MCG

I have known Mark for over 10 years and he has been an instrumental partner in elevating our work in the TESOL program at USD by providing curricular innovations as well as sustained practicum experiences for our students through formalized partnerships, which is one of the hallmarks for our program. Mark has also been our top instructor for our Mexico City TESOL certificate program, where he traveled on our behalf to deliver coursework in person at the Institute of Thomas Jefferson. I have also had the honor of co-publishing an article on the use of mentor texts in supporting ESOL students in developing their reading and writing skills, and serving as a member on his dissertation where he studied the impact of professional learning communities on teacher development. It has been an absolute honor and delight to work with Mark who is always open to exploring new ideas, and who also encourages me to consider ways in which we could continue to improve our work. His collaborative spirit, professionalism, expertise, and commitment to excellence have truly enriched our work and I look forward to his new endeavors as a consultant.

I really enjoyed working with Mark. The depth of his experience at both the institutional and state level gave me a lot of confidence that he could help me shape policies and procedures that would work. I appreciated how he kept me firmly in the driver's seat, even while asking great questions and providing helpful advice and resources. I look forward to working with him again.

Over the years, I have come to trust Mark and rely on his perspective. We have had many experiences together, and Mark has always been responsive and nimble in all of our planning and preparation as well as changing midstream if a situation requires it. Mark is responsive to group and individual needs, and I’ve learned to be conscious of how not only data but student/client voices need to inform all of our decisions. I’ve been able to open up to Mark about my professional doubts and fears, and he has been a key figure in my development both individually and as a leader of a national organization. Mark has given input to national and local tutoring initiatives, providing specific insights on how to meet students’ needs online.