Master of Science Degree, General Biology Program
Science Department Head Reference

APPLICANT: Please complete this section before giving the form to your science department head. If you are the science department head, or if you are in a middle school without a science department head, a teacher who has observed your teaching may complete this reference.

In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, I ___ waive/___ do not waive my right to review letters of recommendation.

NAME OF APPLICANT __________________ ___________________ _____________
                                              (Last Name)                               (First Name)                (Middle Name)

APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE _________________________________ DATE ________ 

TO THE SCIENCE DEPT HEAD:
Please rank the applicant, with respect to his/her peers, using the following scale:

1 - Outstanding (top 5%)                       4 - Below Average (Bottom 50%)
2 - Above Average (top 25%)               X - Inadequate Information or Not Relevant
3 - Average (top 50%)

_________ Classroom teaching ability with regard to science content and pedagogy
_________ Ability to work with students
_________ Ability to interact with other teachers in the building
_________ Leadership ability or potential for leadership among other teachers
_________ Enthusiasm and motivation
_________ Ability to organize and express ideas clearly
_________ Mastery of biology content knowledge

Please provide written comments on your letterhead that would assist us in evaluating the applicant's suitability for a Master of Science program. Please address each of the following points:
• How well, and in what capacity, you know the applicant
• An overall description of the applicant's attitude, motivation and work habits
• The applicant's special strengths
• Examples of the applicant's outstanding classroom experiences/extracurricular science activities
• Examples of student comments about the applicant and experiences in his/her class
• Describe any formal in-service training conducted by the applicant or informal sharing of ideas/materials
• Any additional information not covered above

REFERENCE'S
PRINTED NAME ________________________________                      POSITION / TITLE______________________

SCHOOL ______________________________________                       PHONE ______________________________

SIGNATURE ___________________________________                       DATE _______________________________

 

Please return this completed form to the student in the enclosed envelope.
Be sure to sign the envelope in the box located on the flap.
Address the letter to:
Mrs. Ellie Warder, Dept of Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721-0088