Portfolio Exemplar Cover Sheet

Teacher Candidate: Donovan Martinez Cohort #: 414

Title of Exemplar: Teacher Candidate Introduction Letter

Portfolio Category: I II III IV x V

ACEI Standard: Professionalism

ACEI Standard Element(s):

A5.2 Collaboration with families, colleagues, and community agencies-Candidates know the importance
of establishing and maintaining a positive collaborative relationship with families, school colleagues, and
agencies in the larger community to promote the intellectual, social, emotional, physical growth and well
being of children.


Semester: Spring 2014 Date: March 10, 2014

1. Description of exemplar and how it demonstrates meeting this ACEI Standard and Element(s).

This exemplar demonstrates the standard elements because this was the first contact I had
with most of the parents or families of the students in my classroom. Prior to sending this
introduction letter out, I was able to introduce myself to several parents who came to drop of their
child in the morning. This introduction letter encouraged parents to contact me to collaborate
together in order to foster a nurturing learning environment for their child that would extend across
school and home.

2. Reflection on my professional growth in knowledge, skills, and dispositions related to this ACEI
Standard and Element(s).

My professional growth in knowledge gained by creating this introduction letter and
sending it home because I found that parents appreciated that I took the time to introduce myself
and show that I care for the academic and personal growth of their child.

I was able to develop my skills in professionalism while creating this letter because I took
the time using the writing process of drafting and revising before my final draft. I wanted to ensure
that my letter displayed my experience working with children and that my letter was an example of
my communication skills which is one of my main strengths.

My growth in disposition is exampled in my willingness to communicate with parents
whether by letters home, phone calls, or face-to-face communication. Prior to my letter going
home, I already began introducing myself to parents who I was able to come in contact with before
and after the school day. After sending the letter out, I felt more comfortable when having to make
calls home to parents who I may not have met yet. At least they were somewhat familiar with the
voice making the call home.