Oftentimes it is very difficult to take what we have just learned and apply it in the classroom. Therefore, Brittingham Professional Development Seminars offers a consulting service to help willing teachers put theory into practice.

MaryAnn works with teachers in their own classrooms, providing insights and techniques in a non-threatening manner to help them attain their own personal goals.

Let this letter serve as a testimonial of the fine training and consultation work MaryAnn Brittingham has provided for us at The Astor Learning Center.

The Astor Learning Center is a school for emotionally disturbed students residentially placed in a treatment facility. Our students often have a great deal of difficulty learning and communicating effectively. One of our most difficult challenges is to find high quality training that meets the specific needs of our program.

MaryAnn Brittingham began her work with us in June of 1999. A dynamic trainer and knowledgeable instructional consultant, she conducted numerous workshops for the Learning Center faculty. During these bimonthly in-services, Ms. Brittingham not only set a positive, productive, and enthusiastic tone but also imparted valuable instructional information regarding all aspects of teaching. Starting first with the basics of classroom set-up and design, she created a proactive approach to classroom management. She conducted workshops on ways to increase a child’s self-esteem through creating an emotionally supportive learning environment. Training on varying learning styles provided staff with strategies on how to teach our special needs students. Ms. Brittingham provided concrete examples to staff in a clear systematic manner modeling the approach our students would need to succeed–slow, steady, consistent, with attention towards improvement.

Perhaps one of Ms. Brittingham’s greatest strengths is her ability to create a trusting relationship with teaching staff. Through observation, consultation and written feedback, Ms. Brittingham has provided constructive suggestions with a high degree of credibility. This training model employs classroom teachers to improve their instructional performance.

Ms. Brittingham has provided a valuable training component to our program. It is her commitment to excellence through continued improvement that sets her apart from other trainers. She has been, and continues to be, a real asset to the Learning Center.