During a time I had in Australia, I had the opportunity to nanny three small children in a rural community. During my stay, I was able to build strong connections with each child and witness their emotional and academic development.  it was here that I realised I wanted to become a teacher. The experience was extremely rewarding and something I wanted to continue to be apart of. Later, my career aspirations were reinforced when I volunteered in a grade one classroom in Victoria. Below is my letter of introduction which outlines what I hope to bring to the classroom during my first practicum. I am very enthusiastic to be able to participate in a classroom setting and gain valuable skills to be able to excel in the career.  

The experience I had in Australia inspired me to pursue a career in teaching for many reasons. I was fortunate to gain many values during my stay which directly correlate with some of the  The BC Standards for Teaching. These include care and commitment which encompasses my desire to act in the best interest of the child. I was able to gain this essential quality by building trustworthy relationships with each child. This experience abroad sparked my natural curiousity, and encouraged  me to be challenged therefore, I am dedicated to maintain career-long learning by ensuring that I continue to progress as a person and as an educator.    Last,  I was able to demonstrate the BC Standard of partnerships family and  communities by involving myself with the parents and communities of the schools the children attended. For example, I would often help the kids with their homework and had the responsibility of driving them to / from school, as well as their many extra curricular activities. During this experience, I was able to form trustworthy relationships with the parents as well as the children's educators.  These are all valuable skills that relate to my experience and will be strengths I carried forward into my teaching career.

Below is my letter of introduction which I will provide to my mentor teachers for future practicums. The letters purpose is to introduce myself, explain my experience with teaching/coaching, personal qualities that will assist me in teaching,  influences that have led me to pursue a career in teaching,  as well as what I hope to learn from my practicums.