Public

Administration
Program

Reference Mr. Daniel Amore

To Whom It May Concern:

It is a pleasure to provide this letter of reference for Mr. Daniel Amore. I have known Dan
for approximately three years during which time he has pursued the School Administration
Concentration within the Public Administration Program here at the University, a program
nationally recognized for administrator preparation by the Educational Leadership Constituent
Council. In August 2018 Dan will receive his advanced degree from the University’s Horace
Rackham School of Graduate Studies. As a professor on the MPA faculty, I have had an opportunity
to observe and evaluate Dan’s considerable abilities in two courses- ones focusing on Education Law
and the other on Grant Development and Administration. I have also served as the faculty
supervisor for his Clinical Practice in School Administration, which took me into Van Hoosen
Middle School in Rochester Hills where he teaches social studies, and multimedia courses for the
past eight years.

By way of background, the Masters in Public Administration Program at the UM-Flint

exposes professionals to a rigorous program of studies including traditional courses, clinical
experiences, and individual research and inquiry. As part of his MPA concentration in school
administration, Dan has taken courses focusing on curriculum development, instruction, and
evaluation; education law, personnel and finance; and school – community connections; as well as
the principalship. Candidates also complete a clinical practice experience during the last year of
their coursework. In the courses completed to date, Dan has been exposed to a faculty with
extensive practical experience in leadership positions in K-12 education, as well as interdisciplinary
knowledge in the fields of not only education, but also political science and law.

In the Law course, Dan demonstrated the ability to analyze various public policy
controversies from organizational and political, as well as from legal perspectives. His problem
solving skills proved to be well developed. Dan’s proposal in the Grant writing course
demonstrated strong writing skills, as well as the ability to design a recreational program for youth
and a detailed implementation plan and budget. His Clinical Practice involved a number of critical
administrative responsibilities from administering and analyzing student performance data,
carrying out teacher observations and evaluations, supporting a district-wide professional
development initiative, and practicing the administration of student discipline. Particularly
impressive was Dan’s development of a social media platform and guides for staff in using it to
communicate and collaborate with the school and broader community. The Administrative Portfolio
produced as part of the clinical experience, and available on line, attests to his professional
knowledge base in terms of instructional and administrative best practices, technology skills,
initiative, and thoroughness in carrying out responsibilities.

Finally, Mr. Amore has demonstrated a professional and collaborative style with his cohort
and the MPA faculty. This plus his dependability in completing course expectations at a high level
lead me to evaluate Mr. Amore as an exceptionally able administrative candidate, and one deserving
of every consideration for a building level leadership role enhancing school improvement and
outcomes for children.

Very truly,
Charles B. Vergon
Adjunct Professor
cvergon@umflint.edu

Spring 2018