Breanna Cook

TWS 10: Communication and Collaboration

A. Family Communication:
Communication with parents and guardians is important because
through their involvement students see that they are supported. At the
beginning of the year I will send home an introduction letter. The purpose of
the introduction letter is to tell parents/guardians who I am as a person and
teacher. The introduction letter also informs parents/guardians how they
can contact me throughout the school year. Attached is an example of an
introduction letter. During the year I will send home a monthly newsletter.
The purpose of a monthly newsletter is to let parents/guardians know what
is going on in the classroom as well as the school. For example, the
newsletter can be used to remind parents of a field trip or school holiday and
of quizzes and tests for various subjects. A newsletter is also attached for
viewing. Another means of communication with parents would be through
parent/teacher conferences, which would take place at least twice a year.
Additionally, I will ask parents to opt to receive written notes home, an email,
or a phone call home every week to let parents know how their child is doing
behaviorally and academically.
B. Communication/Collaboration with Colleagues:
Collaboration with colleagues is a vital aspect of teaching. As a
general education teacher I will be expected to work with other teachers,
academic specialists/interventionists, school staff, administrators, and
community members on a daily basis. Thus, I will send an email to the
Breanna Cook
guidance counselor and administrators whenever an IEP or RtI meeting is
necessary. Attached is a sample email. I will also talk in person with team
teachers about PLC meetings, lesson planning, successes but also issues of
our students, and many other topics and events throughout the school year.
To show students that they can accomplish everything they set their minds
to, I will also send a letter to Dr. Tomiko Brown-Nagin asking her to speak to
my class. Dr. Brown-Nagin is a native of Greenwood who has had much
success in her life. She holds multiple degrees and numerous academic
positions. Brown-Nagin is currently a professor at Harvard Law School and
a professor of history in Harvards Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Additionally, Brown-Nagins mother is a fourth grade teacher at Springfield
Elementary in Greenwood, SC. Brown-Nagin would be a wonderful resource
to show my students that even though she was from a small town, she was
able to make huge feats in achievement. As a speaker in my class, my
students would see how her life compares with theirs.








Breanna Cook
Sample Introduction Letter:
September 16, 2014

Dear parents or guardians,


My name is Breanna Cook and I am excited to be a clinical student in Mrs.
Powells fifth grade class this semester! I am a senior Elementary Education major
at Lander University. At Lander, I am a Presidential Ambassador, a tutor for the
writing center, a member of the Blue Key Honor Society, and the President of the
Lander Chapter of Palmetto State Teachers Association. Additionally, I have
completed two clinical experiences: one in second grade and one in fourth grade.
I will be in Mrs. Powells class on Tuesdays and Thursdays until the middle of
November. During my time in Mrs. Powells class, I will observe and assist as
needed. I will also teach alongside Mrs. Powell, work with individuals and small
groups of students, and teach at least five lessons.
Throughout the semester, I am required to take photos of the classroom and
video myself teaching. Attached is a photo/video release form, which I ask that you
complete and send back to school with your student by Tuesday, September 23.
This is going to be a great semester and I am looking forward to working with your
students! Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Powell if you have any questions.


Sincerely,




Ms. Cook

Breanna Cook
Sample Newsletter:












Important Dates!
What Are We Doing This Month?
This month we will be participating in
activities dealing with the wonderful season of
fall! We will spend a large amount of time
outside observing our surroundings as we
continue with our lesson about the four
seasons.

Early Release- October 10
Career Day- October 25
Mystery Reader Day- November 1
Birthdays:

Cara- October 3

Ian- October 17

Laura- October 20
Star Jobs:
Josh- Line Leader
(CEO)
Sara- Turn off Lights
(Engineer)
Haley- Give
everyone Germ-X
before lunch (Nurse)
***Remember your
child should be reading
20 minutes every day!
Star News
October Edition

Breanna Cook

Star News
October 2013 Star News October 2014
Please continue to
encourage your children!
They are doing a fabulous
job so far this year!



Parent/Teacher Conferences
are next week! If you would
like to schedule a meeting
during this time, please
contact me:

bcook@school.net

123-555-7890

Also

The school is doing their annual
canned food drive so start bringing
in your can goods to donate!
Remember, the class with the most
cans at the end of the month wins a
pizza party!

And

Breanna Cook
Sample E-mail: