‭To whom it may concern,‬

‭My name is Lexi Ellingson. I am writing to be considered as an elementary teacher in‬

‭your district. I am a senior studying Early Childhood Education at South Dakota State University‬

‭in cooperation with Dakota State University. I will be qualified to teach early childhood to eighth‬

‭grade.‬

‭I grew up in Brandon, South Dakota. I was involved in extracurriculars such as‬

‭basketball, volleyball, and a volunteer church group. I decided to follow the footsteps of many‬

‭family members and attend South Dakota State University. First a Psychology major in hopes of‬

‭becoming a School Psychologist, I changed my major to Early Childhood Education in the‬

‭middle of my sophomore year. During winter break, I substitute taught in the Brandon School‬

‭District and absolutely fell in love with the classroom setting. Additionally, I have two wonderful‬

‭kindergarten teacher role models in my family. I have learned so much from watching them‬

‭interact with their children, nieces, and nephews as well as talking about their experiences in the‬

‭classroom. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn from these two wonderful women.‬

‭I am currently student teaching in a third grade classroom at Brandon Elementary. I have‬

‭thoroughly enjoyed my student teaching experience. My cooperating teacher has been a great‬

‭resource. She helped me find my teaching style and how to adapt lessons to better suit my‬

‭students. My favorite part of student teaching has been getting to know the students and‬

‭watching them grow. I have made great relationships with my students by letting them get to‬

‭know me as I got to know them.‬

‭Throughout my experience, I have learned how a team of teachers work together, which‬

‭classroom management styles I prefer, how to talk with parents, how to effectively plan a unit,‬

‭and tips/tricks to setting up my future classroom.‬

 ‭I have also had many field experiences throughout the Brookings School District. I have‬

‭been in a kindergarten, third, and eighth grade classroom. Throughout my experiences, there‬

‭were both challenges and success that taught me patience, time management, and self-discipline.‬

‭I know I have chosen the right career because I thoroughly enjoy working with my‬

‭students. I am excited to see their growth along with my own. I believe learning takes place‬

‭beyond the classroom. I hope to instill this in my future students by giving them a welcoming‬

‭and fun learning environment where they feel comfortable to take risks and grow!‬