2.  I am seeking a teaching position as an English/Language Arts Educator within the school district. After serving a total of 9 years of military service with the United States Army and completing my bachelor’s degree in education I am now looking forward to becoming a part of the local community by working with the children and their families. I plan to have a huge positive impact on every child’s life that I come across and it will be a priority of mines to set them on the track of becoming lifelong learners.  I am seeking a teaching position so that I can begin to put my years of school, training and passion to work. Though I will be entering the school district as a first year teacher I am very confident and excited that I will be a contribute to the success of all students that will cross my path.  I would very much appreciate the opportunity to speak to you at your convenience about the 4th and 5th grade English/Language Arts positions that you available. I have listed my contact information below and can be reached at your convenience. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

3.  “True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own.” ― Nikos Kazantzakis  My passion for teaching has been embedded in my heart since my early childhood years. I simply thought if I could teach a child to read or help them learn basic math then I have completed my tasks. My true moment of clarity did not take place until I read the quote above. It suddenly all made sense, my passion for teaching stretches far beyond allowing my students to reap the benefits of only educational domains. I must teach them about life; such as having joy, respect, courage, pride and most importantly using their full potential to accomplish the endeavors that will come their way. After all, educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.  To help students reach their full potential and begin their journey I will start off in the classroom delivering material that is developmentally appropriate for their learning level. Developing and setting this foundation will help to promote my students optimal learning and development, as individuals and as part of a team. Meeting children where they are, encouraging them to accept the challenges they face and work towards achieving their learning goals will be my primary focus.  To also facilitate my students through this journey I understand that each student comes from a different culture background. Being culturally different is what factors and shapes the lives of students at home and in their communities. Understanding this background information will help me to provide experiences for my students that are meaningful, relevant and respectful to their educational and home domain.  Just as adults have an understanding on the basics of life I believe that early childhood learners do as well. People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. Throughout my career of teaching I will dedicate myself to the “know” and “care” of each individual student so that I may have a positive impact on their education inside and outside of the classroom.

4. The Main GoalFor The Students  The goal of a classroom management plan is to set a positive physical and mental learning environment that will allow the teacher and students to stay fully engaged in classroom instruction in a formative manner. I believe that a kindergarten classroom will have the most success if it is first based off of a precise daily routine for the students to follow. The main objective for the reason students attend school is so they can learn information based from the content areas. Instruction time should be the most important aspect of any student’s day, as a teacher my goal will be to keep my students engaged and motivated from the time they enter the class to the time they leave for the afternoon by following the classroom management plan.  Be positive–attitude is a powerful tool  Be productive–use class time effectively, listen, and follow directions  Be polite–raise your hand, refrain from talking at inappropriate times, stay in your seat, etc.  Be prepared–come to class with necessary supplies and completed assignments  Be respectful–always be kind to others

5.  During my educational training and observations I had the opportunities to visit two public schools in the same school district; Olle Middle School and Taylor High School.  From my visits I learned that a teacher’s style of teaching can change according to the students that enter the classroom. One teaching method that works well for a class or a student individually may vary from a different class and another student. Another issue that both teachers are currently facing in ensuring that all students achieve their potential is being able to teach them the material they are suppose to know while sticking to the lesson plans that are given to them.  I am aware that in the state I live in of Texas that all lesson plans are designed from the Texas Knowledge of Essential Skills also referred to as TEKS. As long as I address each required TEKS for the grade and subject that I am teaching I know that I am completing the first step in my job as a teacher. The issue that arises from this is how I incorporate different methods so that I am able to meet the needs of all my learners.

6. It is important to have good learning objectives to keep students informed of what their tasks will be for the day, it contributes to effective classroom management. KEY POINTS: 1. An effective lesson design should be relevant to the learning objective and should allow students to activate prior knowledge for meaningful experiences. 2. Teachers should understand, have knowledge and apply the state standards for the grade and subject in which the teacher is teaching. TEKS http://tea.texas.gov/index2.aspxid=6148. 3. A good lesson plan begins with writing good learning objectives” (Newman, 2013. CH. 9.1, para 3) Students Role: 1. While in the classroom the students are expected to follow the objectives that are given to them by staying motivated, asking questions, participating, working as groups and following classroom expectations

7.  Assessments are a critical factor in the classroom environment and alongside can be considered a difficult aspect of teaching. Assessments both formative and summative should be tailored to specifically fit the purpose of the objectives given the state standards. Neither formative nor summative assessments are more important the other. Formative assessments are able to show if the students are grasping the material being taught to them while the lesson is still going on. Summative assessments are only given after the complete lesson has been taught. Both assessments are an integral part of class instruction, the overall goal is to determine if the educational objectives are being met. As a teacher it is important that I am aware of my state standards for the subject and grade that I am teaching. Both assessments are important and as a teacher I will not be successful if I am not able to distribute and administer these assessments to my students properly.  “There are two major reasons for aligning assessments with learning objectives. First, alignment increases the probability that we will provide students with the opportunities to learn and practice the knowledge and skills that will be required on the various assessments we design. Second, when assessments and objectives are aligned, “good grades” are more likely to translate into good learning.” (Mellon)

8.  When prioritizing the knowledge of teachers versus the knowledge of students I would place the knowledge of teachers as a higher priority. Knowledge must be modeled down starting with the teachers. The state forms the curriculum and it is then passed down to the teachers however if the teachers have no knowledge of the curriculum or professional knowledge and training of the classroom environment then the students will not be as successful.  Professional learning communities (PLCs) are a great way to impose continuous learning amongst teachers. “A professional learning community is a group of educators who collaborate in such processes as collective inquiry and action research in order to achieve better results for students (Dufour, Dufour, Eaker, & Many, 2007). Educators in these communities believe that their continuous learning is the key to improved student learning.” (Newton, 2013. CH. 13.3. Para 2)

9.  Newman, R. (2013). Teaching and learning in the 21st century: Connecting the dots. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.  1.Align Assessments with Objectives. Retrieved from. http://www.cmu.edu/teaching/assessment/howto/basics/objectives.html. Retrieved December 14, 2014  http://tea.texas.gov/index2.aspxid=6148.