A Letter to my T.A.
October 18, 2012
Dear (T.A. to be),
Thank you so much for accepting the role of my teacher associate for PS1. I am very eager and excited to join your grade six classroom. It will be my goal over the next five weeks to contribute in every way possible in order to further the learning of the students and myself. The following letter is a little how I got into teaching, why I desire to become a teacher, as well as some background information on myself.
I was born in Ajax, Ontario and moved west in 1995 when my father was transferred here for work. I was very fortunate to do all my schooling in my hometown of Okotoks, Alberta. I attended Percy Pegler Elementary, Okotoks Junior High, and Foothills Composite High school; graduating in 2007. I just recently completed my Bachelor of Arts in History at the University of Lethbridge. This is my sixth year in sunny L.A. and it has become my second home.
Growing up I was always known as an athlete. I played several sports including basketball, baseball, and even roller hockey. Other interests include playing video games, fantasy football and watching playoff sports on T.V. One of my best qualities is my sense of humour, and I have always been amused by the fact that I never played ice hockey. I count myself as one of the few young boys growing up in Canada who never learned how to skate.
At six years old I met my first love in the form of a large, round, orange ball. Sports occupied most of my time from junior high until I graduated high school and I played basketball for the better part of twelve years; captaining many of the different teams I played on including my Senior High team in grade twelve. After high school my basketball life came to a crossroads. I had lost my love for playing the game; however, my passion for coaching had never burned brighter.
I began coaching elementary school children when I was in the eighth grade as a way of giving back to the game I love. When I moved to Lethbridge to attend the University I stumbled upon a position coaching boys’ basketball at R.I. Baker. These last four years have been the best of my coaching life and I will always be grateful to the school for giving me my first coaching job.
Initially I wanted to become a teacher so I could coach basketball. I often joke that I was born five thousand miles to far north for coaching basketball to be a career. As I have matured the last few years I realized the reason I want to become a teacher is because I want to serve as a role model for young students.
I believe one of my biggest strengths as a teacher are my ability and willingness to connect with each student because I genuinely care and respect who they are as an individual. I believe that no two children are the same. Each student possesses’ their own unique skill set that contributes to the team as a whole. I have never coached a player or taught a student who did not have something to offer.
Things I hope to learn about, practice and refine for my teaching are planning, organization and professionalism. When I say planning and organization I mean ‘efficient’ planning and organization. I understand planning and organization are essential to the profession but would like to observe and learn how a full time teacher, such as yourself, allows for some type of a “life” outside the classroom. Professionalism is something that I hope to discuss with you when we get moments to breathe throughout the day.
Thank you so much again for the opportunity you have provided me with in studying and practicing under your watchful eye. I cannot wait to get started and look forward to expanding my knowledge of education through you and your students.
Sincerely,
Kyle Cantelon
Dear (T.A. to be),
Thank you so much for accepting the role of my teacher associate for PS1. I am very eager and excited to join your grade six classroom. It will be my goal over the next five weeks to contribute in every way possible in order to further the learning of the students and myself. The following letter is a little how I got into teaching, why I desire to become a teacher, as well as some background information on myself.
I was born in Ajax, Ontario and moved west in 1995 when my father was transferred here for work. I was very fortunate to do all my schooling in my hometown of Okotoks, Alberta. I attended Percy Pegler Elementary, Okotoks Junior High, and Foothills Composite High school; graduating in 2007. I just recently completed my Bachelor of Arts in History at the University of Lethbridge. This is my sixth year in sunny L.A. and it has become my second home.
Growing up I was always known as an athlete. I played several sports including basketball, baseball, and even roller hockey. Other interests include playing video games, fantasy football and watching playoff sports on T.V. One of my best qualities is my sense of humour, and I have always been amused by the fact that I never played ice hockey. I count myself as one of the few young boys growing up in Canada who never learned how to skate.
At six years old I met my first love in the form of a large, round, orange ball. Sports occupied most of my time from junior high until I graduated high school and I played basketball for the better part of twelve years; captaining many of the different teams I played on including my Senior High team in grade twelve. After high school my basketball life came to a crossroads. I had lost my love for playing the game; however, my passion for coaching had never burned brighter.
I began coaching elementary school children when I was in the eighth grade as a way of giving back to the game I love. When I moved to Lethbridge to attend the University I stumbled upon a position coaching boys’ basketball at R.I. Baker. These last four years have been the best of my coaching life and I will always be grateful to the school for giving me my first coaching job.
Initially I wanted to become a teacher so I could coach basketball. I often joke that I was born five thousand miles to far north for coaching basketball to be a career. As I have matured the last few years I realized the reason I want to become a teacher is because I want to serve as a role model for young students.
I believe one of my biggest strengths as a teacher are my ability and willingness to connect with each student because I genuinely care and respect who they are as an individual. I believe that no two children are the same. Each student possesses’ their own unique skill set that contributes to the team as a whole. I have never coached a player or taught a student who did not have something to offer.
Things I hope to learn about, practice and refine for my teaching are planning, organization and professionalism. When I say planning and organization I mean ‘efficient’ planning and organization. I understand planning and organization are essential to the profession but would like to observe and learn how a full time teacher, such as yourself, allows for some type of a “life” outside the classroom. Professionalism is something that I hope to discuss with you when we get moments to breathe throughout the day.
Thank you so much again for the opportunity you have provided me with in studying and practicing under your watchful eye. I cannot wait to get started and look forward to expanding my knowledge of education through you and your students.
Sincerely,
Kyle Cantelon