Developing skills with professional communication is an important aspect of teacher preparation. In fact, effective communication is included as one of the dispositions for teaching effectiveness on the Candidate Disposition Form in the School of Education. It is expected that you demonstrate integrity and diplomacy in communication, and that you apply the rules of APA in your written communication.
You will compose a professional memo to your prospective cooperating teacher as if you are preparing to begin student teaching in one of our credential program pathways. Upon acceptance into a credential program, you will be matched with a prospective cooperating teacher. At that time, you will be asked to reach out to that teacher, via email, to begin to process of getting to know each other in order to secure your placement.
Compose a letter/email that introduces yourself to your future cooperating teacher.
Your letter shouldn’t be too long (< 250 words) and include the following information/content: 1. A professional introduction (e.g., "Dear Prospective Cooperating Teacher") 2. A brief introduction that describes yourself and any interests you have that relate to education. What particular skills and/or knowledge do you possess? What characteristics and dispositions will you bring to the classroom? 3. An indication of your excitement to teach in his/her/their classroom and school. 4. Describe two to three goals and your top priorities for the outcome of your first student teaching placement. For each goal, consider the following questions: What challenges might you face and how can you overcome them? What resources, knowledge, or support from others will you need to be successful in reaching the goal? What skills do you already have that will contribute to your success? How will you know that you have accomplished the goal? 5. Share your thoughts about education - your values and beliefs. What convictions do you hold? What ideas do you already have? 6. Thank your prospective cooperating teacher for welcoming you into the classroom. 7. Sign your letter with a closure and your name (e.g., "Sincerely, Dave" or "Cheers! Tasha") 8. Proofread your professional memo. Make sure there are no typos, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies. "Put your best foot forward!"
