|
Maria Spear has been involved with teacher education at FAU for many years. Although a part-time instructor is not usually responsible for curriculum initiatives, her zeal for the profession was evident in such activities as volunteering to assist in the revision of a reading course. Students in her undergraduate reading classes have observed that Maria Spear varied her instructional technique including the use of an intellectual approach to the subject matter, and she presented good information perfectly targeted to field use and valuable for any grade. One student summed it up with, “She kept me interested and excited about the class”.
Valerie J. Bristor, Ph.D.
Professor and Associate Dean, College of Education
Florida Atlantic University
Maria Spear served as Stranahan High School's reading coach for two years. During this time, Ms. Spear conducted hands-on content area reading and writing strategy workshops that changed classroom practices and raised test scores. Her knowledge, enthusiasm and energy permeated our halls as she showed science, social studies and math teachers how to make texts more attainable. Her careful planning promoted collaboration among teachers within departments and across the curriculum. Maria Spear 's supportive leadership played a significant role in closing the literacy gap at Stranahan High.
Egle Gallagher
Principal - Stranahan High School
Mrs Spear conducted a reading and writing workshop that focused on literacy skills and student learning of subject matter. The teachers gained a wealth of knowledge during the sessions. Moreover, the students seemed quite receptive to the instructional practices. Mrs. Spear covered a plethora of information within a two-day time span, and her efforts are applauded.
Vanessa M. Nason
Assistant Principal - Vincent High School
It is a pleasure to recommend Mrs. Maria Spear as an educator with many diverse teaching experiences. I have known Maria since l990 when she became an adjunct instructor teaching undergraduate Reading courses at Barry University.
Mrs. Spear has been very successful in her teaching at Barry. She is knowledgeable, skilled and stays current in the field. The variety of Maria’s experiences in education has provided her with a broad perspective, which enhances her abilities in the classroom. She is organized, well prepared and related well to the students. Maria is articulate and exhibits professionalism. Her course evaluations have always been very good. We value Maria’s presence at Barry and hope she will continue as an adjunct instructor. She will be an asset in any educational endeavor. I recommend her highly and without reservation.
Ann Carneal Murphy, Ed.D
Barry University
Professor and Director of Reading Programs
Maria Spear has worked with our gifted students in an inclusive, co-teaching situation as well as in a separate room. Mrs. Spear has proven her abilities to work with different staff personalities in a positive way for the benefit of the gifted students as well as other students in the classroom. Mrs. Spear has demonstrated professionalism, cooperation, and dedication to the students and the school. I would recommend her highly for any position for which she applies.
Hazel E. Calvet
Principal
Virginia Shuman Young Elementary
Montessori Magnet
back to top
|
