Writer in Phoenix, Arizona

Katherine G. LeFave 15801 S. 48th St. #2025 Phoenix, AZ 85048 Cell: 480-980-... [email protected] To Whom It May Concern: I would like to be considered as a candidate for the position posted. I know that I have the ability to do an outstanding job as a positive, motivational person and I would love to serve your community in this capacity. My qualifications are summarized on my resume; however, I have highlighted some areas below. After graduating from Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, I taught for the Croswell-Lexington Community School District for eight years, two years of which were special education in a cross-categorical classroom setting and six years as a first grade teacher. During this time, I also obtained a Masters Degree in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College, Detroit, MI. I was a leader in this community and I was dedicated to the improvement of student learning, positive teacher performance and high quality assessments. I was a chairperson for our NCA committee for Meyer Elementary School for five years and enjoyed seeing the progress that we made in this area. Language Arts is truly my area of expertise and I know a great deal about Balanced Literacy, MLPP and the 6 1 Writing Traits. I taught special education for two years for the Gaylord Community School District in Gaylord, MI during 2003-200.... This setting was primarily a Categorical Program which consisted of multiple disabilities and various grade levels who were taught in a self-contained classroom. I incorporated visual schedules, social stories and sensory techniques, designed and reinforced positive behavior plans and supports, taught academic, behavioral as well as social skills, in order to provide a high quality education for positive student performance and achievement that lead to academic growth, socialization, independence and success. During this time, I also received extensive training on Autism Spectrum Disorder through Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI. During the school years 2005-200... I taught at McDowell Mountain Elementary School for the FHUSD in Fountain Hills, AZ as a special education reading resource & Autism teacher. I developed positive relationships through encouragement and praise, created and maintained an atmosphere of direction and safety that was engaging for all learners which allowed them to take risks while assessing student's progress, planning and implementing instructional strategies and identifying effective teaching techniques to meet individual needs. In addition, I designed a program that was specifically unique to challenge, motivate and inspire these young minds in order to promote positive self concepts. I maintained a monitoring system of various student disabilities such as SLD, OHI, ASD, MMR, ADHD and communicated this growth through planned IEP's, MET's and conferencing while following all current, district and state wide special education procedures, laws and regulations effectively. One of my strong attributes is working with behavioral disorders and students with special needs. I use the "caring teacher" approach to discipline as Marilyn Goodman describes in The Caring Teacher's Guide To Discipline, which helps children learn self-control, responsibility, and respect. I provide compassion, understanding, structure, consistency and empathy so that my students will learn to become independent, responsible, happy, well-adjusted members of society. I also incorporate the four key principals of love and logic: the enhancement of self-concept, shared control, consequences with empathy and shared thinking, as described by Jim Fay & David Funk in Teaching with Love & Logic. I create a flexible environment favorable to learning and personal growth, to encourage students to take risks, to establish effective rapport with my students; to develop skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to provide a good foundation for my students. I strive each day, to inspire, to motivate, and to enthusiastically give each child the skills they need. I have a great deal to offer an educational community with my wide variety of teaching experiences and commitment to education. I attend many workshops and conferences in my quest to find the "best practices" for teachers. I work cooperatively with all staff members in order to provide a positive learning experience for all children. We have collaborated ideas regarding lesson plans, educational and behavioral needs, modifications and adaptations that are needed, and scheduling issues. I also do my very best to communicate and establish good relationships with parents and to involve them in their child's educational experiences. Parents need to feel welcome in our schools and to take active roles as educational partners with teachers. I am an extremely organized, enthusiastic and creative person. I am a positive communicator and can work well with people individually as well as in large groups. Most importantly, I am a great listener and love to help people. I have a high degree of self-directedness, integrity and motivation. I believe that all people are capable of growth: academically, emotionally, socially, and physically. My job as educator is to find the areas where students need growth and trust to empower them and apply a wide variety of teaching methods to ensure that students experience success. We are challenged by the goal of teaching all children in as many ways as possible so they can become more than good students ... they will become good people. I believe that I can do that with my vision and enthusiasm for learning. I look forward to the possibilities in education and believe that this is an exciting time to be an educator. Thank you so much for considering me as a candidate for working in your community. I am truly devoted and sincerely committed to students and the teaching profession and I feel that you would like the professionalism and high standards for quality that I would bring to the job. I would love to meet with you to discuss my ideas as well as how I can be an asset to your community. Thank you again for your time and consideration. I hope to hear from you soon. ` Sincerely, Katherine G. LeFave