Elena Clark

2803 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311 clarkelena2@gmail.com (562) 745-8558 April 25, 2014 To Whom It May Concern: I am pleased to inform you of my interest in securing an elementary teaching position with your school. My interpersonal skills, work ethic, dedication, and educational experiences will promote the core values and goals in your district. I will graduate in May 2014 with a Bachelor of Science Education with endorsements in ESL/ELL and Reading and will be student teaching with Des Moines Public Schools from January 27-May 9, 2014. I have found my practicum and work experiences with many ages of students invaluable. Through my work as the literacy coordinator at Camp Fire, I have strengthened my skills as a facilitator by creating and directing a variety of activities for campers, grades 1-8, to develop literacy skills, including phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and writing. After assessing over sixty campers literacy abilities, I structured activities to meet the ranges of reading proficiency within each age group. I was able to see students grow increasingly enthusiastic about reading. Communicating with families about each childs skills and behaviors strengthened my interpersonal skills. My student-teaching and practicum experiences enhanced my ability to adapt to the diverse needs of individual students and groups of students. Through my student-teaching experience, I managed difficult behaviors by collaborating on behavior plans and interventions with my mentor-teacher and other staff. I have refined my abilities to teach according to learning theory and research-based strategies. For example, I modified math, social studies, and science curriculum material and activities to help students engage more effectively with a given topic through open-ended questions and activities. I was thrilled to see students responses to learning through active mental engagement resulting from individual and collaborative work. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my application with you in person. If you have any questions, please contact me at (562) 745-8558 or clarkelena2@gmail.com. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Elena Clark

Elena Clark
2803 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311 clarkelena2@gmail.com (562) 745-8558 Education
Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa Magna Cum Laude, G.P.A. 3.81/4.00 Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, endorsements in reading and ESL/ELL, May 2014 State of Iowa Teaching Certificate, May 2014 Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills Test, Reading: 182, Writing: 182, Mathematics: 186 Praxis II Elementary Education: Content Knowledge, Score: 190, ETS Recognition of Excellence Award Praxis II Principles of Learning and Teaching, Score: 185

Student Teaching Experience

Student Teacher, Greenwood Elementary School; Des Moines, IA; March May 2014 Student Teacher, Howe Elementary School; Des Moines, IA; January March 2014
Facilitate a dynamic learning community of ELL and low-income kindergarten students Differentiate curriculum material, providing extensions and accommodations for diverse learners Create and implement lesson plans, word work activities, learning centers, and investigations Assist in conducting parent-teacher conferences Collaborate in professional learning community and data teams for reading and mathematics

Additional Education Experience

Resident Assistant; Drake University; Des Moines, IA; August 2011 present
Develop a variety of educational, social, and wellness programs for students Mediate conflict through appropriate confrontation and formal and informal documentation Collaborate with colleagues to facilitate a dynamic hall community for domestic and foreign born first-years and upper-class students.

Literacy Coordinator, Camp Fire (Pioneer Columbus); Des Moines, IA; May July 2013
Created and modified a variety of literacy activities to promote phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and writing Assessed over 60 campers, grades 1-8 using Basic Reading Inventory passages to collect data Fostered a community of diverse learners 3-4 times per week in groups of 15-25 campers for 15-20 minutes

Volunteer Soccer Coach/Referee, Central City Soccer; Des Moines, IA; Summer 2011 2013
Coached and refereed athletes from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, grades 1-6 Instructed players in basic soccer skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, and positive values Collaborated with multiple co-coaches to actively engage students in an excellent soccer league

Activities and Honors

Presidents List Deans List Presidential Scholarship Music Scholarship Trustee Scholarship

Classroom Technology Skills

Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, iMovie