Patty J.
Sydow, Special Education Teacher
Grand Rapids Public Schools
KEC Oakleigh K-8 2223 Gordon St. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616)-819-4511 office
(616)-334-5442 cell
To Whom It May Concern:
December 4, 2014
It is my pleasure to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of Eric Czarnopis. Eric is worthy of your most serious
consideration for employment.
Eric Czarnopis has been an integral colleague within my classroom for the past twelve years, as part of a four person
team approach at Kent Educational Center, Kent County's K-8 School Center-based Program for Emotionally
Impaired students.
I have been thoroughly impressed with Mr. Czarnopis from the very beginning, as he greets each day with
unwavering fairness, firmness and consistency, with highly demanding social/emotional & academic needs of
students, and exits with the attitude that tomorrow is a new day, with new opportunities. Eric is extremely familiar with
our school district's philosophies on classroom management and discipline. Eric demonstrates his ability daily in
managing challenging behavior and instruction. He creates a positive learning atmosphere filled with humor and
respect, yet remains firm, fair & consistent in both his academic & behavioral expectations within the program. He is
sought out by building administrators & colleagues in regards to co-teaching within the classroom, how he
directs/redirects students, assists with planning & implementing lessons that are grade & ability level appropriate, with
differentiated instruction, which leads to higher levels of motivation and success.
Another exemplary strength that sets Eric aside from so many others is in his ability to see a student for their own
unique individuality - he treats students as he would his own children. He is highly motivated as he demonstrates so
many positive professional qualities that make a great educator, which include a thorough knowledge of curriculum,
for the students he services, scholarship and a desire for growth.
He presents himself as a confident, poised, well-
rounded professional and sets the bar high. I am in awe of his many strengths and I am continually learning from him.
Mr. Czarnopis has a natural ability to become involved in every aspect of the school environment. He participates in
parent meetings, parent/teacher conferences, committee meetings, staff & team meetings, IEP's, MET's,
manifestations, professional developments, and school sponsored activities. He is involved in creating Functional
Assessments, Behavioral Improvement Plans, self monitoring assessments for the students, plus so much more. He
assists in the delivery of district writing assessments, MAP Assessments (Measures of Academic Progress) and the
interpretation of data. He openly shares professional suggestions and ideas related to improving a child's behavior
and/or academic growth. He is intuitive with the environment of our entire school. He continually seeks to learn more
about the students we serve and how to help them become more successful, while creating positive working
relationships with parents.
Eric demonstrates a willingness to learn and adapt when in new and challenging situations, is an excellent role model
for students, and sets a high standard for colleagues as he exhibits a commitment with a passion for the success of
all students.
Eric is among the highest caliber of educators a district could hope to retain. He has a professional vision that is
second to none and I am excited for him to move to the next level of his professional life. I personally and
professionally, highly recommend Eric Czarnopis without hesitation and with the greatest of admiration. Students will
have been blessed to have been the recipients, in their journey of learning with Mr. Czarnopis.
Respectfully in Special Needs Education,
Patty J. Sydow
