September 28, 2019

Dear School Administrator,

I would like to start by thanking you for taking the time to consider me as a student teacher at
your school. My name is Shanaya Lunday, but others call me Shay. I grew up in Flandreau, South Dakota
where I graduated from Flandreau Public High School in May of 2015. Currently, I am a senior at South
Dakota State University and Dakota State University. I will graduate in May of 2020 with a degree in
Early Childhood Education, along with a certification in Elementary Education.
As a teacher, I believe that student engagement is key when reassuring that all students
are retaining all the main learning goals. My goal is to be engaged with my students by showing how
important each of them is to me and how much I care about their learning experience. I will create a
classroom with a positive atmosphere which makes students feel safe and
comfortable. Being a teacher, it is important to me to make sure all my students are mastering their skills.
I am determined to make certain that my students are prepared for their next year, by implementing
differentiation. Involving the differentiation strategy in the classroom will allow me to assist each
individual’s needs to guarantee their success. It is important to me that my students are progressing in
their learning and making the right connections which will require me to think creatively and implement
fun and engaging ways to learn. I want to create a learning environment where students are motivated and
confident in my efforts to help them learn.
I am anxious to become part of the teaching work. I am determined to bring my positive attitude
and creative ideas to the classroom I am placed in. Student teaching is an amazing opportunity that will
help benefit me to be a successful teacher. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by
phone (605-633-0183) or email (​shanaya.lunday@jacks.sdstate.edu​). If you have the time, I have an
outline portfolio (shanayalunday.weebly.com) that includes more information about me and my
experience during my journey of becoming a teacher. Thank you for your consideration.

In education,

Shanaya Lunday