To whom it may concern,

My name is Marissa Dahl and I have just graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor Degree
in Early Childhood Education from Roosevelt University. I have a minor in Bilingual Education and
English as a Second Language, as well as an endorsement in special education for early childhood. I have
lived all over the world and I am used to working with a diverse population of students.

I have an extensive background in teaching in low-income, Urban schools with large class sizes
and students who have diverse learning needs. During my student teaching experience at Pickard
Elementary School, I taught in a kindergarten classroom with 32 students. During this time, I was able to
assist my teacher in creating literacy centers so students could work independently, think critically, and
guide their own learning. I developed and designed writing, reading, phonics, and guided reading centers
by creating activities for each center, facilitating rotations, and leading small group instruction. After we
initiated centers, I was able to implement guided reading small groups. I created the groups based on
reading level and then was in charge of rearranging the small groups according to their individual literacy
needs. Thus, resulting in an average increase of 2-3 reading levels for all students and an increase in
DIBELS and ACCESS test scores. I designed and led STE(A)M based units on life cycles and force and
motion. These units were formatively and summatively assessed to guide further data-based instruction. I
created daily and weekly math lesson plans using technology to accommodate students' individual
learning styles by utilizing the ENGAGE NY curriculum. Throughout my student teaching experience, I
was able to get to know my students on a personal level and bring their prior knowledge as well as their
personal, cultural, and community assets into the classroom by making it the basis of my lessons.

During this pandemic, I have been helping my cooperating teacher with remote learning by using
Google Classroom, virtual read alouds, and providing students with feedback on their work using the
SEESAW app and I was able to use the BLOOMS app to communicate daily with the parents. I have also
spent this critical time attending professional development seminars and now have a certification in Social
Emotional Learning (SEL). SEL is a way to implicitly dedicate time throughout the day that is devoted to
socio-emotional development. This is imperative for young learners; students are more likely to make
strategic choices when they have been taught the coping strategies to manage their own thoughts and in
turn make independent decisions. I am devoted to fostering students' physical, mental, and social
well-being, all of which are factors that contribute to academic success. With this certification, I feel that I
can bring this important element into the classroom to create a safe and compassionate environment for
all students.

Given my experience, my devotion, and my passion for teaching, I am certain that I would make
a positive impact as part of your professional teaching team. I would love the opportunity to meet you
with you for an interview. I can be contacted by phone at (630)768-6280 or by email at
Marissa.Dahl@gmail.com​.

Thank you for your time and consideration, I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Marissa Dahl