Blog Assignment 6

Valley View - 1st Grade Teacher, Weber School District, Ogden, UT
http://www.teachers-teachers.com/candidates/candidates.cfm?go=jobpostings&action=newpostings&jobload=14DF002360-103401-36546-31148-103401&xPos=1

Forks Elementary School- 2nd Grade Teacher, Quillayute Valley School District, Forks, Wa.
http://www.teachers-teachers.com/candidates/candidates.cfm?go=jobpostings&action=newpostings&jobload=B628382C97-102546-33605-31149-102546&xPos=126

Primary (Kinder or first grade) Teacher, Mabton School District #120, Mabton, Wa.
http://www.teachers-teachers.com/candidates/candidates.cfm?go=jobpostings&action=newpostings&jobload=A2AEF9C14A-100653-36039-31148-100653&xPos=101

Elementary teacher, Martinsville City Public Schools, Martinsville, Va.
http://www.teachers-teachers.com/candidates/candidates.cfm?go=jobpostings&action=newpostings&jobload=8A71DFDEC9-102428-35351-31151-102428&xPos=101

While the qualifications for teaching in any school district can be as diverse as they are similar, most seem to be looking for the following characteristics:
Highly Qualified or ability to obtain HQT status
Teaching license in that state
Maintain classroom organization and discipline
Good interpersonal skills
Ability to work in a collaborative/shared leadership environment
Knowledge of research based instructional strategies
Effective assessment practices
Communicates effectively
Utilize computers and technology effectively

Due to the nature of the program that I am in at USM, I will be Highly Qualified when I graduate. I will have obtained endorsements in English and Social Studies and will have a concentration in Reading. I will have a license in the state of Mississippi, but for out of state applications, I will need to apply for a license in that particular state. I have taken courses in classroom management, as well as having written an extensive classroom management plan. I also have, in writing, policies and procedures for my classroom to aide me with organization and discipline. Throughout my college career, and prior to that, in my professional career, I have been able to develop my interpersonal, communication, and group leadership skills by taking part in numerous group projects. I have also learned, and been able to utilize in a classroom setting, many different assessment techniques and instructional strategies that were research-based. I am computer literate and am able to use technology in the classroom in order to enhance my students’ learning.

The position that I am most interested in is that of 2nd grade teacher in Forks, Washington. I am particularly fond of this position for two main reasons. The first reason being it is a grade that I have always wanted to teach. I did one of my practicums in a second grade classroom and absolutely fell in love with the children. I have many activities that I have created that are research-based and geared specifically for the second grade so I would not be going into the classroom empty-handed. I loved the interaction with the students because most were old enough to read, but still young enough to have the wonder that seems to come so naturally to young learners. My second reason for choosing this position is its location. I have always loved the Pacific Northwest and would not mind relocating to the area.
In order to increase my chances of obtaining the position, I would mention in my cover letter that I am Highly Qualified and I have endorsements in two areas, English and Social Studies, as well as a concentration in Reading. I would also mention that I have taken courses in Classroom Management, Literacy, and Curriculum Methods. These and other classes, along with my experiences obtained while student teaching, have given me the adequate preparations needed to be a successful and positive addition to the school district in which I am applying. I would also mention that I would be coming into the classroom prepared since I have learning activities and assessments in place that are grade appropriate and would only need minor adjustments in order to be usable in my classroom. Another factor that I would mention would be my grade point average while attending USM, as well as my affiliation with Phi Kappa Phi. Of particular importance to the Quillayute Valley School District is the issue of diversity in the classroom. I would mention in my cover letter that the subject of diversity in the classroom was highly stressed in the teaching program at USM and I feel I am fully qualified to meet the challenges that a diverse student population would present.