Professional References

...Susan has always researched the most current literature related to urban education and has shared these resources with students, faculty and staff.  She has served as a role model for all staff and has demonstrated the importance of building relationships with students as a prerequisite for teaching and learning.  Her professionalism and interpersonal skills have led to strong relationships with students, parents, and staff; developing a true professional learning community at both schools we transformed.

... When our district was looking to hold summer enrichment sessions on Social-Emotional Learning for our teachers and paraprofessionals, I knew who to call.  Susan and I met to discuss the vision and she was ready to create lessons to aid in understanding trauma, its impact on student behavior, and how to support dysregulated students.  Mrs. Alviene's sessions were highly sought after and maxed out with over 80 participants.

... I have worked with Mrs. Alviene for nine years in varying capacities.  Over the course of time we worked together, we engaged in a continuous cycle of improvement including but not limited to: analyzing student data; writing, reviewing and implementing curriculum and instructional practices, and developing school improvement plans.  Mrs. Alviene has a constant eye on improvement and is quite reflective in her work.  She has a keen understanding of the district curriculum and research-based literacy strategies.  Her demeanor is calm and she is well-respected by her peers, students, and the families that work with her.  Mrs. Alviene seeks out professional development opportunities and has developed a broad repertoire of skills and knowledge she willingly shares with others.

... Over the last decade, Susan and I have worked together as grade level colleagues, served together on a variety of committees, and have planned service projects for our school together.  As her coworker, I can vouch for her sincerity to her work and the exceptional contribution that she has made to the students and families of our school district.  I have often looked to Susan for her advice and opinions, particularly when preparing to facilitate professional development for the faculty, something for which she excelled at.  Susan was thorough in her planning and execution of professional development that was focused on the needs and wants of the staff.  Susan connects with individuals and truly brings out their strengths and empowers her learners to tackle their deficits in a manner that is manageable and supported by her through the end.

...Mrs. Alviene has developed positive relationships with students, staff, and parents.  She has a caring approach when working with children and has taken the initiative to learn trauma sensitive approaches to help students.  She has earned the respect of the teaching community with her professionalism and instructional support.  She offers support in a non-judemental manner that focuses on teacher goal-setting and improvement.