Kelly Zaval

4 Masconomo St.
Manchester, MA 01944
Kelly.zaval@comcast.net

April 2014

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter in order to highly recommend Erin Brewer as an educator,
academic coach and motivator. Mrs. Brewer has been individually tutoring my children
for the past four years. She has worked with both of them in several levels of Math
including: Geometry, Algebra II, and middle school Math. Mrs. Brewer also organized
and oversaw SAT test preparation for my daughter, helping her increase her overall score
by almost 300 points from her initial PSAT indicator. My son, who struggles with
ADHD, processing and executive functioning works with Mrs. Brewer to improve his
study skills, academic note-taking, writing organization and time management in addition
to mathematics.
Since my two children vary greatly in their academic strengths and weaknesses, I
have had the opportunity to see Mrs. Brewer differentiate her approach in teaching. She
has an uncanny ability to meet students where they are. My daughter, who struggles
with test anxiety, has told me she learned that its okay to take risks academically, to push
herself through her work with Mrs. Brewer. My son tells me that Mrs. Brewer helps keep
him on task, so he can focus and get his work done. She uses patience, enthusiasm and
good humor in order to motivate him, while allowing him to feel positive about his
progress. Mrs. Brewer doesnt simply tell him how to do it, she guides him to the answer
and then asks him to explain that answer to her.
This ability to guide students to independent work and self-efficacy is just one of
Mrs. Brewers strengths in teaching. She is also capable of presenting concepts in a
multitude of ways, pinpointing a students strengths and then tailoring her teaching
methods. This allows students to discover new access points for the academic subjects
they are struggling with. She is a terrific motivator, approaching students with
enthusiasm, energy and a genuine attitude that indicates she wants to help them. Mrs.
Brewer is also willing to bring new resources to the table, including technology-based
tools and those designed by experts in the field.
We have been fortunate to have her support in our family. With this in mind, I
have referred her to no less than seven local families for tutoring support in math and
SAT prep. Any academic setting would be lucky to include her on their team.

Sincerely,

Kelly Zaval