Claire E. Alexander I am extremely excited about teaching children, and learning from my peers.

As an Teaching Assistant in Schools of the Sacred Heart, I think my passion for teaching will spill over into the classroom and help to create a room full of children excited about learning. I possess many qualities that would be welcome at the Sacred Heart Schools. I am patient, kind, inventive, creative, organized, mature, and a team player. I have had the opportunity to volunteer in SFUSD Kindergarten and Second Grade classrooms since January 2004, and I have also volunteered as a teacher in a non-academic setting for three years. In the second grade classroom, I provide instructional reinforcement to the children. It has also been my pleasure to work with students individually and in small groupslistening while students read, reviewing class lessons, or helping them find information for reports and in-class assignments. I have prepared class materials for instruction and aided in management of the classroom. In the kindergarten class, I offer individualized attention. cards and beginner reading materials. Also, over the past 3 years, I have volunteered in a non-academic environment with children, ages 4 - 8, teaching Sunday School at my church. I review the curriculum, plan the lessons, compile materials for craft projects, use puppetry to enhance the telling of stories, and cater the activities to engage the children in learning. We work

together reviewing letter recognition and pre-reading skills, using flash

It is my expectation that working alongside the dedicated and experienced teachers at the Sacred Heart Schools will serve to strengthen and intensify my love for teaching. In becoming a part of the Sacred Heart community and culture I hope to acquire the skills needed to be a successful teacher, and in return instill in the students a lifelong love for learning. I hope to gain the privilege of working with adults who genuinely love working with children; who are patient and encouraging; who find value in imparting their time, energy and resources to the next generation; and are dedicated to nurturing student growth and inspiring a love for learning. It is my expectation that working alongside the dedicated and experienced teachers of Hamlin will strengthen my desire and gift for teaching. My goal is to become a Teacher on the elementary school level, instructing students in grades K - 4. I have taken steps towards that end and I am currently a candidate for the Masters program in Education and the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential program at San Francisco State University. For the past eight years, I have managed my own business as a freelance graphic designer. Though I enjoy graphic design immensely, I realized my greater love is for teaching children. I am energized and encouraged by the awesome opportunity to teach, and I hope to have the privilege to learn, grow, and explore along with the teachers and students of the Sacred Heart Schools.