The words of a current student...
The words of a former student teacher...
I have known Gerry for almost 20 years both professionally and personally. I will open up this letter by quoting John Maxwell who said, “A leader is a person who knows the way, shows the way, and goes the way.” Gerry was my mentor as a student teacher, this was my second career, and Gerry was much younger than I. Gerry demonstrated how to breakthrough to our students, Gerry never said, “you should," Instead he remarked, “have you ever considered looking at this from a different vantage point”. Often times when I made a rookie teacher mistake, Gerry would ask “what might have gone wrong?” then either let me correct myself, and if I still didn’t see the problem, he would respond, “If that were me I might have done” and re direct me to a solution. Words are among the most useful tools a leader has; Gerry’s ability to communicate in both the written and spoken words that together inspires and mold people.
In the classroom, Gerry had excellent classroom management skills, and had an outstanding understanding of the subject matter. In the classroom as in business whether it be students or employees people become disgruntled when there is no clear understanding of the subject matter. Gerry was always prepared and armed with a clear explanation for any question that might have been asked of him. I would observe every lesson that Gerry prepared over the course of the day for 4 months. I observed that Gerry was as much of a facilitator as he was a teacher, when Gerry’s aim (which was posted on the board) was fulfilled students believed they did it and learned it by themselves. This gave the students ownership of the lesson.
As a friend Gerry is a good listener, he is genuine and loyal, with that said Gerry will also have the courage in his convictions to tell even a good friend, “you might reconsider your decision.” In the end a good teacher or leader has to make the problem or problem sets so interesting, and the possible solutions so creative, that everyone wants to work the problem.
Lastly and perhaps the most important to any perspective employer is Gerry’s leadership skills, which I observed at Hillcrest High School as student teacher. As in any profession personalities, egos, and the desire to lead can cause distress among colleagues. One instance Gerry was caught in the middle of a curriculum dispute with some senior colleagues. Gerry navigated the waters and was able to demonstrate why teaching the curriculum in a specific manner was beneficial to the students. This took skill, as well an understanding of what was being taught. Furthermore Gerry had the respect from his colleagues, which allowed him to be heard. Gerry was able to persuade senior colleagues to move in a direction, through both the spoken and written words.
I highly recommend Gerry for any management position.
Herbert Weiss
Research Coordinator
South Side High School
[email protected]
In the classroom, Gerry had excellent classroom management skills, and had an outstanding understanding of the subject matter. In the classroom as in business whether it be students or employees people become disgruntled when there is no clear understanding of the subject matter. Gerry was always prepared and armed with a clear explanation for any question that might have been asked of him. I would observe every lesson that Gerry prepared over the course of the day for 4 months. I observed that Gerry was as much of a facilitator as he was a teacher, when Gerry’s aim (which was posted on the board) was fulfilled students believed they did it and learned it by themselves. This gave the students ownership of the lesson.
As a friend Gerry is a good listener, he is genuine and loyal, with that said Gerry will also have the courage in his convictions to tell even a good friend, “you might reconsider your decision.” In the end a good teacher or leader has to make the problem or problem sets so interesting, and the possible solutions so creative, that everyone wants to work the problem.
Lastly and perhaps the most important to any perspective employer is Gerry’s leadership skills, which I observed at Hillcrest High School as student teacher. As in any profession personalities, egos, and the desire to lead can cause distress among colleagues. One instance Gerry was caught in the middle of a curriculum dispute with some senior colleagues. Gerry navigated the waters and was able to demonstrate why teaching the curriculum in a specific manner was beneficial to the students. This took skill, as well an understanding of what was being taught. Furthermore Gerry had the respect from his colleagues, which allowed him to be heard. Gerry was able to persuade senior colleagues to move in a direction, through both the spoken and written words.
I highly recommend Gerry for any management position.
Herbert Weiss
Research Coordinator
South Side High School
[email protected]
The words of a former manager...
I had the pleasure of working with Gerry while he was a member of my Property Pricing group of High Net Worth portfolio at AIG. I was impressed by his in depth knowledge of this book of business from an analytical perspective to managing the relationship with clients, brokers and product managers. He was an instrumental member of my team during the Homeowners Predictive Model, providing insight and sound judgment. He learned how to use multiple Predictive modeling tools and presented with me in front of Chief Underwriting Officers, displaying excellent communication skills. Any company should be happy to have Gerry as part of the team.
Marcela Granados
Actuarial Manager
Ernst & Young
Marcela Granados
Actuarial Manager
Ernst & Young
