12650 W.

Duane Ln
Peoria, Arizona 85383
April 26, 2016

Principal
Dear John Corteau:
As a new graduate of Arizona States teacher education program, I would like to introduce myself.
My name is Manuel Leal and I recently earned a degree in Secondary Education with the content area
of History. I am passionate about teaching history. My objective as a high school history teacher will
be to engage students in the context of history and the relevance it has in their own lives. I will hold
the students to a high standard as I guide them in their understanding of their lives in history.
My passion to teach began 19 years ago when I worked as a teachers assistant for the Murphy
School District. Since then, I have worked with youth in many capacities: ASU internships, youth
coordinator, teachers aide, a juvenile correction officer and as a volunteer at the church I attend. At
Sullivan Elementary School, I worked with learning disabled children. There, I witnessed the
obstacles they overcame in order to learn, and it was amazing to me. To see the emotion expressed
just to accomplish the aha moment when a person understands what they are trying to learn gave
me the wisdom that everyone wants to learn. My passion is strong for teaching because I have also
witnessed education being kept from people in third world countries because they were not male,
wealthy enough, or the right race. But, to witness people in the United States keeping themselves
from an education is a travesty. For these reasons I find my passion driving me to become a teacher.
As a history teacher, I hope to motivate my students in the classroom. I will maintain clear, fair and
consistent expectations, communicating regularly with parents and advocate for my students.
Communication will be open and easily facilitated through email and my web site.
Based on the research of Madeline Hunter, Dr. Fred Jones and Dr. Harry Wong, my belief is that all
students have a right to an education and it will be my responsibility as a teacher to provide the safe
environment to obtain that education. There is no one way method of learning, like there is no one
type of student. The dynamics of education will task me as a teacher to harness a childs ability to
learn. I look forward to the opportunity to interview and discusses my qualifications further, please
call me if you have any further question at 623 606-0115.
Sincerely,

Manuel Leal Jr.

To the parents or guardians of John Martinez,

I would like to first say that its been a pleasure having your son in my class. In the past two months
John has shown a tremendous amount of effort in class participation and completing all in class
assignments and homework. However, over the last two weeks, I have noticed incorrect behavior
from John. He has chosen to use unsuitable language in class. I have spoken to John twice about
correcting his behavior but he continues to disrespect our classroom and school rules regarding
inappropriate language in school. I would like to see John get back on track with his usual easy
going well-mannered behavior.
I feel it is important that you are aware of the issue. I have tried to handle the problem in class,
having conversations with John and assigning lunch detention. My main concern is that this behavior
is disrupting our class time and making it difficult for other students to learn. The time this behavior
takes away from class is not acceptable.
I would like to schedule a time when we can discuss the behavior. I believe that if we work together
as a team, John will improve his behavior. Together, we can agree on a plan that will lay out specific
consequences for negative behaviors. Additionally, we can explain the positive consequences when
he chooses to do well in class.
I believe that John can make better choices in class. I know that he has a lot to offer our discussions
and I look forward to his positive participation soon.

Please contact me via email at ________________________ or by phone at _____________.

Sincerely,

Manuel Leal Jr.

Dear Families,
Welcome to US History! I am looking forward to working with you this semester so your student has
a successful school year. I believe my responsibility as an educator is to help your student gain
knowledge and skills to prepare him/her now and in the future. Teaching history is my passion. I am
dedicated to my job and will do everything I can to make it an excellent semester. I will work to
engage your student and to bring the content to life in a way that students will develop a curiosity
and desire to learn about history and how it is relevant to their lives.
US History is required for graduation. We will study several concepts. I will use a variety of
strategies to engage the students; primary and secondary sources, video clips and literature. I will
expect the students to be on time and prepared to learn each day. Students will need to bring 2 spiral
notebooks, pencils, highlighters and a folder. Having this school supplies will be helpful in aiding
your students success in completing this required course for graduation.
You and your student can plan on homework once or twice a week that will usually include a reading
with follow up questions. My goal is to not overwhelm your student with homework, but it is
important the he/she complete what homework is assigned because it will aid in understanding class
discussions and completing in class assignments. Grading will be determined according to the
following scale: 40% = Daily assignments, quizzes, homework, 40% = Unit tests, portfolios, major
projects and assessments, and 20%= Course assessment. The coursework grade is based on a
standard point system: 100% 90% = A, 89% - 80% = B, 79% - 70% = C, 69%-60% = D, 59% below = F. Late work will be accepted at 70% of the grade the student would have received had it
been turned in on time.
If your student is absent they can make up the work missed that day. They will have the number of
days students were absent to make up the work. This will only apply for excused absences. Your
students can get the missed work from the absent box or you can email me to get the assignment.
Students are expected to attend class. If a student must miss class, parents/guardians are required to
call the attendance line within 24 hours of the absence. Unverified absences will result in
disciplinary action to be determined by the administration.
Parents please be assured that I am here to help you and your student succeed. As a parent myself I
am completely aware of challenges it takes to raise a student. I am always available throughout the
semester; you will have various ways to stay in contact with me. The simplest and efficient way to
contact me will be by email. Additionally, you can view my website for course information, and
class notes. If email is not available to you, please call me at my school number 602 534-5436 and
leave a message with the secretary and will call you back within 24 hours. If its an emergency state
it in the message and I will make it a priority to call you back as soon as possible.
Thank you,

Manuel Leal Jr.