LETTER OF INTRODUCTION TO CI
Purpose
Teachers foster collaborative relationships with colleagues to support students' learning
(RIPTS 7). A brief letter of introduction to your clinical instructor is one way to improve
working relationships. Writing this letter of introduction provides you with experience
needed to write cover letters for teacher job applications. And, this assignment will
prepare you to introduce yourself to your Cooperating Teacher during student teaching.
"I received my student teaching placement yesterday and was eager to email my CI. I
went right back into my documents and used my letter that I wrote for your class and
the resume and tweaked it for my new placement. I just wanted to inform you that if I
had not done that assignment i probably would not have had a professional letter or
attached my resume! So thank you!" - Spring 2013 ELED 437 Student
Task
1. Compose a one-page business letter to your clinical instructor.
2. Format properly as a business letter.
3. Label the file with your LAST name first followed by Letter (e.g.
KniseleyLetter.doc).
4. Attach the file in Bb>My Course Work>Letter of Introduction assignment area.
5. Email the file to your assigned clinical instructor.
Rubric for Grading:
See Grading System for Homework Assignments.
Unacceptable
0, 1
Not submitted or very
weak evidence of
proofreading, applying
writing conventions,
and formatting a threeparagraph business
letter.
Developing
2
Some evidence of
proofreading, applying
writing conventions,
and formatting as a
three-paragraph
business letter. Many
revisions required.
Acceptable
3
Evidence of
proofreading, applying
writing conventions,
and formatting as a
three-paragraph
business letter. A few
revisions required.
NOTE: This is one of homework assignments for Professionalism.
Target
4
Strong evidence of
proofreading, applying
writing conventions,
and formatting as a
three-paragraph
business letter. A
minor revision
required.
Content of Letter
Date
Inside Address
Ms./ Mr. First and Last Name of CI
Name of School
Address
City, RI Zip
Salutation
Dear Ms./Mr. Last Name of CI,
Body
a. Paragraph 1
- Introduce yourself.
- Explain the purpose of the letter.
- where you are in your program (semester/year you plan to student teach)
- teaching content major/academic major
- contact information (phone and email)
b. Paragraph 2
- Highlight two or three your strengths as a teacher candidate.
- Present any unique prior experiences and personal interests or talents that will
help your clinical instructor know you better (e.g., extracurricular campus
clubs, sports, hobbies, volunteer work).
c. Paragraph 3
- Present one or two goals for learning during the practicum. - Present your
learning needs and explain how the clinical instructor can support you in your
learning.
- Pose questions and/or express any concerns you may have about teaching the
science unit in the assigned grade levels
Complimentary Closing
Express your appreciation and enthusiasm.
Closing
Sincerely
Signature
Name and Contact Information
Mailing Address
Phone
Email
Formatting
Format as a business letter. Learn about the basics of writing business letters, go to:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/653/01/
See two examples of a basic business letter:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/media/pdf/20090417021603_653.pdf
Written Communication
Proofread carefully. Check for use of writing conventions. It's important that you use the
highest level of written communication when you write letters of introductions (now and
in cover letters for job applications!) and emails to school professionals. You need to
impress them with your professionalism which includes high level written
communication. When you apply for jobs with cover letters and resumes, there is zero
tolerance for errors in writing conventions and formatting business letters.
It's more professional for teacher candidates to be more formal and use
Mr./Ms./Mrs./Miss in the inside address and salutation (greeting). Use Ms. if you don't
know whether they use Mrs. or Miss.
For example:
Inside Address
Ms. Melissa Bibeault
Washington Oak School
801 Read Schoolhouse Road
Coventry, Rhode Island 02816
Salutation
Dear Ms. Melissa Bibeault,
Also, it's expected that you will address your clinical instructor as Mr./Ms./Mrs. when
you in conversation or when teaching with your students. You will do the same with your
team members. If she invites you to use his/her first name, then you can address him/her
with the first name.
When you email an attached file, include a brief statement in the message area such as:
Dear Ms. Bibeault,
I'm looking forward to meeting you and your students on February 11. Attached is
a "letter of introduction" file to help you get to know me before I meet you
tomorrow!
Sincerely,
Your First and Last Name