Many questions come to the mind of a first year teacher when trying to compose a letter to students and parents. Sometimes the fear of acceptance comes into play, as well as a host of other apprehensions about entering the profession with very little experience.
Everyone has to start somewhere, so the best way to begin composing your introduction letter is to make note of your attributes as a person, your education and achievements, your mission as a teacher, and your classroom goals and expectations.
Keep in mind that parents like to know that their child is entering a structured setting in the classroom with a person who is competent in their field of expertise and capable of nurturing their child’s success.
Set a Friendly Tone to Your Letter
A person’s perception of another can easily be detected through words. Begin your introduction in a friendly tone that makes the parent and student feel welcome and reflects their well being as your first priority. Refrain from talking about yourself until after you have communicated your concerns for the parent and student. This will convey the message that their well being comes before you.
Convey Your Achievements with Confidence
As a first year teacher, you may think that your resume seems like an empty page that needs to be filled. Perhaps you will feel that your achievements are minute when compared to other teachers.
If you really take a look at your achievements up until the point of your first teaching position, you will be surprised to find a number that will add credibility to your introduction letter. These could be achievements like awards you have received, previous community involvements, academic recognitions, and special achievements during your student teaching experience.
Convey your educational background and achievements with confidence without exemplifying arrogance. This will send a message that although this is your first teaching position, you are confident with who you are, your abilities, and what you have achieved. Additionally, it will help to relieve any doubts or fears in the minds of the students and parents that they are about to face instability in the classroom due to your lack of experience.
Add a personal touch to your achievements by mentioning some of your hobbies and interests. This will also break the ice when you meet your students and their parents for the first time.
Discuss Your Classroom Goals and Mission
Briefly discuss what you plan to achieve in the classroom during the coming year and the learning environment you plan to provide in your classroom. This also tells students and parents what to expect and helps to relieve any apprehension associated with the first week of school. Your students will also feel as though they already know something about you when they enter your room and will feel more comfortable about their first day of school.
Also include a list of items your students will need to have in hand when they arrive in your classroom. This will also convey the message that you have a goal and a purpose in mind when it comes to learning.
Close the letter with a statement of your mission as a teacher and what you plan to offer the students and community during your first year of teaching.
By: J.C. Sprenger
Posts Tagged ‘Educational Background’
How to Compose a Welcome Letter to Prospective Students & Parents
January 30th, 2010New Teacher Tips – How to Set Up a Special Education Classroom
October 22nd, 2009
If your child is in a special education class, it is imperative that several things should be in order in order to maximize the learning conditions and subsequently their achievement.
In order to facilitate the learning, the classroom should have a special desk arrangement. Desks should be arranged in rows in order to minimize the amount of distractions caused by group and paired learning.
Another way to cater to the various levels is to set up a learning center around various stations that allow for hands-on fun or educational experiences depending on the educational background of the student. Learning centers should also provide a variety of activities and themes which ultimately makes the learning purposeful.
An additional set-up arrangement is to put the teacher’s desk in front of the class which allows for individual eye contact and body language.
In some special education classrooms, restroom facilities are located within the classroom. However, not all special education are set up in this way. However it can be a consideration should other arrangements be unsatisfactory.
As a new special education teacher, you’ll want a classroom setup that encourages an effective engagement with minimal distractions. With children who need to deal with special learning adjustments, try for a new setup that is not too overwhelming for him/her to function. You’ll want to also maintain control with the rest of the class as well.
Consider the kinds of activities that are systematic enough to help these kids thrive under a minimal number of classroom arrangement. Kids do not thrive well under too many unanticipated situations.
So what are you waiting for? Try it!
By: Dorit Sasson
