April 28, 2014 To Mr.

Tyler Williams and the Garner-Hayfield Board of Education: It is with mixed emotions that I write this letter of recommendation for Michael Meyering. I simply hate the idea of losing out on Mikes leadership in our district but fully support his desire to throw his name into the hat for the elementary principal position in your school district. Mike has served as elementary principal at Lincoln Elementary School in the Osage Community School District during the current school year. On paper, this is Mikes first year in administration but you would never know it. Mike has shown the maturity, strength, and overall leadership qualities of a twenty-year veteran. I dont think I could overstate how pleased we are to have Mike on our leadership team. Mike has a dynamic personality. He relates well with students, staff, parents, administration, and community members. You cannot help but feel energized when being around him. And his commitment to students and doing the right thing is 2nd to none. He has a strong work ethic and is willing to put in the time it takes to be a successful building leader. Mike has the ability to look at situations from various perspectives, enabling him to ultimately make the best decision. He then does an outstanding job of communicating how and why he made that particular decision. Mike Meyering is a person of solid integrity and good character. He holds high expectations for himself and the people he works with. He has the courage it takes to address staff members that are not giving their all or are not doing things that are in the best interest of kids. Mike is a team player. He will stand up for his building, staff and students, but also has the ability to see what is best for the entire school district. Mike is extremely bright, articulate, and has proven to be a very effective administrator. Bottom line: Mike Meyering is the kind of person I would enjoy working with for the rest of my career. He is a shining star and will only get better as he gains more experience. Please do not hesitate to call me if you have further questions. Sincerely, Steve L. Bass Superintendent Osage Community Schools 641-732-5381

April 28, 2014 Mr. Tyler Williams; Superintendent I am writing this reference on behalf of Mike Meyering; Elementary Principal of Osage Community Schools. I have know Mr. Meyering for one year as colleagues on the Osage Administrative Team. Mr. Meyering is an outstanding candidate for your position, and will most certainly be a positive influence in your district Mr. Meyering demonstrates leadership skills that are associated with a highly qualified veteran. First, he is a leader. Mr. Meyering was able to establish a positive atmosphere within his building, enabling staff to be their best at all times. His has bonded the staff and community, creating communication channels that had not existed. His leadership has lead to the creation of building level teams that have designed data driven action plans to improve the educational environment for all students. This leadership skill is defined by his vision. Mr. Meyering believes that students are the priority. He always keeps their interests at heart when making decisions. He strives to implement best practices, initiating plans and programs that engage the learner. He makes education exciting and worthwhile. Finally, Mr.Meyering is an outstanding person. His ethics and personality speak of a man that will always create a welcoming environment of trust and honesty. He has a passion for education that will capture your own enthusiasm and drive you to be a better person and educator. I would most definitely recommend Mr. Meyering for your position. He is a leader that will make any school he is at a place of excellence. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or by phone at 641-344-7878. Sincerely,

Robert Meier; Director of Curriculum and Technology Integration

To Whom It May Concern: I would like to give my highest possible recommendation for Michael Meyering, a gifted teacher leader and aspiring administrator with whom I work in my role as professor and faculty advisor in the Educational Leadership program at Drake University. Michael is a visionary, energetic and skilled educator, one who is passionate about school reform, establishes positive connections throughout the community and advocates strongly for safe, student-centered school environments. I would characterize Mike as being among the highest potential aspiring administrators in his field. In addition to working at an impressive level of effectiveness in both the professional educator and leadership standards, he is using his extensive knowledge and experience with instructional technology to become a valuable change agent. In addition to leading and consulting on 1:1 iPad initiatives, he has been heavily involved with leadership and professional development efforts with the Iowa Core, data and school improvement teams, and important parent and community engagement processes. Further, Mike has consistently exhibited a willingness to work extremely hard and an aptitude for effective planning and organization. He has established excellent rapport with his professional colleagues, as well as inspiring compassion and ability to interact positively with students and families. He also happens to be one of the most intelligent and ethical individuals with whom I have been associated in my current role. I have truly appreciated professional conversations that I have had with Mike; they are classic examples of how much we as educators can often learn from our students. Finally, Michael has examined and is well prepared to address the many challenges currently facing our schools. I am certain that his many professional competencies, his data and inquiry-based approach and his outstanding communication skills will make him a highly valued school administrator. Simply put, if I were looking for someone with the essential qualities to successfully lead a school I would unhesitatingly select Michael Meyering and thus recommend him without reservation. If I can further elaborate on his qualifications, please contact me at (515) 271-2082 or at [email protected]. Sincerely, Randal Peters Randal Peters, EdD Assistant Professor Drake University School of Education

January 3, 2013

To Whom It May Concern: It is my distinct pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Mike Meyering. He is an outstanding teacher that has experience at multiple elementary grade levels within the Carroll Community School District. He is flexible and always willing to try multiple techniques in order to help his students achieve at a high level. It is evident that he enjoys working with the children and seeing them succeed. Mike is a leader and very comfortable working with technology. Mike worked under my supervision this past summer to help implement our 1:1 iPad program for our elementary school. He was a driving force behind planning and organizing the 1:1 for his building. Mike also takes the initiative to help aid his peers whenever they are having difficulties using certain types of technology. He is always eager to try new approaches to education and openly collaborates with colleagues. As the director of technology, he is the type of administrator that I would want leading a building within the district. Mike is an active member in our district by being involved with multiple extracurricular activities as well as organizations and committees. I admire his organizational skills and the guidance he is able to provide our student athletes. He also is a visible staff member out in the community. He presents to different organizations in our community about how we are educating children today in regards to technology and digital learning. Mike is a great advocate for the Carroll Community School District. In closing, I would highly recommend Mike Meyering for the available administrative position. He is the type of young educator a superintendent would love to have in their district. I have no doubt that he will be a valuable asset to any district that is fortunate enough to secure his services and would be a great loss for our district. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to call me at 712-775-5011. Thank you for your time. Sincerely,

Mr. Craig Rowedder Director of Technology Carroll Community Schools

December 11, 2012 The following is presented as a reference for Michael J. Meyering. He is working toward a degree in Educational Administration with a PreK-12 principal endorsement through Drake University, and I serve as one of his professors. He completed a graduate level seminar to begin the program, is working on two clinical experiences, and is developing an electronic portfolio. Therefore, I have had many opportunities to assess his skills and commitment. Class assignments involve individual and group work, individual and group presentations, and responsibility for contributing to class discussions. Michael is an active participant in these areas. He is attentive, listens to others opinions, contributes his own thoughts, and displays an in-depth knowledge of the complex field of education. Naturally, written work at the synthesis and analysis level is part of the curriculum, and use of technology is required for posting assignments. In speaking of technology, Michael was instrumental in researching, presenting and implementing a l to l computer initiative in his district. The superintendent gave him and his committee broad authority to bring about the change. Working with two mentors, by June 2013, Michael will have spent approximately 200 hours immersed in school leadership tasks. For his internships, Michael is required to develop learning goals and action steps to fulfill those goals. He is also required to write reflective journals and professional notes. A professor colleague of mine, who is a practicing superintendent, commented on Michaels positive attitude, passion for learning, attention to detail, and immediate rapport with others. Without a doubt, Michaels strongest leadership trait is his belief in reaching all students and helping others develop the skills to do the same. He knows how to establish a viable learning environment, and serves as an instructional role model. His booming voice, inviting smile, and infectious personality put everyone at ease. Although, I have not supervised Michael in a job setting, it has been evident throughout his course work he is very committed to his chosen profession, and is a person of high integrity. Therefore, I do not hesitate to give him my strongest recommendation, and believe he will be very successful in whatever career path he pursues. Sincerely, Elaine Smith Bright Elaine Smith Bright, EdD Assistant Clinical Professor Drake University