Dear Parent or Guardian, My name is Mr. Keller.

This upcoming semester I will be teaching your childs World Studies Honors or U.S. History course as part of my student teaching experience. This opportunity is the last step in obtaining my Masters in Education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I am very excited to be at Hinsdale South High School, and look forward to getting to know you and your child in the upcoming months. I know firsthand the value of education and the doors that one can open for you. I earned my Bachelors Degree in History from the University of Illinois and enrolled in the nations 5th best Curriculum & Instruction Graduate program at my Alma Mater in 2012. In the time between undergraduate and graduate studies I worked at the Lincoln Park Zoo as the Assistant Director of Horticulture, and at a prestigious law firm in the heart of Chicago. Previously I have taught in Champaign, Mahomet, Frankfort and Lockport, Illinois. My experiences have only solidified my belief that hard work in ones schooling will benefit them in the long run. The expectations for my students are high, and I hope I have your support in maintaining those standards for your child. I am who I am today because my parents would not accept failure. My assessments are rigorous but not impossible. The Social Studies lend themselves to more creative and exciting lessons, and I could not be more excited for the opportunities ahead. That being said, my main goal of this semester is to prepare my students for their future outside of high school. Whether they choose to attend college, junior college, trade schools, enter the workforce, or any other path they may choose, my students will be equipped with the necessary skills needed to become successful. Surely students will forget about facts, dates and names found in textbooks but they will retain critical thinking, analytic and writing skills that all employers look for. For your consideration I have attached my classroom polices, which we have talked about in class. Should you wish to contact me, I would welcome the opportunity. I am always available for any questions, comments or concerns you may have. You can contact me via email at keller17@illinois.edu. To ensure that you and your child have read over and discussed what is expected of them this semester, I ask for your signature below, and to have them return this document to class tomorrow. I look forward to getting to know you, Brian Keller Parent or Guardian Signature:

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