Box 2003              

                                                                                                                         Saint John’s University

                                                                                                                         Collegeville, MN 56321

                                                                                                                         September 1, 2004 

Sister Ann Marie Biermaier, OSB

Chair, Education Department

College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University

Dear Sister Ann Marie:

I am writing to let you know that I will be applying for acceptance into the Secondary Education Minor during this semester. My major is Social Science, and my career goal is to become a high school history teacher.

I come from a family of educators. Both of my parents are secondary educators, and my older sister is a fourth-grade teacher. It is almost like teaching is our “family business,”  so one might get the idea that I have always wanted to become a teacher. This is not the case, however. In fact, when I entered Saint John’s, my intended major was biology, and I was thinking about eventually going to medical school.  However, during my first semester in college, I found that I was enjoying my history class much more than my biology class. As I thought about this phenomenon, it occurred to me that I had always enjoyed history more than biology. And as I considered who I am and what I want to become, it also occurred to me that I’d probably be much happier in a career related to history than one related to medicine.

The one aspect of medicine that still intrigued me, however, was the opportunity it would provide to help others. Then it came to me: The answer to this dilemma was obvious. I could combine my love of history and my desire to help others by becoming a history teacher! The more I thought about it, the more it made sense, particularly since many of my personal characteristics and strengths are very appropriate for a teaching career. For instance, I have excellent leadership skills. In fact, in high school I was senior class vice president and co-captain of the basketball team. I also participated in debate and have been told that I have excellent communication skills. Additionally, I am enthusiastic and have a high energy level, two more characteristics that important for success in the teaching profession.

To further explore my interest in teaching. I enrolled in Education 108 last spring and spent the week before second semester at Red Wing High School. During that week, I not only observed a variety of high school social studies classes, but I was also given the opportunity to teach several U. S. History classes. I really enjoyed this brief teaching experience and came away convinced that I wanted to pursue a teaching career.

In addition to my week at Red Wing High School, I have had other recent experiences that have confirmed my decision to become a high school teacher. During the second semester last year, I volunteered in the Fast Forward Program. This involved working with Hispanic students at Willmar High School. Last summer I worked at several basketball camps that afforded me the opportunity to work with students from grades five through twelve. I enjoyed and learned a lot from both of these experiences.

Though I didn’t know it until the start of this semester, I am a cognitivist when it comes to teaching. I believe that concepts should be emphasized in a social studies curriculum. I also think that students learn best through constructivist and discovery-based teaching activities.

I hope that after reading this letter you are as convinced as I am that I should become a social studies teacher. As soon as my application materials are complete, I will set up an interview with you. If you need to contact me for any reason, my email address is aescuela@csbsju.edu, and my phone number is 363-5555.

                                                                                                                                Sincerely,   

                                                                                                                                Alto Escuela