ERIN MCALPIN

500 Inman St #64, Denton, TX 76205 | 832-683-5063 | ecmcalpin@gmail.com

D e a r P r i n c ip a l ,

I am a soon to be graduate of the University of North Texas in May of 2018, with pending
certifications in EC-6 Generalist with a Special Education Supplemental. I have had the pleasure of
student teaching at Donald Elementary in Flower Mound, and in my first rotation, I was responsible for
teaching English Language Arts, and Social Studies for two 3rd grade classes. My second rotation is in a
Preschool Programs for Children with Disabilities Communications class where my responsibilities
included teaching academic, communication, and behavioral needs for students with Autism
Spectrum Disorder and/or severe communications disorders. I feel I have a unique outlook in working
with students who are struggling learners, particularly within Special Education. I was placed in a
special education program in 6th grade for my ADHD, and I struggled with understanding that learning
at a different level, as compared to others, was not a negative indicator of my own intelligence, and it
was my special education teachers helped me realize that.

In my field experience, I have learned how to create and implement detail oriented and
student-centered lesson plans aligned to the TEKS (1). I have received valuable experience in
modifying lesson plans for various student needs and differentiating as needed, as well as working
closely on IEPs and have experience with SEAs (2). I have attended multiple ARDs and worked closely
with my cooperating teacher in doing so (3).

1. 5E and Madeline Hunter models for both ELA and Social Studies lesson plans, using content
found collaboratively with Eduphoria and independently.
2. As I have worked with students with Dyslexia in my first rotation as well as students with Autism
Spectrum Disorder and severe communications disorders, I have a comprehensive
understanding of accommodating and differentiating their lessons and working with their IEPs.
3. Working collaboratively with both my cooperative teachers and their team of
paraprofessionals/team teachers has provided me with invaluable interpersonal skills. I have
been a participant in weekly grade meetings that gave me insight into communicating
effectively with colleagues.

I further believe that my particular upbringing has given me a special outlook on educating all children
regardless of race, religion, or language, as I spent my entire life growing up overseas attending
schools with other military children. Based on my experiences, I know that I have the tools and
understanding to work with students of all backgrounds, which I believe are key components of being
an inspiring and effective teacher. I would love to apply my philosophies in my own Special Education
classroom in LISD and look forward to an opportunity to do give back to students as my own Special
Education teachers did for me, by providing them with the tools they need to succeed as
independently as possible in school and society.

Sincerely,

Erin McAlpin