To Whom It May Concern:

During my years as both Elementary Principal and Director of Elementary Education for the Cleveland
Heights-University Heights City School District, I had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Tara Grove. I
directly supervised her in her role as Roxboro Elementary School Principal from 2008-2010.
Mrs. Grove initially taught at the elementary level in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School
District before assuming an Assistant Principal position in the Perry Local School District. As a teacher,
she assumed many leadership roles on a variety of both building and district level committees while
successfully maintaining the highest standards for her classroom responsibilities. Our administrative
team was thrilled to have her return to the District and assume the role of elementary principal in 2008.
As a principal, she functioned as an instructional leader and fostered a learning climate based upon high
expectations balanced with the necessary supports. To that end, she worked collaboratively with staff
to plan and implement a system following a Positive Behavior Supports model which promoted common
language and expectations along with a systematic approach to instructing and supporting students.
She worked tirelessly to engage parents in their students education hosting a rich array of programs
and parent involvement opportunities throughout the school year.
The District itself was one involved in early reform efforts. With focus on use of data, creating
professional learning communities and ensuring quality instructional practices were brought to scale;
Tara took advantage of the many high quality professional development opportunities. She possesses
an exceptional ability to draw from her own professional learning and apply it to school improvement
planning in a manner that ensured implementation and resulted in continuous growth. It was no
surprise to me that she moved the building to the Excellent/Excellent with Distinction designations as
she when visiting her office, her short and long term achievement goals down to the subgroup level
were posted on her walls, and she could consistently identify the progress being made down to the
classroom and student level. The protocols she established in her building ensured students received
needed support to move forward.
Of the many leadership traits displayed by Mrs. Grove, I am impressed with her capacity to quickly and
confidently identify the appropriate entry point of any task or project and her keen ability to sort
through information, organize a plan of action and follow through to completion. With tremendous
strengths in terms of initiative as well as perseverance, she could always be counted upon to approach
planning in a comprehensive and systematic manner. As an example, in recent years Mrs. Grove has led
her staff through continuous planning and training as a candidate for International Baccalaureate PYP
Program building a focus through the students experiences from a global perspective.
As I look to the current educational landscape, Mrs. Tara Grove possesses that unique skill set needed to
be a leader during this time of change. She sees possibilities rather than problems. She anticipates
obstacles and plans for them. She is energized by her work and by leadership. She has strong core
values about students being the priority and challenges the status quo when the reality does not match.
She is an exceptional leader, a valued team member and a truly genuine, caring individual. She would
be a tremendous asset to your organization!

Please feel free to contact me if you desire additional information.
Sincerely,


Sally Levine
RttT Regional Specialist NE

6949 Longview Dr.
Solon, OH 44139
440 725-9220
slev146@sbcglobal.net