"Ryan Kurada is one of the most outstanding graduate candidates with whom I've had the privilege of working with. I have interacted with Ryan in several different contexts, and in each, he has demonstrated his thorough and thoughtful understanding of children's learning and his creativity in developing meaningful and engaging curriculum."
-lisa pollack, early childhood education professor
"Ryan has established good working relationships with staff. Ryan eagerly works with colleagues learning from and sharing with others. Ryan would be an excellent addition to any staff and I highly recommend Ryan Kurada be considered for any position he seeks."
-Jane wheeler, student teaching supervisor and former principal
"It is without hesitation that I recommend Ryan for the teaching profession. I believe he possesses the innate qualities essential to teaching, including flexibility, sense of humor and calm demeanor. Most importantly, his sincerity, thoughtfulness and caring reflect the love and respect he has for children."
-Ms. hartman, kindergarten teacher, monte visa elementary, rohnert park, ca
“Mr. Kurada is an exceptional, dedicated person. I have known him for a couple of years, and it has been clear to me, in all that time, that he is committed to spending his life as a teacher of young children. Mr. Ryan is a natural and nurturing teacher. The children loved him instantly, and from the beginning he enjoyed a kind of “rock star” status among kindergarteners. They rushed to him with hugs upon seeing him, and when he wasn’t there, I had a lot of explaining to do.”
—Ms. McCormac, Kindergarten Teacher, Bessie Carmichael Elementary, San Francisco, CA
“It has been a wonderful experience mentoring Ryan. His enthusiasm is contagious. He has helped me grow as a teacher and re-ignited my passion for the work. Ryan’s kindness and caring have been a tonic, his insights invaluable and his energy most welcome. If all new teachers were as well prepared as this young man they would be most successful.”
—Ms. Sandine, elementary teacher, New Traditions Elementary, San Francisco, CA
“Mr. Kurada was always enthusiastic in the classroom and took on any project that I gave to him. When working with the children, I could see he had their best interests at heart. He was always eager to learn about classroom management, teaching strategies, and anything else related to the education of children! He has shown that he is dedicated to the students and to the teaching profession.”
—Ms. Mung, 1st grade teacher, Gordon J. Lau Elementary, San Francisco, CA
“There are few students more prepared for or better suited to the teaching profession than Mr. Kurada. In reviewing his Final Art and Process Portfolio this past spring, I wrote the following: “The student clearly connected his understanding of educational theory to practice throughout his curriculum: for example, he selected age-appropriate and interesting focus and secondary images, he provided context for his strategies and procedures. His design and set-up demonstrated his understanding of time frame, skills, and modifications to meet the needs of his learners."
—KD Kurutz, former director of the Academy of Art University’s School of Art education