65 Rue Explorer

Dollard-des-Ormeaux, QC Canada H9B 1G9

September 6, 2019

Ms. Bennett
Principal at Explorer Elementary School
65 Rue Explorer
Dollard-des-Ormeaux, QC Canada H9B 1G9

Dear Ms. Bennett:

I, Gayathri Rasiah, am interested in assuming the title of “Head-Teacher” here at Explorer
Elementary School. I am aware that as the Head-Teacher, I will be an educational leader for our
staff and will be responsible for various administerial duties. Working as a teacher at Explorer
Elementary for five consecutive years, I am confident that I possess substantial knowledge of the
school to assume this position.
As Head-Teacher, I would like to establish an inclusive learning environment. The student body
is becoming increasingly diverse. Therefore, it is crucial to teach our students how to coexist
with and acknowledge the differences of their peers. Our school should encourage the discussion
of and incorporate themes of racial, sexual, gender, socio-economic, physical ability, and
religious diversity within its curriculum. There should be more books, films, posters, activities,
clubs, and presentations that exhibit these forms of diversity, available to our students.
Moreover, we should advocate for the inclusion of disabled students to learn alongside
non-disabled students. To facilitate the experience of the coded student and the teacher, we
should provide integration aids for each classroom.
In terms of “what” we teach our students and "how" our students should be taught, we should
adopt a progressive and student-centered approach to learning. Alongside learning academic
subjects such as math, English, history, and science, our students will benefit from an art-based
education as well. By offering our students a strong art, music, and physical education profile to
explore, we cater to the different talents and interests of our student body. Consequently, this
allows each student to engage in creative and hands-on learning; rather than exclusively relying
on lectures. Our main priority should be keeping our students engaged in their learning
experience. Since children are practically raised with technology, why not incorporate it into our
classrooms as well? Technology is a resource that evens the learning field for every student.
Students with learning disabilities, in particular, will benefit from having technological aids.
Furthermore, technology is proven to increase student engagement and achievement, by using
game-like mechanisms such as instant feedback and reward-systems.
Additionally, we should incorporate experiential learning into the curriculum. One way to do this
is by having a mandatory volunteer program. This way, students can learn about the authentic
world through hands-on experience. Moreover, I believe in breaking free from the conventional
classroom model and expanding the teaching/learning space. Instead of restricting the body and
mind of our students’ to the confines of four walls, teachers should have the option of outdoor
classes. This serves as a form of movement-based learning.
Moreover, I would invest in alternative seating and redesigning the traditional classroom layout.
When used appropriately, classrooms benefit from alternative seating. Students that have issues
with sitting in a chair for long periods, have the opportunity to relax in a "calming corner," or do
their work in comfortable seating. Moreover, by redesigning the classroom to resemble the
home, students are given a sense of comfort, rather than be greeted with an undesirable learning
environment. Furthermore, we can create a sense of belonging by increasing parental
involvement within the school. When parents are involved in their children's academic life,
children are more likely to enjoy and be engaged in their academics.
Lastly, a strong school has strong staff! To encourage team building, I would have the staff eat
their lunch together in one common space, on a large table. Moreover, the staff members will be
responsible for cleaning the staff room. Therefore, each member will have the opportunity to
work with each other. Moreover, activities such as mindfulness walks and after-school dinners
will help strengthen the team's bond.
If granted the position of Head-Teacher at Explorer Elementary, I will be excited to work with
you and turn these suggestions into reality! Thank you, Ms. Bennett, for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Gayathri Rasiah

Teacher at Explorer Elementary School