Gwen Shackleton
- 1. Gwen Shackleton International Baccalaureate Visual Art Teacher Jakarta International School gshackleton@jisedu.or.id Open reference for Mr. Neil Bunting 27th January 2009 To Whom It May Concern: Being asked to write a reference for Neil Bunting gives me the gratifying opportunity to share my impression of this very special, committed person. Art teacher, art examiner, school administrator and artist are but some of the caps Neil wears, each of which exhibits his range of experience and dedication to all work in his hands. I first met Neil in 2005 through his instigation of a new group eventually named JATI (Jakarta Art Teachers and I – “I” being the student). At that time Neil contacted as many art and design teachers working in Jakarta as possible, with a desire for communication and a hope for the development of an art / teaching based community whose interest and focus was to be the artistic experience and growth of children outside of a classroom situation. The success of this venture is evident in its wide range of nationality, size and culture of schools now involved in JATI and is initially a tribute to Neil’s genuine, unflagging devotion to the education of children. In addition, and no less important, is his obvious ability to bring people together and gently instill in them a common cause – such are his leadership skills - he cares deeply yet guides kindly, he proposes with energy yet accepts alternatives and dissention with grace, he adapts to all situations with care and concern yet is unafraid to stand firm where the benefit is for children – to summarise, he is a worthy and effective leader. Although much of my initial contact experience with Neil was through JATI meetings and events I have also had the professional pleasure of working with him in examination situations. Having taught and examined International Baccalaureate Visual Art for over twenty years I feel I understand the programme and the needs of the students in the examination situation. I, therefore, along with my art colleagues, recommended Neil be considered as IB Visual Art examiner for our students at the Jakarta International School. My initial knowledge and understanding of Neil’s capacity as an art teacher was, admittedly, limited, not having seen his actual classroom teaching, but my first-hand knowledge of Neil as an educator and leader in other situations led me to believe strongly in his potential as an excellent examiner. We were not disappointed – Neil did an exemplary job. Students were made to feel relaxed, were willing and excited to discuss their work and progress and in later discussions with them, felt that they had had every opportunity to present their work and themselves in the best possible light. In other words Neil facilitated the exams with students first and foremost in mind. Neil’s further communication regarding the exams was done with clarity, sensitivity and proficiency. We teachers, students and administrators were delighted with Neil’s professionalism and care, his own students must benefit enormously from both his approach and his philosophies. Considering Neil’s many and excellent attributes both as a leader and as an educator, it is with pride that I consider Neil not just to be a friend but a colleague to respect and admire, and I send this recommendation with genuine belief that Neil will be a great attribute to any institution wise enough to appoint him. With regards, Gwen Shackleton