Andrea 17 March 2018

Monique
Durazo Jose Guzman

ㅡ
Principal, Fresno Unified School District
Ahwahnee Middle School
1127 E. Escalon Avenue
Andrea M. Durazo Fresno, CA. 93710

amdurazo@asu.edu
Dear Mr. Guzman,

My name is Andrea Durazo, I am a Hispanic female with a strong-willed

personality that will advocate for her students, promote positivity,
pursue inclusion, and seek to connect with her learners. I would like to
express my interest for the consideration for the position of a Special
Education Teacher at Ahwahnee Middle School, preferably in a Deaf
and Hard of Hearing class. Since 2010, I have served in multiple
capacities at various school sites: After-School Program Tutor, Athletic
Coach, and Summer Bridge Paraprofessional at Sunnyside High School,
Autism Paraprofessional at Roosevelt High School,
Mild/Moderate/Severe Paraprofessional at Hoover High School and
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Signing Paraprofessional at Ahwahnee
Middle School. Ahwahnee Middle School student demographics
consists of different cultures, communities, languages spoken, and
learning abilities; requiring teachers to accept diversity to encourage
and motivate students to be successful with their education. I have
acquired experience throughout the years that have afforded me the
opportunities to successfully work with stakeholders from diverse
student bodies.

Students behave differently due to their learning abilities, ethnicity,

gender, sexual orientation, religion, class, and age; it is crucial that
teachers make a positive connection with each and every one of their
students. California teachers need to plan for a diverse, multicultural
audience given that we are a state with a vast population of immigrants
of various backgrounds. I would emphasize the importance of these
differences and make sure they are seen as a strength and of high value
in one’s life. Creating lessons with numerous examples and
accommodating and in connection with their Individualized Education
Program will meet the needs of all students. Focusing on the positive
and celebrating personal victories and achievements will be a priority in
my classroom. My goal is to encourage the acceptance of diversity and
to respect cultural differences to ultimately create an environment that
is supportive of multiculturalism, social integrity, and all-around
fairness.

Incorporating lesson plans that are normalized and incorporate

inclusion are essential in a special education classroom. Students with
learning disabilities are often behind academically, socially, and
behaviorally, causing for them to not fit in and be accepted by their
peers. Which is why I will strive to break the barriers and encourage
mainstream teachers to welcome my students in their classrooms with
proper resources and adequate support for student and teacher
success. I consider this to be important since I strongly believe students
will benefit from this immensely. Inclusion can be a learning
opportunity for all students to feel accepted, work on their socialization
skills, leadership skills, and can positively affect everyone involved. My
students will later utilize their educational experiences to apply their
learning in the real world.

Understanding my students, their needs, interests, and finding a way to

connect with them will demonstrate how I plan to center my teaching
methods around my students. Having students reach their highest
potential whether it be emotional, physical, social, or educational will
be my main focus and priority. Incorporating a positive learning
environment allows me to focus on their accomplishments, good
behaviors and ultimately can encourage them to challenge themselves
to grow as a learner and person. Embracing this method of teaching
permits teacher to motivate and spike the interests of students and
their education.

I will encourage students to respectfully discuss controversial subjects

in order to create a safe and non-threatening learning environment for
all members of the school. Creating a safe place on campus for student
can eliminate altercations, low self-esteem issues, and ultimately have
students feel welcomed and accepted. I will make it known that my
classroom is a judgement-free zone, and anyone can walk in with
questions, concerns, or problems they are struggling with. It will be my
personal mission to connect with students and demonstrate that I
genuinely care about students attending Ahwahnne. No matter the
time, my door with be open for anyone that needs an ally in their
corner, guiding them to suitable resources or resources.

In conclusion, my experience working for various schools in the Fresno

Unified School District has prepared me for working with various
members of the district. I understand the impact that a Special
Education teacher has not only at the school site but in the community
as well. As a school leader, I am ethically and morally committed to
leading by example and putting my heart and soul into doing what is
right for students and all individuals. I believe I have many strengths to
offer should I be considered for this position. I am multilingual,
dependable and reliable, have good work ethics, I genuinely care about
the student’s well-being, and I am organized. I can also bring
perseverance to the table and will prove to you that I am the best
candidate, you will not be disappointed.

Thank you for your time and consideration of my qualifications to

become a Special Education Teacher at Ahwahnee Middle School.

Sincerely,

Andrea Durazo