Aisling

Kennedy
234 Valentine Lane
Yonkers, NY 10705
(914) 629 5169
amk19.ak@gmail.com

To whom it may concern,

I want to express my interest in applying for the head teacher for the 2014-
2015 academic year. As a February 2014 candidate for a Master of Science in
Education and a devoted veteran Assistant Teacher for the last four years, I am
committed to and enthusiastic about taking the next step in my career. Through my
years at my current institution as well as my varied and extensive experiences with
children outside of the classroom, I believe I have attained the skills and attributes
necessary to excel as a head teacher and to lead my own classroom.

This year has been pivotal, as it has enabled me to take on many of the
responsibilities and duties of a head teacher. I have taken tremendous value in the
mentorship of fellow coworkers and esteemed leaders. I have worked with
curriculum maps for several grade levels and have confidently dove into all aspects
of elementary school life. I have taken on many projects and initiatives to try to
support each learner in my classroom. For example, at team meetings, I have shared
resources and ideas I have garnered through my Masters program to help
differentiate instruction and promote student growth. Recently, I shared popcorn
math activities involving estimation and counting which accentuated our letter
study activities during letter P week and addressed mathematical skills at the
Kindergarten level. Similarly, when talking to my colleagues across the varying
grade levels, I have shared tools that would be advantageous to their classroom
teachings such as differentiated graphic organizers that can be geared towards the
skill set of the student. I believe in the value of collaboration and working together
as a grade level team to continually re-examine and improve the curriculum.

I pride myself on my extensive technological savvy and ability to learn and
adapt to new programs and software. As technology is continually being integrated
into the classroom, I believe my strength and background in technology will be an
asset to the team. Two years ago, after developing structured stories with second
graders, which emphasized the importance of beginning, middle and end, the
students, transformed their stories into comics using their own words and
illustrations. Currently, I utilized iPads to help develop and strengthen Pre-
Kindergarten handwriting using directed applications and stylus pens to promote
proper pencil grip. Since our students are growing up in a technological world, I
recognize the importance of using these tools and assets to further their educational
advancement.

One of the most important responsibilities of an educator is to instill
important values and build character in your students through day-to-day lessons

and through example. During my time at Riverdale, I have come to support and
appreciate the values of the Riverdale community - Mind, Character, Commitment,
and Community. I have invested time and energy into supporting the Riverdale
community through my involvement in school-hosted events, such as Homecoming
and Community Action Day, and after-school Riverclub activities. I have had the
opportunity to invent curriculum and implement programs for students from Pre-
Kindergarten to 5th Grade involving cooking, arts, dance, chess and swimming. In
doing so, I have had the chance to share my own diverse interests and passions with
the students at Riverdale. Investment in the childrens growth and success - both in
and out of the classroom is essential to promote their future progress.

Riverdale Country School creates an atmosphere amongst teachers, students
and staff that promotes positive growth and learning. My last four years as an
assistant teacher in Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd grade have
been indispensable and instrumental to my continued development as an educator.
My graduate school studies have prepared me to transition from assistant to head
teacher and taught me how to examine the whole child, create a warm and
supportive classroom environment in which I can lead, inform, and challenge my
students. I want to build a career at this school and continue my dedication and
commitment as a qualified and passionate member of the faculty. Thank you for
taking the time to consider my application. I am eager to speak with you more about
my qualifications and interest in this position.

Thanks,
Aisling Kennedy