10 years an Educator (NY/CA) helping students with English Literacy/ History tutoring

Marshay and I have been close friends for years. Beyond that I have had the pleasure of watching her transform into a well rounded dynamic woman. She has a true passion for educating the youth and is willing to do what is needed to make students feel loved and supported. She is a social justice activist who strives to keep learning engaging.

I've known Marshay as both a colleague and friend. I really admire her commitment to her students. She's really dedicated to ensuring their success and will go to great lengths to provide them with resources they need. Further, she has had experience working with students from a range of backgrounds with different kinds of needs. In all of those cases, she's stepped up to address them as needed.

I had the honor of working with Marshay very shortly at a school in Oakland. She was able to create amazing, trusting relationships with the children that allowed them the space to feel comfortable and express themselves. It was evident that she has a lot of love and compassion for the communities that she was serving. I would recommend Marshay because she centers her work from a place of equity, understanding, and empowerment. She serves as an amazing role model for those who are around her.

Marshay has always been an understanding and patient colleague. Her use of teaching styles helps to increase and amplify the talents of her students in English. Marshay truly is someone who cares about her students, work, and the efforts of all.

Marshay Berry was a true asset to the Tapestry Charter High School community in Buffalo, New York. I worked closely with her in the two years she was at Tapestry through 2015. She is passionate about serving her community, particularly youth, and has a keen sense of justice.

Ms. Berry consistently demonstrated considerable intellect and problem solving skills, an admirable work ethic, a commitment to our students. She has a big heart and a healthy dose of humility. She has a well-functioning moral compass. Her positive spirit was appreciated by all who knew her. She remained calm, steady, and positive in the face of urban high school pressures, which is no small feat.

As principal of a relatively new urban charter school, I first met Ms. Berry in her AmeriCorps assignment in 2013. From the start, Ms. Berry took the task seriously and showed dedication to teaching and tutoring students. She went well beyond expectations, demonstrated great flexibility, and took responsibility for supporting major student activities, including traveling with students to Washington, DC.

Ms. Berry showed an appreciation for our methods of building school culture through the development of positive relationships with students. She has a natural comfort with young people, and an extraordinary sensitivity to their needs that translates into trusting relationships that served our school very well.

Sincerely,
Lynn Seagren Bass, Retired Principal

Marshay utilizes her abilities as an active listener in tandem with her proclivities as an educator to reach those around her especially when it comes to students. She is truly dedicated to helping students reach their full potentials.