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