1. November t2,2OL4
To Whom lt May Concern:
I would like to recommend Taj Smith to you for a position with your disrict. Taj has been a Special
Education Teacher with Oregon Connections Academy for the past 3 years. During that time he has been
an integral part of the Special Education Team, serving students and their families in a virtual format.
Taj has managed to both successfully manage a caseload of students as well as perform various
leadership roles. These roles have included planning successful live student events and stafF trainings as
well as serving as the 504 coordinator for the school.
ln his role as a teacher, Taj is required to plan and attend lndividual Education Plans. He is required to
implement team decisions and to provide lessons to students. He must prepare support for multiple
students with a variety of disabilities. He is required to regularly interact with parents and to provide all
of his lessons and correspondence within the provided data bases provided by Connections Academy.
Taj is well respected by his colleagues, supervisors and families and it very capable at all of these skills.
Taj has also provided various training to our Special Education staff in the area of technology and the
use of online programs. He is able to communicate these trainings effectively and with excellent
knowledge. lt is obvious that Taj has a passion for online learning and using technology with staff and
students.
Taj has also served as our 504 Coodinator. This is a large position which required organizational skills,
knowledge of the American's with Disabilities Act Laws and the ability to properly administer the
procedures to keep Connections Academy students accommodated under the law. Taj did an excellent
job of gathering assessrnents from general education staff, professionals in the field, and parents and
putting together a 504 plan on each student to direct the course of accommodations. ln this role Taj
showed organization, leadership and knowledge.
I would highly recommend Taj to you and be happy to answer any questions you may have. I feel
confident you would find Taj to be a hardworking, personable individual who would be an asset to any
employer. He has shown leadership and an ability to work independently and successfully.
Sincerely,
Ce*#LQoe-,
Cheryl Doe
Senior Manager of Special Education, Oregon Connections Academy
503-714-6444