870 President Street Brooklyn, New York 11215
April 2004 Recommendation Letter for Mr. Mauro Bressi
As the former Assistant Principal (English) at John Dewey High School, I had the pleasure of observing Mauro Bressi's professional growth for more than a decade. I am very pleased that he has chosen to take on the responsibilities of department supervision and administration.
Mr. Bressi played an active professional role as a teacher in the English Department, particularly in the writing program. He developed curriculum for the foundation writing class given to all students at the school, and worked closely with me in the development of curriculum and materials for a course that went beyond the fundamental writing skills. Mr. Bressi successfully guided students through the rigorous demands of an Advanced Placement English course leading to the examination in AP Language and Composition. Most dramatic, perhaps, was his work on a grant for a Writing Center at John Dewey High School. This Center, which included both print and technological resources, provided a place for students—and staff members—to work on a wide variety of projects, from creative writing contest pieces to major research essays. In fact, Mr. Bressi's familiarity with technology has enabled him to offer students the opportunity to take full advantage of its benefits for classroom practice. He taught the 10th grade component of the school's Computer Science program, a specialized program intended to develop students' abilities to use technology in a wide range of academic pursuits. He also participated in the Department's Publications program. Clubs have been a significant part of the Department; Mr. Bressi's Great Books Club was a winner, offering a kind of enrichment that drew students week after week.
Mr. Bressi also took a strong professional interest in the life of the English Department. He served on a number of professional committees, made presentations on Staff Development Day activities, and served as a cooperating teacher for a student teacher. On the lighter side, he took part hi school productions and fund-raising activities.
I believe that Mauro Bressi has a passion for instruction in English Language Arts, and would make a fine addition to your school's supervisory staff.

Sincere!
Michael Rieman Assistant Principal (retired) English Department John Dewey High School