131 Drumlin Court

Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES

Newark, NY 14513

March 23, 2018

To whom it may concern:

It is with genuine enthusiasm that I recommend Mareasa Severson for a position as an elementary education
teacher. I have had the opportunity to work closely with Mareasa for the last two years and have been
consistently impressed with her willingness to consider novel ideas in place of traditional practices, to challenge
instructional paradigms, and to seek constructive feedback. Her commitment to the education of the whole
child is unparalleled.

I have spent considerable time providing professional development and coaching to the co-teaching teams at
Margaret W. Cuyler Elementary School in the Red Creek Central School District. As the general education co-
teacher at the third and fifth grade levels, Mareasa has been an active participant in the support I have provided.
It has been exciting to witness her dedication as she has embraced new, research-based best practices in her
efforts to support her students and her co-teaching partners. Her confidence level has soared as she has found
success in better meeting the needs of all students.

Whenever I have offered guidance on instructional practices and teaching and/or learning strategies, without
exception, Mareasa is quick to put them into effect. She is reflective in her practice and seeks continuous
improvement. Her passion to serve students is contagious. Because of her passion, she is relentless in her
efforts to work with her special education co-teaching partners to employ co-teaching techniques, differentiated
instruction, and specially designed instruction as she recognizes the potential to impact student learning.

It is Mareasa that I hold as an exemplar when I share success stories with other districts. Her impressive skills
are reflected in many areas. She is an expert in explicit instruction and is a master at checking for
understanding and individualizing instruction for each learner. Her continuous formative assessment informs
her instruction which allows her to respond, on the spot, to students as they learn. She refuses to take no for an
answer when she identifies student needs. She not only holds high expectations for her students, she holds them
for herself and colleagues, as well. She is an effective collaborator and team member, and routines steps up to
participate in extracurricular opportunities for students. Mareasa is also the epitome of a life-long learner as she
is a voracious reader and partakes in professional development, both in and out of school.

I am confident that Mareasa will use her skills as an educator to serve the needs of all learners at an elementary
level.

If I may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Respectfully,

Donna L Brooks
Donna L. Brooks
Special Education School Improvement Specialist
Wayne- Finger Lakes BOCES