Cover letter

While working as a paraprofessional in the Behavior Support Classroom from 2006 to 2008 for Plano ISD, I fell in love with the structure of the environment as well as the teaching aspect. I quickly learned how to recognize children’s strengths and weaknesses as well as the skills to implement the tools needed to help those children become successful in school, both behaviorally and scholarly. I spent much of my time working inclusion with my students where I was exposed to the general education classroom. 

As I moved into Special education I have had many opportunities to work with, not only students with special needs, but students of all abilities. I have been exposed to many situations in the classroom and do not hesitate to continue a lesson if a teacher is called out of the room. I not only help students I am monitoring, but willing step in to help any student in need. There have been times when I have had opportunities to teach the class for a short time because a substitute did not show up. I have used formal and informal assessments to monitor students’ growth and modified curriculum when needed. I have worked inclusion in all elementary grade levels.

I was in the Aid Exemption Program through Texas A&M University-Commerce. As I was preparing to enter my last semester before graduation, I was informed that Plano ISD did not accept the program. The school district’s policy stated that one could not student teach while employed with the district. TAMUC allowed me to substitute student teaching with two additional educational classes so that I could graduate on time. Although I missed out on the benefits of student teaching, I believe my seven years of experience as an educational aid has more than prepared me for the classroom.

I have always been a team player and am willing to jump in and help when needed. I am flexible and confident in my abilities. I am not afraid to ask questions and love to brain storm with teammates. I am a hard worker and dedicated to my students. I believe every student can be successful and am willing to do what it takes to help them believe and achieve that success. I am CPI trained and have spent most of my time as a teaching assistant working with students who are behaviorally challenged.

My love and passion for teaching goes beyond the special education classroom. I have a firm belief that I have the ability to run a classroom and teach students to be successful. My special education experiences, as well as my behavior modification experiences, have only strengthened my abilities to be a strong teacher. It is my goal to combine my range of experience with my ability to be a compassionate, enthusiastic, intelligent teacher who will make a positive contribution to your school district.