Cheryl Douglas

Recruitment and Retention

Vancouver School Board

Maxine Lynch
307 -90 E 11th Ave, Vancouver
April 2nd, 2015

Dear Ms. Cheryl Douglas,

I am very interested in applying for the part-time/contract Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of
Hearing (TODHH) position in Richmond. I am currently completing my Masters of Education in Special
Education with a concentration of Teaching of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at the University of British
Columbia (UBC). I am very excited to be near the end of my program, so I can start my career in this amazing
field. My practicum is completed on November 28th.
At the present time, I am focusing on completing my practicum, while taking ASL courses to further
improve my sign language. I am really excited to be starting my career, and I hope to be an itinerant teacher
for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students. I have worked hard, and eagerly waited for the opportunity to
work as a TODHH.
One of the biggest reasons that I am drawn to the TODHH itinerant position is because of the
relationships that TODHH have with their students, and families. As an itinerant teacher, you are able to work
with a student throughout elementary school, and sometimes on to high school. This bond greatly benefits a
student because it allows for close working relationships and collaboration with families. At UBC I have taken
several courses concerning the socio-emotional issues faced by students who are DHH, as well as their
families. This experienced has broadened my understanding of working with students who are DHH, and has
prepared me for this position.
Language is such an important part of our world, and DHH students face many challenges
developing their language. DHH students need to develop their literacy and language skills, for full access to
communication. I welcome the challenges that DHH students face when developing their literacy, language,
and communication. My Masters program is heavily focused on developing the language and communication
skills of DHH students. I have studied developing language programs, speech interventions, bilingual-bicultural
education, and many other issues that DHH students may face concerning their language skills. Language
skills are paramount in reducing the obstacles that DHH students will face in our complex society.
I am empathetic to special needs students, and experience has taught me the value of patience and
encouragement. I also believe in the importance of students having fun during their sessions while they learn
essential skills. Each student needs to have an individualized plan for their specific learning needs, with
ongoing assessments and strategies that match their IEP goals. As an itinerant teacher, I will make sure that
my students are being supported academically and socially, by their classroom teachers, families and myself.
One vital part of this job is giving students the confidence in who they are, and making sure they have value in
themselves. This area of special education is so important, and I am passionate about it.
Thanks for your consideration,
Maxine Lynch