Letters of Recommendation Dlugos

March 9, 2023
To Whom it May Concern,

I am writing to strongly recommend Mr. Kevin Dlugos for a position as a Social Studies instructor in
your school. I am the principal of the Early College Alliance @ Eastern Michigan University, where
we have been lucky enough to have Mr. Dlugos as a History instructor and CORE Advisor since
June, 2019.
As an early college program, the mission of the ECA is to “empower high school students from
diverse backgrounds to earn up to 60 university credits towards a Bachelor's Degree.” For us, this
means a commitment to “leveling the playing field” that has disadvantaged low income, first
generation, and students of color when it comes to preparation for post-secondary education. Mr.
Dlugos is committed to advancing equity through his teaching and in his role as an advisor. In the
classroom, he emphasizes an expansive and inclusive look at history, paying close attention to the
way that he addresses the history of groups that have traditionally been excluded or minimized in
such courses. He facilitates conversations in and out of the classroom that center student voices and
allow students to develop critical thinking skills about complex topics that affect their lives.
As a CORE Advisor, Mr. Dlugos works individually with a caseload of approximately 30 students as
a coach and advisor. Over the past four years, he has developed an incredible sensitivity to the
individual needs of his students and their families, helping students to successfully navigate the
transition from high school to college courses. He holds high standards for all students, and supports
them with compassion through their triumphs and missteps. His interactions with young people and
their caregivers are marked by truly exceptional interpersonal skills: tact, judgement, care, and
humor.
Mr. Dlugos has made his mark as a colleague and emerging teacher leader, as well. He seeks out
professional learning, contributes insightfully in staff meetings, and seeks out opportunities to
collaborate with others for the good of the entire school. Mr. Dlugos has taken on a key leadership
role as the staff facilitator of our school’s Diversiteam. In this role, he supports a student-led group of
approximately 50 students as they design activities for the entire school focusing on awareness and
appreciation of our diverse student body.
Mr. Dlugos has been an incredible asset to the ECA since he began with us four years ago. His talent
as a teacher, his passion for his content, his leadership among his peers, and his commitment to
continual growth make him an exceptional choice as a teacher in your school. We will miss him as he
moves across the country; his shoes will be hard to fill! Please do not hesitate to contact me with any
questions: 734-255-9204.
Sincerely,
Ellen L. Fischer, PhD

Principal
220 King Hall, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 ∙ 734.487.8650 ∙ Fax 734.487.7882

Email: [email protected]
221 King Hall • Ypsilanti, MI 48197
To the Admissions Committee:
Every day, I drive home and have a debrief session with Kevin Dlugos. This routine started during our time
together in graduate school and continued when Kevin’s employer needed a new English teacher, I got the
call–and a ride to work.
I also received an associate whose capacity for contemplation and improvement is matched only by his wit.
During our drives, we chop it up, often jawing about the latest sports news, or whatever we’re
binge-watching—your standard carpool fare. But the one thing that really elevates our daily discourse is the
reflections on our teaching practice. A Dlugos specialty.
Kevin is a trusted confidant–my de facto co-teacher–continually honing my classroom climate and culture from
afar while meditating on his own. This devotion to self-progress is a hallmark of Kevin’s practice, as is the
steadfast commitment to the improvement of his surroundings.
During one drive, Kevin puzzled over the question of how to center student voices during a unit on the
Israel-Palestine conflict. In our repartee, he figured it out: a student-led discussion circle, a sort of Mock-UN in
which students roleplay as various stakeholders. Kevin reasoned that by allowing students the opportunity to
have an active role in the format and execution of the class, their experience would become richer, their
motivation would become heightened, and the class would be much more fun. Within just a few class periods,
this idea became a reality. Engagement went up, students took an outsized role in dictating the form and
function of the class, and make-believe envoys and emissaries filled the halls of our school.
I like to say that “teaching is revision.” It’s an idea that is foundational to my own teaching philosophy. In
practice, it dictates that the most effective educator is one who sees mistakes as opportunities and recognizes
prospects for growth in all facets of their praxis. This describes Kevin perfectly.
He’s an honest, hard-working, dependable guy who knows deadlines and schedules, builds lasting relationships
with students and staff, and problem-solves even the most enigmatic of issues. He is your favorite colleague’s
favorite colleague. If every teacher had colleagues like Kevin, education would approach perfection, and so
would friendship.
I enthusiastically recommend Kevin Dlugos as a valuable addition to your academic community.
James Kelly, English Teacher + CORE Advisor

Early College Alliance at Eastern Michigan University
c. 516.355.8926 | e. [email protected]

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March 9, 2023

To Whom it May Concern,

Ellen L. Fischer, PhD

220 King Hall, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 ∙ 734.487.8650 ∙ Fax 734.487.7882

I enthusiastically recommend Kevin Dlugos as a valuable addition to your academic community.

James Kelly, English Teacher + CORE Advisor

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