIM
- Commitment to support the post-institute apprenticeship with a certified SIM professional developer(s)
- Applicants role in future instruction in the school/division/region/state
- Commitment of the school/division/organization to support on-going professional learning of the applicant
The second letter should be written by an active SIM Professional Developer who is nominating the applicant for the role of SIM Professional Developer in either Content Enhancement or Learning Strategies. If possible, the letter of support should:
- Include information about the applicant’s participation in professional development and implementation with proficiency and fidelity
- Address the experiences that the applicant has the interpersonal skills required to become a professional developer and has communication skills that would be effective in teaching adults
- If the nominating SIM Professional Developer is willing to be a mentor and assist the individual in meeting post-institute requirements, please provide this commitment in the letter.
Each applicant attending the institute will be mentored by a certified SIM Content Enhancement Professional Developer who has maintained active status. The SIM Professional Developer has the following responsibilities:
- Co-plan and instruct sessions with the candidate after this Institute.
- Evaluate the candidate’s planning, teaching, and coaching skills related to implementation at least twice during the apprenticeship.
- Review the candidate’s evidence and provide feedback prior to submission for certification.
Questions about possible SIM mentors should be send to simpd@ku.edu.