Retired upper level math teacher. Can teach all curriculum including AP Calculus;, both levels: AB and BC

I had Mr. Deniso as my calculus teacher for two years in high school, and I cannot recommend him enough. He is very knowledgeable about the content, and is great at breaking down complex ideas into understandable bits of information, and then connecting those pieces together. He is dedicated to his practice, and truly cares about the success of his students. He is a great teacher, and can definitely help you learn, understand, and master the content.

It is with pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for Daniel Deniso. I have known Dan for over 30 years both as a colleague at Portland High School and as a close friend. In that time I have had a plethora of opportunities to observe the many ways that Dan has connected with students in the classroom and on the cross country course as a coach.

Dan was a very highly respected math teacher at Portland High for over 30 years. He taught everything from the most basic math classes to BC calculus. His command of the content and deep caring for his students were legendary. Generations of PHS graduates have been positively impacted by Dan, and his former students still speak about him with respect and awe. I was fortunate to have my daughter in his class 3 years ago, and she would frequently come home proclaiming that he was the best teacher she ever had. She was most impressed with the personal connections he developed with each and every student in the class, and with his uncanny ability to create a strong culture of learning.

Dan was always highly effective at class management, and never had discipline issues during his tenure. He was excellent at cultivating an atmosphere of learning and belonging. Students loved being in his room and would often flock to room 231 for help or just to chat. He was there to listen and make them feel like what they had to say really mattered.

Besides his success in the classroom, Dan was an excellent coach for a number of sports, including a long stint as PHS boys cross country coach. He was able to help each athlete develop over the season to perform their best, but most importantly, he helped foster a strong team bond among the runners. The cross country team grew in popularity because of this during his tenure as coach.

Dan has won a number of teaching awards at PHS, voted on by both students and faculty. These awards were a testament to a man who devoted his very being to helping his students succeed in math and in life. He remains a PHS legend and truly feels happiest and most at home in the classroom. I recommend Dan Deniso most highly as a substitute teacher. He would be an incredible addition to any school.


Sincerely,

Christine Braceras
Head of Cluster 4, Science/Health/Physical Education
Earth Science Teacher
Portland High School