Here is the text of a draft letter prepared by Chestnut Hill
Academy after teacher William Kershaw left its faculty in 1976.
The unsigned draft was found in the school files. The school
provided the text to the Inquirer.
------------------------------------------------------------William E. Kershaw was employed by Chestnut Hill Academy for
the past 16 years. He taught fifth grade and coached some of our
junior teams.
It with regret that I accepted Mr. Kershaw’s resignation. It
is always difficult to replace faculty, but it is doubly so when
the person has proven successful in the classroom; an asset to
the faculty.
There can be no question about his experience, his interest
in students, his command of the subject matter demanded of an
elementary teacher.
He lacks self-confidence in an adult group, and consequently
was not active in faculty activities outside the classroom.
While Mr. Kershaw is dependable, punctual and cooperative, he
does not possess qualities of leadership or great originality.
Mr. Kershaw’s departure from the faculty at CHA after such a
long service stems from personal and health reasons, as well as
a continuing desire on his part to return to further study.
I believe it essential for any prospective employer to
review the nature of these reasons with the candidate prior to
employing him.
I this matter has been clarified, I have no hesitation in
recommending him for an elementary school position.
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