Student Letters

 Letter #1: Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, University of Iowa, 2022

Simply, where do I begin? Annie Burkhart, my freshman rhetoric teacher, deeply influenced my writing experience here at the University of Iowa and I am incredibly honored to write her a letter of recommendation for this award.

Annie displayed to our rhetoric section a tangible excitement every day over what she was going to introduce. Her passion and deep regard for her students was the most unique thing about her teaching that I have experienced. I always felt as if she was not only a guide to the murky waters of college academic writing, but also a peer that would recognize my work and help me improve. Annie’s enthusiasm to dive into our texts from class and her incredible anticipation to read her own students works combined every day to create a classroom environment that cultivated creativity and pride. Annie is devoted to her students, offering up extensive time to each and every student that walks into her classroom. I always knew that she would make the time to spend with me to improve my work regardless of any conflict, and I knew that this trait of hers was widely received and appreciated by all. Annie’s feedback is some of the most constructive I have ever received from a college-level teacher. She takes the time to really interpret your work, your ideas, and encourage you towards your best writing.

Personally, Annie’s feedback on my work on the O.J. Simpson case led me towards the best research writing I have ever accomplished. Annie helped me find the spark of creativity and passion that would fuel a true, devoted piece of writing. For me, this was the famous O.J. Simpson case I had been following since I decided to declare the pre-law track. Annie helped me develop research and tools to articulate how I wanted to depict the case, trial, and exigent circumstances of the ordeal. Annie’s help with my work on the “Trial of the Century” led to many projects and work for my political science major. I sincerely believe that she deserves this award and I look forward to taking classes with her in the fall and throughout my undergrad career.

Sincerely,

Kate Farnum

Letter #2: Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, University of Iowa, 2022

To whom it may concern,

Hello! My name is Molly Shannon, and I was a student under Professor Burkhart in the fall semester of 2021. Saying that my time in her class was outstanding would be an understatement. Typically, I am not the kind of student who fully enjoys going to class and learning about things that do not necessarily spark my interest. But when I took Professor Burkhart’s class, she made concepts intriguing, she inspired debate and friendly argument between classmates but most importantly instilled my love for learning not only in rhetoric but in any concept. I can speak for many of my classmates when saying that Annie was instrumental in keeping us motivated throughout our first semester of college. Of course, it was not always a breeze in Annie’s classes, she challenged us to think critically and mentored us into becoming strong rhetors. The lessons I took from Annie are too many to count, but I can say that her teaching leaves an impact on multitudes of students from the past and present alike. I am truly blessed to have been a student of Annie Burkhart and even recommended her class to my rowing teammates so that they could experience her brilliant instruction. Please consider Professor Burkhart for your Outstanding Teaching Award, for I believe she deserves to be honored with such high praise. Thank you for allowing me to advocate for Professor Burkhart!

Best,

Molly Shannon

Letter #3: Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, University of Iowa, 2022

To The Outstanding Teaching Award Selection Committee,

I would like to first start by saying a huge thank you to Annie Burkhart. She has truly redefined my love for English and writing by simply being one of the most charismatic and understanding individuals I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and learning from. I have always had a love for English and Writing, but I never considered perusing the topics as a potential future of mine. She has completely flipped my mindset for the best. Before college, I felt beyond lost and questioned what I wanted to do with my life every day. I have now found what I would say is a calling. I have had wonderful English teachers in my past that have encouraged me to consider writing, but no one has ever inspired me quite like Annie has.

She has the wonderful ability to change lives and push students to be the best version of themselves that they can be. Her love and acceptance of each individual student stands out immensely and should be recognized daily. Every Monday and Wednesday I looked forward to her feminism rhetoric class, and just knowing I could express myself through my submissions was a breath of fresh air. She has made my transition from high school to college a breeze, I could not be more grateful and appreciative for the kindness and belief Annie has had in me for such a brief period of time. They say there will always be one teacher/professor you will always remember for the rest of your life, and I can proudly say she is one of those teachers for me. I will stay connected with Annie and involve her within my journey of college because she still cares deeply about her students, even after her class time with them.

Within our class, I specifically remember how inclusive and understanding she was within everyone's opinions and life. She would give us students time to think about her questions, thoroughly understand her instructions, while giving us range upon placing our own thoughts and feelings into our work. She was beautifully engaged within each one of us, validating our opinions upon rhetoric that we read in class or our very own pieces. She inspires and continues to answer questions willingly, while also leaving an openness for our own creativity so we can individually flourish our own personal thoughts. I once was an open major and because of Annie’s astonishing abilities I have now decided to major in English and Creative Writing due to her impacts. She has inspired me to blossom into my full potential, to always try my best, and never give up on myself because she as well as many others genuinely and full heartedly believes in me. Annie Burkhart is a one-of-a-kind professor as well as an astonishing human being. I do not know anyone else who is as deserving of this award as Annie is, and I am delighted as well as honored to speak upon her charismatic actions and impacts.

Sincerely,

Grace Welter

Letter #4: Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, University of Iowa, 2022

To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Cari Ann Rasmussen and I am a junior this year majoring in Art Education. This letter is my personal letter of support for Annie Burkhart to receive an Outstanding Teacher Award. Annie is my former graduate teaching instructor who taught Rhetoric 1030 in the fall of my sophomore year. In a one-hundred-percent virtual class, amidst the most challenging part of the COVID-19 pandemic, Annie took it in stride. Her warm personality and enthusiasm for teaching despite such a troubling time in all our lives left a notable impression on me.

Despite long class sessions in the evenings via Zoom instruction, Annie managed to facilitate a positive and welcoming learning environment. I think I speak for everyone in our class when I say I really appreciate how understanding and sensitive she was to our less-than-ideal circumstances. Annie allowed us a break halfway through our time together each class, providing us with a moment to recollect ourselves away from our screens and get a drink of water or a snack. It isn’t as common as one might hope to have an instructor who makes such an effort to prioritize the mental health and general well-being of their students.

As a student in the Teacher Education Program, many of my classes discuss the qualities and practices that make a strong teacher. When thinking of these strengths a teacher should have, I do think of Annie. First and foremost, she is a feminist. She has always advocated equality and equity for all, and inclusivity lies at the forefront of her instruction. In my experience, Annie goes above and beyond her teaching responsibilities in the way she was always willing to review a draft of my work before I submitted it or was always so timely and thoughtful in providing constructive feedback and email responses.

For all these reasons and all my many wonderful experiences with her, I highly recommend Annie Burkhart for an Outstanding Teacher Award, of which I believe she is so deserving.

Sincerely,

Cari Ann Rasmussen

Letter #5: Thank-a-Teacher Program, University of Iowa, 2022

Annie- I am so grateful to have you as a leader and mentor this semester and during my college career. I really appreciate all the feedback that I was given to help me become a stronger student. I can't wait to see your progression to getting your PhD. The way that you teach is very effective and you respect the student's opinion which not a lot of people do. It is definitely what factors in to make you one of the best! Good luck in the future!

Abigail Thoms

Letter #6: Thank-a-Teacher Program, University of Iowa, 2022

Annie, Even though we only had the ability to learn from one another first semester of this year, I still hold every piece of knowledge and lesson within my heart. You made the classroom a safe place for every single student and made sure that all of our voices were heard. You continue to support me outside of the classroom with my academics as well as guide me to the realization that English and Creative Writing is my passion. I take your wisdom and kindness with me in every single classroom I enter and I know you will always be there to aid my journey here at Iowa. Thank you for simply being you, I will never forget what you have done for me and continue to do. Hope all is well and I cannot wait to see what next year brings your way as a professor and an amazing human being!

Grace Welter