College of Education

Departments of:
Counseling and Development
Elementary Education/Early Childhood
Physical and Health Education
Secondary Education/Foundations of Education
Special Education

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing in support of Dana Villella’s application for an elementary and special education teaching
position. Having observed Ms. Villella’s academic and professional journey closely as her professor and
academic advisor at Slippery Rock University, I am impressed by her dedication, knowledge, and the
innovative approaches she brings to education. Ms. Villella stands out due to her exceptional ability to
engage and support students with diverse needs, ensuring they receive a high-quality, inclusive education.

Ms. Villella's academic aptitude is evident in her GPA of 3.8, but it is her hands-on experience in various
educational settings that truly sets her apart. Her student teaching and field experiences across multiple
schools have showcased her versatility and commitment to excellence. I was able to observe her teach
mathematics interventions where she delivered tier 3 instruction tailored to students with special needs,
demonstrating an exceptional ability to adapt interventions to a wide array of student needs. During her
student teaching, she refined her skills in utilizing structured interventions and monitoring and progressing
students' IEP goals, including academic, behavioral, and social skills. Moreover, Ms. Villella’s collaboration
with her cooperating teachers and teams in scripting and creating lesson plans for a range of subjects has
allowed her to independently instruct and meet the diverse needs of students. Her efforts in adapting lesson
plans to maintain the pace and engagement of students speak volumes of her dedication to educational
success.

Ms. Villella’s experiences extend beyond traditional classrooms. Her involvement in the Internationella
Engelska Skolan Ur Och Skur Skolan study abroad trip in Stockholm, Sweden, reflects her commitment to
understanding and applying international educational practices and overcoming language barriers through
assistive technology. In April 2024, she will be traveling with me to Spain to teach English to students in
Spanish schools. This trip represented a significant commitment and devotion to providing opportunity and
access to everyone she interacts with.

In addition to her educational commitments, she has contributed significantly as a substitute teacher and
childcare worker, further enhancing her instructional skills and classroom management. Her role as a camp
counselor and tutor at The LeMoyne Community Center exemplifies her ability to engage students in
meaningful learning experiences outside the traditional classroom setting.

It is my belief that Ms. Villella embodies the qualities of a dedicated and innovative educator. Her academic
achievements, coupled with her extensive practical experience and commitment to inclusive education, make
her a valuable addition to any educational team. I have no doubt about the positive impact she will continue
to make in the lives of students and the broader educational community.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jeremy Lynch

Professor of Special Education
Slippery Rock University