Writing a Letter of Reference for an Employee

Mr. Joe Johnson Marquardt
Assistant Superintendent
Whatever Public School District
1215 2^nd Street SE
Anytown, US 55555

RE: Letter of Reference for Ms. Elsa Smith

Mr. Johnson:

I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Ms. Elsa Smith in response to her application for the Whatever Public School District Data Management Specialist position. I have been Elsa's supervisor on the ABC Organization XX Data Project through the Mega Data Center for the past two years. The XX Data Project is designed to address data continuity and consistency within the Quality Improvement Plans (QIP) and Annual Performance Reports. The project works with the Department of Human Service, Disability Services Division to organize data, develop a format for the QIP, provide technical assistance for sustainability, and develop a state review process to act in an advisory capacity.

In the past two years of the Project, Ms. Smith contributed to the review, consolidation, organization, and standardization of master queries run by the state data provider. Elsa has a solid understanding of importing and exporting data, as well as developing databases to create a more efficient and effective use of data. Additionally, she has learned to manipulate data and can identify outliers or extraneous anomalies that may corrupt results. Elsa assisted with the development of a more refined data delivery system establishing and standardizing data reports for the state and each of the eight regional human service centers. She has reviewed, cleaned and manipulated data query results, and provided data in regional and state data workbooks quarterly. She contributed to the development of standardized reports to align with state and federal indicators making it easier for regional personnel to respond to the state. Also, Elsa assisted with the design, development, and implementation of data tracking for two new indicators required by OSEP to measure child and family outcomes data. Moreover, she assisted with the development of short-term data collection mechanisms in order to catch missing data until the state implemented a system to collect this data. She is also familiar with developing continuity manuals and understands the importance for project longevity and sustainability.

Ms. Smith is organized, communicates well, and is task oriented. She has been reliable with completing tasks and providing necessary follow-up. Elsa's drive for quality motivates her to work autonomously or with a group easily. She is well aware of confidentiality policies and abides by those set forth by ABC Organization, Mega Data Center, and our state partners. Elsa interacts professionally with her peers, supervisors, and partners outside of our organization. She has proven her ability to remain collected in difficult or tense situations by maintaining a cooperative attitude and her ability to problem solve. I hesitate to say it because it would be a loss to the project and the Center, but you should consider Ms. Smith over your other applicants because she provides quality work with a friendly, pleasant, professional attitude. Although she is not a licensed teacher, she does have many years of experience in early childhood education, is pursuing further education in the field, and meets or exceeds the requirements for the Data Management Specialist. Should you have questions regarding Ms. Smith, feel free to contact me via email at abc.xyz@abcorganization or call me at (555) 867-5309. Thank you for considering my recommendation for this candidate.

Sincerely,

John J Smith, MS
Project Director,
ABC Organization
Mega Data Center