Letter of Introduction

 

December 14, 2003

 

Dear School Administrator:

I would first like to thank you for considering my request to student teach in your school district.  I graduated from DeSmet High school in 1999, and I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Dakota State University (DSU) in the fall of '03.  My K-8 elementary education degree includes endorsements in Computer Education K-8, Middle School: English/Language Arts, Science, and Social Science 5-8, Middle School Mathematics 5-8, and Coaching: Middle School and High School Volleyball.  I attended DSU for 3½ years transferring in from North Dakota State University (NDSU).  In addition to the Elementary Education major, I obtained minors in Multimedia/Web Design and the Center of Excellence (CEX).  Teaching in a third grade classroom is something I have always wanted to experience and something I hope to accomplish during my student teaching semester.

My philosophy and professional goals go hand-in-hand.  I believe that children need a teacher who will give them space to explore their creativity but set boundaries to ensure they stay on the right track.  Student success will be incorporated by creating a safe, caring, and positive atmosphere, and by working with student’s one on one, in group settings, and by using exciting authentic lessons and activities that will motivate students to become actively involved in the learning process.  It is also my responsibility to be a positive role model by working collaboratively with faculty, administrators, and parents.  While at Dakota State, I learned about Cantor’s discipline plan that focuses on the displays of positive behavior and discourages the negative behaviors.  I have had many opportunities to learn about the profession of teaching through class time, lesson planning, and field experiences, and I have been exposed to many different learning strategies that will help guide me in teaching language arts, science, social studies, and mathematics.  Eventually I hope to have my own classroom where I can implement my own philosophies and goals and the goals of the district.  Outside of the classroom, one of my professional goals includes a constant continuation of my own education.  I feel that I should never stop learning if I expect the same of my students. One day I hope to attain my master’s degree in education, and incorporate my minors by teaching technology-related classes.

I am looking forward to student teaching and I believe I can gain the experience and confidence I need at your school district.  I would like to encourage you to look at my web page to learn more about my educational goals and experiences: http://www.students.dsu.edu/smiths.  Please feel free to contact me to further discuss my qualifications for this opportunity.  My email address is Shannon.Smith@k12.sd.us. Thank you for taking the time to consider me for student teaching in your school district.  

Sincerely yours,

Shannon Smith

Shannon Smith