Marcy Sullivan, M.Ed.

41 Azalea Ct. N. Kingstown, RI 02852

(401) 295-5558 marcy.a.sullivan@gmail.com

June 30, 2014

To Whom It May Concern,

I am honored to wholeheartedly recommend my colleague, Celia Tafuri for a full-time teaching position.
Having served as an educator for the past thirty years, I have enjoyed many professional experiences. Celia
displays hard work, collaboration, and professionalism, while addressing her responsibilities as a daily
instructor in our district. Our shared assignments, in Meadowbrook second grade, have allowed me the
pleasure of getting to know Celia well, and to assess her teaching capabilities.

Celia displays strong interpersonal skills, straightforward communication, and confidence, while revealing
a genuine sensitivity and compassion for others. Celia has a gift of attracting positive interactions and
constructive teamwork. Celia routinely demonstrates willingness, in acquiring knowledge and seizing
opportunities, to initiate improvements. During her long-term teaching assignment, Celia consistently
participated in common planning sessions with grade level colleagues and special support staff, to
advocate for the needs for all students.

While in her teaching role in East Greenwich, Celia accessed professional development and training in:
Fundations (Phonics Program), Reading Wonders pilot, and ELA Curriculum Development. She effectively
managed classroom instruction through the use of: Daily 5 tools, differentiated reading groups, and
literature circles. Celia expanded her math instruction to include: daily Envisions lessons, and weekly math
problem solving. Celias involvements with our Team of Qualified Professionals (TQP), and Response To
Intervention (RTI) team attest to Celias high degree of engagement. Celia gained first-hand experience
with school initiatives such as: Common Core State Standards (CCSS), Teachers Evaluation RI Model, Data-
Driven Skills Block Intervention, and Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports (PBIS). Maintenance of
student data, ongoing formative and summative assessment (ie. Fountas & Pinnell, STAR Testing), and
frequent correspondence with parents, rounded out her experience. Her intimate acquaintance with
regular/special education, resource, specialists, and paraprofessionals add to her brilliant credentials.

Beyond her impressive qualifications, Celia consistently performs beyond what is required, working
collaboratively to resolve issues for the benefit of the greater good. Celias engagement with special
needs students, district curriculum, and resources provided practical applications. Celia is highly
dependable, always exploring available research and resources to support effective behavioral and
educational practices. Celias attitude of optimism and approachability, in conjunction with her
outstanding academic achievements and favorable professional reviews, speak to Celias competence.

Celias specific training and effective rapport, combined with her impressive experience and performance,
make her exceptionally qualified to meet the challenges of an educator. Celia has earned my utmost
respect and admiration for her performance at Meadowbrook. Celias refreshingly professional and
positive demeanor is most attractive. Celias engagement and service attests to her readiness to teach.
Ive observed her constructive work ethic, and determination to collaboratively reach and teach young
children. Celia displays the enthusiasm and energy needed to transform students to achieve even higher
standards of success. I believe, Celia Tafuri will exceed your expectations, and is the best candidate to
assume a full-time teaching position in your school. You will be grateful to have her as an active member
of your staff.

Sincerely,
Marcy Sullivan, M.Ed.