I have always been passionate about supporting students and strengthening the school system. With extensive experience in education, I’ve had the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of many learners. I currently reside in Michigan and am pursuing a new master’s degree in Instructional Design and Technology at Quinnipiac University. I am open to relocation and would especially welcome the opportunity to contribute in the Constitution State. I believe my background and skills can offer meaningful support to middle school students, particularly during these challenging times in education.
Developed and implemented differentiated learning strategies to accommodate diverse student needs, incorporating technology-enhanced instruction methods for improved engagement. keep and set IEP goals.
Passionate about nature landscape photography, live music, salsa dancing, literature, emerging technology platforms, horseback riding, theatre, soccer, football, and writing.
Certifications
Michigan endorsement
K-12 Special Education
6-8 Language Arts
K-12 Reading and Language Arts Specialist
Ortin-Gullingham training, Kagan group work training, F.A.S.T. training, LETRS training, common core writing for elementary training, SIOP training, and CPI training.
Looking forward to a second master's degree from Quinnipiac University in the study of Instructional Design Technology.
Letter of Recommendation
September 14, 2024
To Whom It May Concern:
I am most pleased to write to you in regards to Ms. Shelley Gebhardt, who has asked that I write
a letter of recommendation on her behalf. I have known Ms. Gebhardt for many years and have
found her to possess sound knowledge of literacy development and skilled pedagogical
techniques. I would like to share with you some of my closest interactions with Ms. Gebhardt in
order to demonstrate why I am so pleased to write a letter of recommendation for Ms. Gebhardt.
As a professor at Oakland University, I worked closely with Ms. Gebhardt while she completed a
Master of Arts in Teaching Reading and Language Arts. During her course of study, Ms. Gebhardt
took the initiative to seek out an independent study to evaluate innovative ways to improve literacy skills of at-risk high school students. I was most pleased to supervise her research and her development of a cross-age tutoring program. Ms. Gebhardt’s program was designed to motivate her at-risk high school students’ engagement and thus increase achievement of literacy skills by engaging at-risk high school students in the role of more
knowledgeable others in working with elementary aged students.
Ms. Gebhardt presented the program parameters and her findings at the annual meeting of The Michigan Reading Association in Detroit, Michigan. She flawlessly presented to a large standing room only audience in a space that easily held one hundred and fifty conference attendees. She articulately explained the success of the cross-age tutoring program. Elementary aged students who increased achievement based on the MLPP testing; they were able to blend, segment and identify an average of 20% more words after a three-month duration
of the program. Students at the high school level increased achievement on the Basic Reading skills and Written Expression at an average of one year to two years growth for their annual IEP testing. Many of these children had previously demonstrated minimal growth on these skill levels. Her multimedia presentation was outstanding as she held the undivided attention of the
participants for ninety minutes. At the end, the participants rose and applauded.
While at Oakland University, I directed the Macomb Campus Reading clinic. After graduating Ms. Gebhardt assisted me with the organization and often participated in supporting the graduate students in the course. I often had the opportunity to observe Ms. Gebhardt interact in
a collegial and supportive manner with the graduate students. She easily guided thinking regarding questions about diagnostic assessment and development of subsequent intervention for elementary and high school students that were at risk with reading and writing skills.
I believe Ms. Gebhardt’s dedication to the best interest of all learners, her thorough understanding of literacy development and pedagogical techniques, her ability to share her expertise with a large audience, her skills interacting and thoughtfully supporting teachers, and
her commitment to continued personal learning are essential qualities for literacy educator. In addition Ms. Gebhardt is a truly pleasant colleague. Therefore, I highly recommend Ms. Gebhardt, and I believe that incredibly hard working, knowledgeable and dedicated professional whose passion, innovation, and interaction talents will be a great contribution to teacher development work as a consultant.
If there are any questions regarding information in this letter, please feel free to call me at 773-442-5388 or email me at j-vazzano@neiu.edu. You may also call me on my cell phone at 312-504-2373.
Sincerely,
JoAnne Vazzano, Ph.D.
Northeastern Illinois University
Department of Literacy Education
Literacy Center Director
5500 N. St. Louis Avenue