Amanda Shoults

171 Shawnessy Drive, Calgary AB, T2Y 1C7

September 27th, 2014
Dear Teacher Associate,
There are a few things about me that I would like you to know before I begin
my PS1 practicum in your classroom. I graduated from high school in 2012, and
went straight into post secondary at the University of Lethbridge the following fall. I
am a General Science major, currently enrolled in my first Professional Semester
after getting accepted to the Faculty of Education this fall. I hope to pursue a career
in Elementary education, which is what I have wanted to do since I was very young.
Growing up in a family of teachers definitely helped spark this dream of
mine. Both of my grandparents, my dad, as well as numerous aunts and uncles are
all teachers. I see how much they love their jobs. They get to come home knowing
that they have helped better someones life every single day, which is what I hope to
do as well. In grade 11, I signed up for an environmental studies program where I
was with one teacher for the whole semester in a class of 20 students. This teacher
changed my life in such a positive way. She taught me not only academics, but also
about what kind of person and citizen I want to be. I want to have the same
influence on young people that she had on me, because so much of where I am right
now is because of her. In grade 12, I decided to start volunteering at a daycare with
5 and 6 year olds in order to get more experience with kids. I loved every day of it
even though it was after school on Fridays, and had so much fun.
I love to read and learn new things, and hope to pass that passion on to
others. I find happiness in making others happy, and interacting with people in a
positive way. This involves creating positive relationships, which I think are
extremely important in the classroom. I have found throughout my education that I
have learned the greatest amount from the teachers with whom I have had a strong
relationship with. I look up to these teachers, and hope that I can be as wonderful
as them some day. I had the opportunity to create some of these relationships this
past summer in my Ed 2500 practicum. For the very first time I realized the impact
that I could personally have on my students, which was absolutely amazing. That
experience truly confirmed for me that teaching is what I am meant to be doing.
Thank you so much for inviting me into your classroom to start developing
my skills as a teacher. I look forward to working with you, and learning from your
expertise.
Sincerely,
Amanda Shoults