ATTN: Principal Barela

Desert Vista High School

16440 S 32nd St
Phoenix, AZ 85048

Dr. Christine Barela:

I am a highly qualified teacher in Social Sciences, completing my degree and certifications as
part of the iTeachAZ program at Arizona State University. Im looking for the opportunity to be a
part of your high school as a teacher. I have completed my certifications in the areas of
secondary Economics, Government, and History. My objectives for my students every year is to
simply help them grow. Every student has their own personal strengths and weaknesses, and my
job will be to create arenas for students to show different types of learning and understanding of
my content area. Writing, Reading, Speaking, and Critical Thinking are the areas I will stress,
and through historical investigation the students grow as learners in addition to becoming
historical thinkers.
As a current coach at Desert Vista High School, I have witnessed and been a part of the rich
tradition and atmosphere Desert Vista has to offer. It is through these past experiences that I
gravitate so naturally to working as a teacher full time at Desert Vista. Working closely with the
students and staff at Desert Vista as an Arizona State Intern, and coach for two seasons, has
convinced me that a place at Desert Vista is the next step for me in my professional career.
Please feel free to contact me at any time using this information provided on the attached
resume. I look forward to speaking with you soon about expanding my involvement and role as
an educator at Desert Vista.
Sincerely,

Thomas Bieksha

Thomas Bieksha
History Department
Desert Vista High School
tbieksha@tuhsd.ed.org
Parent or Guardian:
Hello, my name is Thomas Bieksha, but known by your child as Mr. B. Im sending this letter
home to you to formally introduce myself, as well as inform you of some of the necessary
information you should be aware of for this school year. First, Im a highly qualified educator in
social studies in the state of Arizona, having received my degree from Arizona State University.
My goals for this year are to simply help your child grow in the areas of Reading, Writing,
Speaking, and Critical Thinking, using history as the vehicle to achieve this.
While in my class, your child will be held to the highest standard in the work they submit, and
their academic integrity. I have an open door policy and encourage students to meet with me
when they need help with anything. From tests to homework, I will make myself as available as
possible to assist them however I can.
As far as you being able to contact me, the best way will be through the email I listed above. I
will do my best to return emails within 24 hours, and maybe a little longer on the weekend.
Through this we can set up face to face conferences, meetings, etc. In addition, feel free to make
me your first contact when you need information on anything academic for your child. At the
very least I can put you in contact with the right person.
Im excited to be working with you and your child this year, and you can expect more
correspondence from me over the coming months.
Sincerely,

Thomas Bieksha

Thomas Bieksha

History Department
Desert Vista High School
tbieksha@tuhsd.ed.org
To the Parent(s)/Gaurdian(s) of John Doe,
I wanted to take the time to inform you of some issues John is having in my U.S. History
class. John is a hard worker, respectful during class time, and has always turned in above average
work. Particularly his essays and longer response assignments are among the top of all my
classes. However, over the past few weeks, John has begun to miss whole assignments, and
where I can normally count on him for a thoughtful response, he has remained silent because I
suspect he has not done the readings or work.
In my attempts to figure out why the sudden change has happened in the past two weeks,
I havent received a complete response from him. His behavior during class and his interactions
with peers are normal, just the work has stopped being completed, so his grade is beginning to
slip.
I write to you in hopes that you can talk with John and try and figure out if something is
bothering him. If possible, would share what you find, or have John come talk to me directly, I
would appreciate it. Moving forward, I have reminded John I will accept late work, at a reduced
score, and need him to do his best to come to class prepared, even if he cant complete the
homework the night before. Im willing to make adjustments or accommodations to his workload
if need be, but I need John to let me know exactly what he needs.
I appreciate your help in getting John back on track, and I wanted to get you involved
before his grade in my class begins to really fall, and Im concerned about this new behavior
happening in his other classes. If you have any questions or concerns please dont hesitate to
email me at the address above. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,

Thomas Bieksha