Monday, September 5, 2011

To whom it may concern: My name is Gül Ozgul Dinarli and I am the Science Dept. Chair at Bahçeşehir Koleji in Bahçeşehir, Istanbul. I am writing this letter on behalf of our current Physics teacher, Caloway Kagan. Caloway joined our school has part of a partnership between this school and the Illinois Institute of Technology Education Department chaired by Norman Lederman. With Dr. Ledermanʼs guidance, our school is currently implementing some reforms to our traditional curriculum. We hired Caloway to share the lab-based and project-oriented teaching techniques he has practiced for the past 13 years in America. I am happy to summarize Calowayʼs accomplishments to date and describe the projects he has planned for the future. Calowayʼs assignment includes four parts: ✤Teach a tenth grade Physics project class ✤Design and implement new labs for the 9th and 10th grade physics program ✤Edit our Physics textbooks for scope, sequence, and grammar ✤Design and build new exhibits for the hands-on science museum we have on campus

Even though Caloway has only been here for a few months, he has managed to do a great deal. 1. He has edited and included important additions to our prep class Physics textbook. 2. We have had a room for building projects but it was incomplete. Caloway re-designed the room and

oversaw its completion doing a fair amount of the work himself. He worked closely with our current laboratory teacher, Hasan ULUCAY, to source and procure supplies and tools and the 10th graders are well underway to completing their first project. The space is also valuable for the ongoing robotics program as well as a workspace for students developing projects for national and international competition.

3, Caloway has prepared five new labs for the 9th grade program and co-taught them with myself and

another Physics teacher. The students have told me they enjoy working with him. Caloway displays his enthusiasm for the subject and enjoys interacting with students as they improve their laboratory skills.

4. Caloway designed a Physics demonstration session for our incoming first graders. Approximately 80

students enjoyed surprising and entertaining demonstrations by Caloway assisted by his nine year daughter Anya Rose including a tornado demonstration device built by Caloway and Hasan Ulucay.

5. Caloway has presented several ideas for the science museum. Some of the equipment is already on

site and he is sourcing others and drawing up plans. Also, he will help us restructure the museum to allow for new stations.

6. Caloway will edit our other Physics textbooks including new labs and activities. Our intent is to formally

publish these books by summer 2011. It is clear from my interactions with him that Caloway has a passion for science education. I am looking forward to the other ideas Caloway will share with us this year. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Sincerely, Gül OZGUL DINARLI Physics Teacher, Department Chair Bahçeşehir Koleji

To whom it may concern:

This is a letter of recommendation for Caloway Kagan for physics teacher at the secondary or college level. I taught next door to, and collaborated with, Caloway for 11 years until I retired in 2007. I taught all levels of chemistry, physics and calculus at Olympia High School for 30 years.

Caloway has taught the full range of high school students: from freshman physical science, which is made up of the spectrum of abilities, to physics and honors physics. Honors physics is made up of the most talented juniors and seniors in OHS, and qualifies students to take the AP Physics C test. He has also taught a physics course at a local University.

From the first time I met Caloway, he impressed me as a very bright, thoughtful, conscientious teacher. He has always combined the ability to push students to do their best, with genuine compassion for them and a willingness to be flexible when its warranted. He’s got a great sense of humor, and weaves it into his classroom presentations, worksheets and tests. The kids enjoy him, and they also work very hard for him.

Caloway continually innovates, whether creating new labs and demonstrations, or evaluating and changing existing lesson plans to fit his current student population. It’s clear to students that Caloway loves physics, and his own thirst to learn ever more is an inspiring example. He collaborates well with other teachers, having been co-creator of the freshman physical science curriculum.Caloway is open and willing to share, and to learn from others. He’s a great teacher.

It’s a pleasure to work with Caloway, and to keep contact with him now that I’m retired. He is an independent thinker, instinctively distinguishing between ephemera and the essential. He’ll do what’s best for his students, even if it’s not the easiest path for him. He has an intensity, but combines it with a true interest in others, humility and humor, making conversations with him spontaneous, interesting and fun.

In summary, Caloway is a bright, talented teacher, who combines hard work and great knowledge with an ethical, people-centered approach. I recommend him very highly for a teaching position at any high school or college.

Sincerely,

James Tait Elder Jr.formerly Olympia High Schoolj aye lder@comcast .net360-888-7292