Welcome back, EduMagicians! In this episode, we dive into creating your "Meet the Teacher Candidate" letter—a crucial introduction to your cooperating teachers and families during your field placements. Shout out to Dr. Amy Orville from SRU, who inspired the content for this episode and post. This professional letter is an essential step toward your goal of becoming a teacher, offering an opportunity to reflect on your unique journey and make a strong first impression.
Purpose of the Letter: A professional way to introduce yourself to your cooperating teacher and the families of your students. It's your first step in presenting yourself as a teacher candidate and setting the tone for your field experience.
Steps to Create Your "Meet the Teacher Candidate" Letter:
1. Choose an Appropriate Theme
Add visually appealing elements that are developmentally appropriate for an elementary school setting. Strike a balance between too much and too little color or graphics—keeping it clean, neat, and professional. Consider using pre-made templates from Teachers Pay Teachers or Canva to simplify the design process.
2. Welcome/Introduction
Write a brief, 2-3 sentence introduction about yourself and why you will be in the classroom. For example, you might say, "Hello, my name is Mr. George Feeny, a field student at Hamilton University. I will be in your classroom as a teacher-candidate field student over the next several weeks."
3. Professional Experience
Share 2-3 sentences about your educational background, including your high school and current college experience. Mention your anticipated graduation date and any relevant work experience, such as being a teacher’s aide or tutor.
4. Why Do I Love Education?
In 3-4 sentences, explain why you are passionate about teaching and how you aspire to make a difference in education. For example, "I am excited to become a teacher because my elementary teachers inspired me to love learning, and I want to continue that passion for future generations."
5. Favorites/Likes
Add 4-5 fun facts about yourself that students would enjoy. This could include your favorite book, food, movie, or hobbies.
6. Proof It!
Read and reread your letter multiple times to ensure it’s free of grammar or spelling mistakes. A professional document should be clean, error-free, and grammatically correct.
Tips for a Professional Letter:
- Include a professional head/shoulder picture—no selfies!
- Ensure the letter is free from grammar mistakes
- Avoid including personal contact information, like email addresses or phone numbers.
Resources for Crafting Your Letter:
Final Thoughts:
This letter is a great first step in establishing your presence in the classroom. It reflects your commitment to becoming a professional educator, so make sure it's polished, fun, and accurate.
Thank you for tuning in, EduMagicians! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share it with your fellow teacher candidates. And always remember—you have the EduMagic within you!
Until next time, EduMagicians! ✨
This podcast is proudly part of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Discover more inspiring podcasts at TeachBetterPodcastNetwork.com.
As a teacher candidate, I will be actively involved in classroom activities under the guidance of [Mentor Teacher's Name]. I am here to assist with daily lessons, support students individually and in groups, and participate in creating a positive learning environment. I’m looking forward to beth's blue coat on yellowstone with each student and helping them grow academically and personally.