Dear Caregivers,

Hello! My name is Mr. Seth Dills and I have been

placed in your student’s classroom to Student Teach
during the Spring 2018 semester! I am excited to work
with you and your student during my time at Lincoln
Elementary and hope that you feel the same way! You may
have a number of questions, and hopefully I can answer
some of those in this letter! J

FAQ’s:
What is a Student Teacher?
• A Student Teacher (also referred to as an Intern) is a College/ University
Student who is studying to be a teacher. As part of their training they are
placed in a classroom for a semester in order to observe veteran teachers
and implement lessons, units, behavior management strategies, and effective
teaching practices in order to improve their teaching skills and pursue
licensure. A student teacher works in the classroom the same hours as the
Classroom Teacher.

What experience do you have as a teacher?

• I’m glad you asked! I have worked as a substitute teacher for a few years in
Pre-K through 12th grade in USD 383, USD 320, and USD 323! I have
worked long-term in kindergarten, 3rd Grade, 6th Grade (General Education),
6th Grade (Spanish), and 9th-12th Grade Spanish along with speaking in College
classes on issues of diversity in the classroom. I also work as a Case Manager
at a local Community Mental Health Center, providing services to children
and youth with Severe Emotional Disturbances. This is my first time to be
placed in a First Grade classroom and I am REALLY excited to work with this
group of students. I have a feeling that I will learn just as much from them
as they learn from me!

What degree are you seeking?

• I currently have a B.S. in Bible & Leadership and am finishing up a B.S. in
Elementary Education (with a concentration in Modern Languages), with a
 Secondary Major in International Studies, a Minor in Spanish, and a
Certificate in Online Teaching at Kansas State University

What are you hoping to get out of this semester?

• I really want to improve my teaching skills. I have spent the last several
semesters preparing to have my own classroom as an effective educator who
can create lessons and units that align to our state standards that are
engaging for ALL students. I am also looking to implement curriculum that
focuses on the social-emotional development of our students so that we can
not only grow as learners but as individuals who have diverse needs.

Should I be concerned about my child’s safety or confidentiality?

• No! All Student Teachers are required to go through a complete background
check and are supervised by the classroom teacher(s) along with the Clinical
Instructor. Student teachers are held to the same standard as licensed
teachers and are required to hold a valid Student Teaching License through
the State of Kansas.

What should I do if I have any questions or concerns?

• If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to the Classroom
Teacher (Mrs. Youngers or Mrs. Malcolm). If they feel that the question or
concern should be directed to me, they will pass it on.

Like I said before, I am SUPER excited to work with Mrs. Youngers and Mrs.
Malcolm this semester. They are both fantastic teachers and I feel that I am
going to learn so much from them! I am also excited to contribute to the
classroom environment with my experiences in technology, online learning, social-
emotional development, and other schools. I look forward to getting to know you
and your students! Let us know if you have any questions. J

Respectfully,

Mr. Seth Dills

Lincoln Elementary Student Teacher