North Stafford High School 839 Garrisonville Road Stafford, Virginia 22554 Phone: (540) 658-6150 Fax: (540) 658-6158 http://nshs.staffordschools.net
January 13, 2011 Dear Teacher of the Year Selection Committee: It is without a moment's hesitation that I recommend Mrs. Lindsey Bruno, North Stafford
High School's Teacher of the Year, as our nominee for the Stafford County Public Schools Teacher of the Year. Lindsey epitomizes every quality characteristic of a master teacher and of a human being. In my twenty one years in education, I would be unable to present a better candidate for this honor to the committee.
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Everyday before and after school as well as during lunch, Lindsey is involved with her students and department. She creates a welcoming atmosphere and her love and knowledge of music and motivational skills are her 'gotchas'. She is a creative, reflective, and thoughtful teacher who continually evaluates what is working, what is not, and adjusts accordingly. Subsequently, the North Stafford High School choral program has doubled in size, won the highest of accolades, and is a dominant presence at All-District Choir. One of her colleagues states it best, "If anyone ever deserved to be recognized for their ability to convince students they can be successful academically or socially, it is Lindsey." Further comments from her peers state, "She never once turned a student away, never was impatient with students, and never refused to listen to them. She builds success with positive student/teacher relationships." While commenting on her instructional knowledge, it was also impossible for others not to note her musical expertise by saying, "Her students are some of the most literate musicians I have come across. She has developed beautiful sounding choirs, and pushes her students to find the limits of their creative and musical abilities." Our parents and community have also been thrilled by what she accomplished with the students and have responded by being our school's most avid supporters. Lindsey Bruno is able to pull the very best from her students and instill confidence, and definitely, to build connections. What is amazing is the way she enthuses her students: especially the ones who often wind up there just for a credit. Attitudes are decidedly changed: they learn the love of music, acquire pride in accomplishment; they learn they have a place they belong! This is why our choral department is so stellar. One of our athletic coaches observed her success and stated, "She has saved so many at-risk kids who were on the verge of failure. She keeps finding ways to help them and their families know they belong with the NSHS family." When Charles Colton stated, "Imitation is the sincerest of flattery," he could not have been more accurate. It is with that belief that the best possible recommendation for Lindsey Bruno comes from a former student now in college who wrote, "Mrs. Bruno became a mentor figure for many of us. It was the memory of this relationship which inspired me to study Music