June 28, 2003
Dear
Teacher:
I
am writing to tell you about a unique and exciting opportunity to become part
of the largest public school system in the nation. The Excelsior Teacher Initiative (ETI), created to bring
exceptional certified educators to teach in New York City public schools, seeks experienced teachers
in shortage subject areas such as math, science, special education, Spanish,
physical education, bilingual education, ESL and speech therapy. Hundreds of new and veteran teachers from
around the NY area and the country have already applied to be part of this
movement to teach in our city’s classrooms.
As
a former NYC public school teacher, I know firsthand the impact a dedicated
educator can have on a student’s academic success. During my first year teaching sixth grade in New York, I was apprehensive about my ability to
meet the needs of all my students and even more concerned about the limited
time available to provide individual attention.
But through cooperative learning projects and peer tutoring exercises, I
was able to create a positive learning environment that promoted both academic
achievement and personal growth. This is just one of the many challenges and
successes I experienced in the classroom, but it demonstrates the positive
outcomes which can result from seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
The
Excelsior Teacher Initiative aims to duplicate my
experience – to place qualified educators in schools and communities
where they are most needed in an effort to improve student achievement. ETI is a critical component of NYC Public
Schools’ comprehensive Children First Initiative, as it supports the initiative’s
goal to meet the demand for talented teachers in all NYC classrooms by this
fall. It is ETI’s
mission to provide all New York City students with access to the greatest team
of educators imaginable.
If
you have the dedication and drive to meet the challenge of teaching in New York City and are seeking an opportunity to maximize
your professional impact, I strongly encourage you to apply to ETI. The streamlined application process is quick
and easy, and ETI staff are also helping candidates
manage the licensing and certification paperwork. Other benefits of the program
include intensive paid pre-service training, a network of support, and
immediate opportunities to meet with principals.
If
you think ETI might be right for you, apply online now at www.ExcelsiorTeacherInitiative.org
or e-mail [log in to unmask]
for additional information. Or please
pass this message on to others who may be interested. Our final application deadline is July 21st.
Thank
you,
De’Shawn Wright
ETI
Ambassador
Former
NYC middle school teacher