Dear TA, and Students,

I have the pleasure of being placed in your classroom for my teaching practicum. I am in my fourth year
of university. Throughout my earlier school years, I was taught in smaller, public schools with the same
group of kids up to when I graduated in 2020. Currently, I am completing a Bachelor of Science and
Education, with a major in the general sciences. My focus is in biology, geography, and psychology.

I realized I wanted to teach after having amazing teachers throughout elementary, middle, and high
school. Having those relationships not only made school more enjoyable, but they also drove me to do my
best and work hard. One teacher in particular really made an impact on my decision in becoming a
teacher as we formed a tight relationship. She was also the one who suggested I look at the University of
Lethbridge. Another factor that contributed to my decision in pursuit of teaching as a career was
volunteering at soccer camps and Awana in my hometown. Working with kids never felt like a job and
was always very rewarding when I would see them come up with the most bizarre ideas and solutions that
an adult would never think of.

I grew up in the small town of Edson, Alberta, with two siblings, a younger brother, and an older sister.
Most of my time after school and on the weekend was filled with hockey and soccer. Now I mainly focus
on school and once a week I go to a young adult’s group at my church. I also recently started volunteering
at the Chinook Regional hospital with my dog, he is a rescue named Jasper. We visit once a week with
patients and staff to brighten their day.

I was not able to experience the practicum portion for Ed 2500 due to the strike at the university.
Therefore, during this practicum I am hoping to learn teaching techniques and how to build solid
relationships with students. I also want to gain a better understanding of what is required of a teacher in
day-to-day activities and better understand the complexities that come with teaching.

Throughout this semester of practicum, my goal is to see if teaching is what I want to pursue and to begin
to understand the structure of a classroom. I am really excited to start this new chapter in my life and am
looking forward to meeting you and your students!

Sincerely,

Gillian Blade (She/Her)