May 19, 2001

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

RE:   Reference for Bala Swaminathan

The Emirates International School employed Bala Swaminathan in September 1994.  He was assigned to teach a full schedule of High School Physics. In addition, Mr. Swaminathan served as a member of the Pastoral Committee, helped organized the Physics Fair (1995-1998), served briefly as the GCSE Coordinator and coached Table Tennis. Mr. Swaminathan also made a contribution to the TTT program with his staff development presentation titled "Square Peg in a Round Hole."

The Emirates International School has an enrollment of 1690 students, representing over 75 nationalities.  The school is accredited by Middle States Association (Philadelphia) and is recognized by several other regional organizations. Curriculum standards are high and teachers provide quality instruction to meet those standards. The International Primary Curriculum (IPC-Fieldwork/London) is now being offered in Grades KG-5. Students in Grades 10 sit for IGCSE examinations. All students in Grades 11-12 must enroll in the International Baccalaureate program.

Bala Swaminathan enjoys considerable success as a classroom teacher.  Recently, Mr. Swaminathan received a letter from the MIT (Boston) Admissions Office, stating that a former Emirates student wanted to acknowledge him as his most appreciated teacher. Mr. Swaminathan is also keen about bringing technology into the classroom. He always seems to have many creative ideas to enhance his classroom instruction.

I know that Mr. Swaminathan has interests that extend beyond his present assignment.  He has been accepted for a summer course at Harvard University and might eventually pursue a doctorate at that institution. He has expressed interest in being a school counselor.

Thank you for accepting this letter of reference as a personal statement on behalf of Bala Swaminathan.  I want to wish him the best in his career pursuits.