Cover Letter for Student Teaching - a blog

March 23, 2015
Dear Principal and Cooperating Teacher,
I am a student in the Masters in Teaching program at the Evergreen State College who is seeking
a placement for student teaching. I chose to pursue a career as a teacher because of the many
rewarding experiences I have had while tutoring and working with disadvantaged youth. Being a tutor
and a mentor has helped me to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of how creating strong
relationships with youth is beneficial in their development. Part of my educational philosophy stems
from a belief that all youth are capable, have strengths, and deserve to be respected as individuals. I
have been able to implement this philosophy while in my practicum placement during my first year of
the Masters in Teaching program and it has proven to be a rewarding experience.
In this new context, I have been able to utilize the skills I have been learning when it comes to
creating positive relationships with youth as a teacher. I believe that this aspect of teaching is so
integral to effective teaching because it serves to invite students into the learning process and keeps me
humble, realizing that teaching is a two way process where I am learning from students as much as they
are learning from me.
From past experiences while working with youth, I bring enthusiasm for learning, a respect for
students, and an appreciation of community. As a student teacher, I will positively influence youth,
encouraging them to grow intellectually while creating a nurturing connection. Building relationships
with students is a key component of creating a learning community. My hope is to assist my mentor
teacher in creating a strong learning community while connecting to students and school staff. It is my
desire to learn from my mentor teacher through assisting in the classroom.
Sincerely,
Sarah Neal, B. A.
Masters in Teaching
The Evergreen State College