REVIEWS

From Knowledgeable Collaborator to Miracle Worker

Dr. Tolliver's impact resonates across roles: He's a knowledgeable team player for colleagues like Robyn Murphy, and a "miracle worker" for students like Rodney Mobley, who describe his classroom as a vibrant, engaging space unlike any other.

Knowledgeable Team Player: In a landscape where collaboration fuels student success, Dr. Tolliver shines as a radiant force. 

Robyn Murphy, literacy consultant and seasoned teammate, aptly captures his essence: “Dr. Tolliver is a knowledgeable and professional team member. He clearly knows his content and willingly collaborates with others for the betterment of students.”

Robyn Murphy, Literacy Consultant, worked on teams with Dr. Tolliver

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More than a Teacher, a Miracle Worker: Dr. Tolliver transcends the role of teacher, becoming a champion for student growth. He crafts a dynamic classroom, resembling familiar spaces like cafes, where real-life connections spark curiosity and understanding. He's the teacher who ignites imaginations, the alchemist who transmutes rote memorization into meaningful exploration, and the guide who leaves you wanting more. His passion and dedication ignite a love for learning, earning him the moniker "miracle worker" from grateful students like Rodney Mobley. 

"I was honored to have a great Biology teacher, Dr. Armando Tolliver. This guy is definitely a miracle worker. He sets the tone and pace of the class through his homelike classroom design with a student café and his unique interior. Not one teacher I have ever had or observed has ever done that! No other teacher, you know, will decorate their entire class just to set up a setting and tone for us students to be able to learn in a setting that resembles everyday learning environments where people engage (e.g. restaurants, coffee shops, the park, etc.), none of them. 

Walking into his class, you immediately notice that the vibe is definitely different from the rest of the school along with the lessons. His comparisons to real-life factors that affect us students make it so much easier to understand and comprehend. We are not being lectured to, instead we are having a conversation. This opens up the floor for students who do not normally participate. 

I highly recommend any underclassman who wants to take his class to definitely take part in the journey that no other teacher will ever offer! Big thanks to my former SGA Advisor for broadening my imagination and mindset to levels unimagined. Thank you Dr. Tolliver."

-Rodney Mobley, 2015 Graduate from Paul Robeson High School for Human Services, student of Dr. Tolliver at School District of Philadelphia

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Beyond Lectures, Building Leaders

Dr. Tolliver fosters student growth through unique methods: LaTrina Stewart highlights his ability to empower students as leaders, while Dr. Marie Scearce praises his structured yet inclusive approach that caters to all learning levels.

A Dynamic Spark: Dr. Tolliver isn't just an educator, he's a whirlwind of innovation, nurturing all students while empowering them to soar. He's the mentor who builds bridges, the event planner who sparks school spirit, and the leader who leaves a legacy of ignited potential.

LaTrina Stewart, Dr. Tolliver's former administrator,  highlights "Dr. Tolliver is a dynamic, innovative science teacher who focuses on meeting the needs of students at all levels. In addition to teaching, Dr. Tolliver mentors students and is an excellent student event planner. He empowers students to emerge as leaders of their peer group and develops their leadership abilities. I highly recommend Dr. Tolliver."

-LaTrina Stewart, Assistant Principal at School District of Philadelphia, managed Dr. Tolliver at School District of Philadelphia

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The Charismatic Architect of Learning: Dr. Tolliver's classroom is a symphony of structure and engagement, where every student finds their melody. He's a teacher who not only guides, but inspires, a mentor who extends his hand, and a colleague who leaves a lasting mark of growth.

Dr. Marie Scearce, a colleague, echoes this sentiment, describing his charisma and structured approach that cater to diverse needs. Dr. Scearce writes, "Dr. Tolliver is an exceptional educator. He was an extremely charismatic teacher and his students were very loyal. His classroom was very structured and still provided opportunities for students at all levels of achievement to participate, learn and thrive. As a new science teacher in his building, he made himself available to help me as I got to know the students and the administration. I wish that we had the opportunity to continue to work together. I learned a great deal from him."

-Dr. Marie Scearce, former teacher at School District of Philadelphia, worked directly with Dr. Tolliver at School District of Philadelphia

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A Passionate Advocate, a Dedicated Leader

Dr. Tolliver's commitment extends beyond the classroom: Barbara Cannuli speaks to his tireless efforts organizing events and promoting student success, while Deborah Folk emphasizes his dedication to making a positive change in every student's life.

A Passionate Champion for Student Success: Dr. Tolliver's dedication goes beyond the classroom. He's the organizer who builds bridges, the fundraiser who fuels dreams, and the champion who tirelessly advocates for every student's success. He's the teacher whose passion inspires, whose commitment motivates, and whose impact echoes long after the final bell.

Barbara Cannuli, a fellow educator, testifies to Dr. Tolliver's unwavering dedication to student success. She writes, "Dr. Tolliver is a passionate educator who is highly committed to his students. Dr. Tolliver is extremely generous with his time and has organized numerous fundraisers and activities in order to promote student success and school pride. It was a privilege working with Dr. Tolliver at Martin Luther King High School. I am certain that his passion for education and student success will follow him for a long time in his teaching career."

-Barbara Cannuli, M.Ed, World Language Teacher at School District of Philadelphia, worked with Dr. Tolliver at School District of Philadelphia

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An Epitome of "A-1" Education: Dr. Tolliver isn't just an educator, he's an artist, crafting change in the lives of his students. He's the seeker of solutions, the builder of positive environments, and the challenger who pushes students to be their best. He's the epitome of excellence, a role model for colleagues, and a testament to the transformative power of education.

Deborah Folk, a conflict resolution specialist, hails Dr. Tolliver as the "epitome of an A-1 educator." She writes, "Dr. Armando R. Tolliver is a highly intelligent/positive individual that I have had the pleasure of working with. He has displayed time and time again true dedication to all students that he has taught. Dr. Tolliver is always looking for ways to make a change in the lives of all of his students. Dr. Tolliver is the epitome of an" A-1" educator!"

-Deborah Folk, Conflict Resolution Specialist at School District of Philadelphia, worked directly with Dr. Tolliver at School District of Philadelphia

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A Rising Star, Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Dr. Tolliver's exceptional leadership qualities are recognized by prominent figures: Richard Gordon IV, a distinguished principal himself, praises Dr. Tolliver's meteoric rise and his ability to create positive learning environments. Michele Dawson further underscores his visionary approach, problem-solving skills, and unwavering commitment to student success.

A Meteoric Rise, a Lasting Legacy: Dr. Tolliver's journey is a testament to dedication. From rising star to impactful leader, he's built a legacy of student-centered learning, positive environments, and unwavering commitment. He's the collaborator who shares knowledge, the visionary who inspires, and the leader who leaves a trail of empowered students and inspired colleagues.

Richard Gordon, a renowned principal and assistant superintendent, paints a vivid picture of Dr. Tolliver's leadership prowess. "Dr. Armãndo Tolliver is a very talented, committed, and dedicated educator/school leader with the School District of Philadelphia. Dr. Tolliver is an outstanding educator, whose excellence was further evidenced not only when he was awarded his Ph.D. in May 2013 in Education Leadership, but also in his meteoric rise as a school leader. Dr. Tolliver has always had a wonderful rapport with his students and his nurturing approach makes great connections with students. Dr. Tolliver ensures any school with which he is associated are positive learning environments with high expectations as he challenges students to be their absolute best, academically and personally, everyday. Dr. Tolliver facilitates cross-curricular collaborations with which he models for his colleagues and peers as part of his own continued professional development. Dr. Tolliver's intelligence, knowledge of the work, integrity, and work ethic will continue to have an impact on any organizations he aspires to lead."

-Richard Gordon IV, Assistant Superintendent at School District of Philadelphia, Former 3x National Principal of the Year, Former Pennsylvania State Principal of the Year, Former National Distinguished Principal, managed Dr. Tolliver at School District of Philadelphia

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A Multifaceted Mastermind: Dr. Tolliver isn't just one thing, he's a symphony of skills. He's the teacher who masters differentiation, the mentor who builds partnerships, and the leader who tackles challenges with determination. He's the visionary who sees solutions, the team player who lifts others, and the educator whose dedication ignites hope and fuels dreams.

Michele Dawson-Wilson, Dr. Tolliver's former administrator, provides a comprehensive overview of his multifaceted contributions. "It was clearly evident from day one that Dr. Tolliver was eager to fully commit himself to creating an environment conducive to advance student learning and providing an instructional program that is truly student-centered.  His synergetic ability to multitask several initiatives at one time is simply awesome!  He has served in several capacities in various levels due to his administrative internship that allowed him to build community partnerships for the school and promote a positive school culture last year.

In my position, as the Assistant Principal, I had the opportunity to observe Dr. Tolliver.  In the classroom, it is clear that he has a passion for teaching and a commitment to the students in his charge.  He demonstrates through his lesson planning a strong command of sound pedagogical practices and procedures.  Dr. Tolliver reaches out to his parents by developing strong partnerships that promote open lines of communication as well as an effective system of providing documentation for students who are in need of targeted interventions that enhance comprehension and independence.

In a previous year, Dr. Tolliver’s continued growth as an educator was demonstrated daily through his commitment to the Promise Academy Way.  As a colleague, he works well with fellow colleagues by participating in instructional dialogues that are centered on student mastery and ways to incorporate instructional strategies.  As a teacher, he has mastered an effective strategic plan to support and differentiate instruction in multiple classrooms.  He is truly a team player and was an asset to my former school.  As an Administrative Intern, Dr. Tolliver supported our teachers by providing a clear vision and mission that supported the school's initiatives and validated the Promise Academy mandates.

Again, I believe Dr. Tolliver would be a wonderful addition to any organization simply because of his willingness to perfect his craft, his flexibility to face educational challenges with a determination to overcome obstacles and his strong commitment to give every child the hope that learning is truly the passport to achieving dreams.  He is a true visionary that has the uncanny ability to see a problem from all angles.  He works to not only see the problem but he can develop initiatives to solve issues with the strong ability to follow through."

-Michele Dawson-Wilson, Administrator at School District of Philadelphia, managed Dr. Tolliver at School District of Philadelphia

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Dr. Tolliver does not see schools, he sees lighthouses of possibility, illuminating the path for generations to come.