1. To whom it may concern,
I am a lifelong learner who enjoys sharing my knowledge and empowering others, with
comprehension of knowledge and skills. I understand that my role as a teacher is to enable
learning and guide students with scaffolding. Motivation is a huge factor with adolescents. I
believe that math and science should have an inquiry approach, which helps motivate students to
want to learn and allows students to learn in a meaningful way. As a teacher, I believe that it is
my duty to help students discover their strengths. I achieve this by giving students various
informal and formal assessments that include projects, papers, oral presentations, essays,
journals, and other various forms of assessment. Learning should be informally checked daily
with mechanisms such as exit slips, teacher questioning, walk around, and warm-ups. Students’
progress is evaluated with each lesson. Each unit has culminating activities to ensure they grasp
the overarching theme of the unit. After my experience in the classroom, I know that each
student is an individual who has his/her own learning style.
I also understand that before any learning can take place in the classroom the students
need to feel that my room is a safe learning environment. I make sure my classroom is organized
for myself and for students so they can easily find the necessary tools they need. In addition, all
school safety rules, including anti-bullying policies are followed. At the beginning of the school
year, I will set the tone and enlighten my students how they need to be an active and productive
member inside and outside of my classroom. This coincides with my classroom management
style. I personally am a laidback person, but I adjust to the needs of my students. This allows my
students to be successful because I can be stringent or relaxed depending on what kind of
classroom environment will best foster learning inside the classroom. Classroom rules will be
developed at the beginning of the year. I affirm that consequences should be administered to all
students, not just a select few. I also believe that every student has bad days and sometimes it is
best to ignore the small things in order to maintain learning in the classroom.
My approach to teaching follows the humanist approach, which means I am a facilitator
of learning and adapt to my students wants, desires, and needs. My lesson plans should be
outlined, but flexible, fluid, and adjustable, so when students do not comprehend the content,
alterations can be made. Although the state sets minimum standards, which will be followed, the
fascination of the students with different topics inspires the direction of the class to ensure
students are engaged. I understand that many students need modifications and adaptions from the
original lesson and I will do my best to accommodate the needs of all learners. I believe that as
you set high expectations for your students, they will rise to that level. I know I can enrich my
students’ lives by giving them the tools they need to be successful in life by learning the
importance of being intrinsically motivated and wanting to learn on their own.
I am passionate about teaching. My students become part of my extended family and I
work hard to help them accomplish their goals and soar to great heights. If my philosophy
towards education is what you are looking for at your school, please consider me to become part
of your faculty.
Sincerely,
Erin Tolman