Letter to Sponsor...

a little update from the frontlines......I wrote it to my TFA teacher sponsor.....work smarter, not harder....


04/10/2009

Dear Mark,

I can scarcely believe that my students have finished their AIMS testing for the year. After 8 months of learning and 2 weeks of testing, my students and I paused this week to reflect on what we have accomplished so far this school year and what we have yet to accomplish in our final 6 weeks together. In order to establish purpose and focus--which can be tough to come by at the end of the year, my 6th graders and I reviewed our data. We reviewed how we have achieved as a group and as individuals on each learning goal for the year. We are on the brink of reaching our year-long goal--to have a class average of 80% on all assessment for the year. Our average right now is 76%. The students, having internalized this goal as an indicator that they are ready to move on to 7th grade, and I are planning strategic action to make sure we reach this goal.

The support I receive from my Teach For America Program Director has shaped my instruction and allowed me to lead my students to be within reach of meeting their goal. This support continues to help me refine my practice and ensure that my students really do reach their goal of 80% by May 21st.

My Program Director is helping me ensure that my lesson plans reach each one of my learners. With this support, Oswaldo, who entered 6th grade on a 1st grade reading level, scored 100% on a grade level reading assessment yesterday! Without your generous contributions, the support that leads to victories for students like Oswaldo would not be possible. I thank you for investing in Teach For America, my students and our future.

I have appreciated your support throughout the past two years. While my two years as a Corps Member are coming to a close, I plan to stay in Phoenix to teach 6th grade next year. I cannot wait to see what my students can accomplish in my 3rd year of teaching! I would love to keep in touch with you as I continue my work in closing the achievement gap.

Maybe we can catch the Ducks-Sun Devils football game this fall? Go Ducks!

Sincerely,

Carolyn Burns