www.mountunion.

edu

To Whom It May Concern,

This letter is written on behalf of Jonathan Zahn in support of his application to
the Washington Local School District. I have known Jon for the past 4 years, as he is a
student in my program and one of my academic advisees. Jon is a very mature
individual with a strong sense of responsibility. He also has a distinct and upbeat
attitude, which is positive and energizing for individuals around him.
Jon is extremely involved in professional development as an undergraduate
student. He attended the 2013 and 2014 OAHPERD Convention. Jon also attended the
2014 AAHPERD National Convention in St. Louis this past spring. In addition to
conference attendance, Jon has been very active in presenting at these conferences.
He presented at the 2013 and 2014 OAHPERD Convention. The title of his 2013
presentation was ABCs Without the Zs and the title of his presentation at the
OAHPERD Convention was An Investigation into the Current Assessment and Grading
Practices of K-12 PE Classes. Jon was also fortunate to present at the 2014 AAHPERD
National Convention. The title of his presentation was An Investigation into the Current
Assessment and Grading Practices of K-12 Physical Education Classes in Northeast Ohio.
Jon is also scheduled to present at the 2015 SHAPE America National Convention is
Seattle. The title of the presentation is Assessment Practices of K-12 Physical Education
Teachers in Ohio. While presenting at the OAHPERD Convention is not uncommon for
undergraduate students, presenting at the AAHPERD/SHAPE National Convention is rare
for undergraduate students. I believe this is a true indication of his commitment to
professional development.
Jon is also dedicated to leadership within his major and future profession. Jon has
served as the co-president of his majors club at Mount Union for the past two years.
Under his leadership, the majors club has thrived and has become a well-respected
presence on campus. The majors club has hosted community-focused events the past
two years by collecting canned goods for the local food bank by participating in the
Speed Stacks World Record event. Jon also led the majors club in participating in Relay
for Life the past two years by organizing and operating an event booth to raise money
for cancer research. In addition to serving as co-president of his majors club, Jon
attended the 2013 and 2014 OAHPERD Student Leadership Retreats. Jon was excited to
attend these leadership retreats and I believe this has served him well as his role of copresident has evolved over the past two years. I also feel these experiences have
helped prepare Jon to enter the field of teaching physical education. Jons vision and
dedication to professional growth are rare among undergraduate students.
Human Performance and Sport Business
1972 Clark Ave. Alliance, OH 44601 (330) 829-8172 Fax (330) 823-2399

www.mountunion.edu
Jon is also a very strong undergraduate student. His performance in my classes
has been exceptional. Jon has an extremely strong desire to be successful in class and
outside of class. He demonstrates the willingness to learn and apply the necessary
skills to be an effective and successful teacher. Jon has also decided to voluntarily
participate in a research project I started last spring semester. This research project is
not tied to a class and he does not receive credit on his transcripts for his contributions
to this project. Jon decided to participate because he believes the results of this
research project can truly impact the field of physical education. As a result of this
research project, I have entered into a partnership with a local school district to review
and revise their current grading and assessment procedures. Jon will play an important
role as we work to develop and grow this partnership. His dedication to this research
project and desire to improve his profession are above and beyond most physical
education majors. Jon is a standout among his peers and does not shy away from
challenging himself in the classroom and beyond. Jon is an exceptional student and will
be an excellent future physical education teacher and as a future leader in our
profession.
I highly recommend Jonathan Zahn for employment in the Washington Local
School District. I have been in higher education for over 12 years and Jon is by far one
of the best students I have had the opportunity to teach. His forward thinking,
dedication, work ethic, and desire to improve his field are among the best I have
observed in an undergraduate student. If you need any additional information, please
feel free to contact me.

Professionally,

Dr. Bruce Pietz

Director of Physical Education
SHAPE Club Advisor
University of Mount Union
pietzba@mountunion.edu
330-823-4746

Human Performance and Sport Business

1972 Clark Ave. Alliance, OH 44601 (330) 829-8172 Fax (330) 823-2399