Michelle Baldwin

*** ********** **.

Walla Walla, WA 99362

509-***-****

** **** ****

To: Waitsburg Public School

Re: Paraeducator position.

I am excited to apply for the part time special education paraeducator Although my Washington State teacher’s license lapped in July of 2019, I have earned 25 clock hours after returning to Walla Walla last August. Although many of the children I have taught over the last 33 years were on the spectrum, had reading challenges, behavioral problems, or just needed more individual guidance, I have never worked as a certified special education teacher. Nor have I ever been a parapro, but I assure you that my experience – both personal and professional – make me desirable for this responsibility. Over the last twenty-four years, I have raised three beautiful children, all of whom have overcome much uncertainty with new-found empathy and grace. The powers that be gave me the love and grit to raise such amazing children; from whom else would I learn patience, appreciation, and dedication? This understanding, along with my belief that you won’t regret hiring me for this part time position. With the understanding that I have MUCH to learn, I am a very teachable teacher who tries her best to leave my ego outside the classroom door and open myself up to all the lessons these children have to teach me. Having my M.A., I am quite receptive to trying something different whereas someone who thought he or she was a better teacher, just because of the diploma, may condescendingly think they excel because of what hangs on the wall .

Please read the following that I put on all cover letters with regards to teaching: Throughout my career, I have adhered to six principles that have continued to work well for my students and me: 1. All students need to feel important; 2. All students want to succeed, even if they act as if they could care less; 3. If I am not passionate about what I teach, I cannot expect my students to enjoy the subject matter; 4. The clearer I make my expectations, the more likely I am to get what I want from my students; 5. Sometimes it is o.k. to deviate from a lesson plan, especially if it is not working or a teachable moment arises; and 6. I must have control of my classroom in order for learning to occur. If one were to ask my students about me, they would most likely respond, “She is hard, but she is fair and kind.” So, how does that translate to this position? Each of the following coincides with the numbers above. This is a mere attempt to apply them to this job’s requirements: 1)I will check in frequently with students, and I hope that I will get to meet the child’s parents so that THEY can feel important. I cared enough to call. 2)Although this position is quite different from my others, I’m sure days exist where these children want so much to please another. I have a very good way of communicating with people who can’t communicate their feelings well. 3)I’m a passionate person! I get excited to learn new things, try new things, adjust new things, and celebrate the new successful things! Certainly not all days are wonderful. But hopefully we get through them and help others along, no matter their color, creed, religion, nationality, and so on. 4)I like to show my students what I mean rather than just tell them. Both are necessary, but many teachers fail to model the behavior or the concept or the plan, and visual learners are left behind. So I’m always coming up with ways that will appeal to both oral and visual. I would relish the opportunity to interview for this position. I have a copy of my transcripts, my current teacher’s certificate, and plenty of recommendation letters along with names and phone numbers. Thank you for your consideration,

Michelle Baldwin