Sarah Augustyniak 
Grade One Teacher 
Salemwood School 
529 Salem Street 
Malden, MA 02148 
saugustyniak@maldenps.org 

July 24, 2020 

To Whom it May Concern, 

I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Maria Wilson. I have 

had the distinct pleasure of working closely with Ms. Wilson for the past several years. I first met 
Ms. Wilson when she joined the first grade team as an additional add-on teacher due to 
extremely large class sizes. This movement occurred in February which, as you can imagine, is 
stressful for any new teacher. Ms. Wilson took this very unique entry into Malden Public Schools 
and absolutely soared into classroom success. I immediately noticed her kind and natural 
interactions with all our first grade students. It was evident from her tone, body language, and 
overall demeanor that being around elementary children was organic for her. The way in which 
she interacted with all our students was supportive, encouraging, and kind. Our students 
immediately felt a bond with Ms. WIlson and made the transition smooth for our students. 

I honestly feel that Ms. Wilson’s most amazing quality that first year was her willingness 
to collaborate and learn from more veteran teachers on the team. She allowed herself to be 
vulnerable by asking questions, wanting to observe in several classrooms, and seeking advice 
during those first precious few months. She immediately jumped into action as a team player 
and devoted herself to the students that were moved into her newly created classroom. She 
put the care of those students’ at the forefront of every decision she made.   

It was our greatest joy to realize that Ms. Wilson would be joining our staff permanently 
after that first teaching experience. Her hard work and dedication to our students was noticed 
by all our colleagues and administrators. She has worked tirelessly to provide for the students 
in her classroom and beyond. I spent the next year working closely with Ms. Wilson as her new 
teacher advisor. Watching her as she embraced her new role in the school was effortless. She 
never hesitated to reach out when she had questions or concerns and did so with grace and 
humility.   

It would be fair to say that Ms. Wilson’s greatest strength is her willingness to always 
lend a hand, and in doing so, always has such a positive disposition. She is hardworking, 
flexible and accommodating, and an absolute team player. Ms. Wilson is a true treasure and I’m 
honored to work alongside her at the Salemwood School. I am more than willing to share 
additional experiences we have had together. You may contact me via my email listed above or 
by calling 781-258-6980.   

Sincerely, 

Sarah Augustyniak