date

Dear Parent or Guardian,

My name is                     and I am an Illinois Wesleyan University student teacher in your child’s classroom.  I am looking forward to getting to know your child and creating engaging learning experiences.  Over the semester I will be studying and documenting my performance as a teacher, including my impact on student learning.  As I reflect upon my professional development, I hope to collect the materials listed below:

  • Photographs of students at work in the classroom,
  • Videos of student engaged in various classroom activities,
  • Tape-recordings of conversations and classroom discussion with students, and
  • Examples of student work that represent their learning.

Many of the documents that I collect will be included in my Senior Portfolio and Self-Study projects.  The portfolio is intended to illustrate how I meet state standards for teachers.  The self-study project is designed to allow me to focus on a particular area of professional development.  The focus of both projects is on my own experience and growth as a teacher.  Your child will not be identified by name, classroom, or school in the portfolio or any reports, presentations, or publications.

My projects will not disrupt ordinary classroom routines and activities.  No extra time or work will be asked of your child.  Your child’s teacher has given his or her consent, and will supervise the collection of all documents.  I am asking your permission for the above materials that may be of or by your child.   The benefits to your child will be extra attention to his or her performance in the classroom, an enhanced understanding of his or her learning needs, .(this sentence will be completed by individual student teachers).  The safety and education of all children, in consultation with school personnel, will always take precedence over my portfolio and self-study projects.  

Should you grant consent to include your child in my project, I will also ask your child’s permission to be sure she or he is also comfortable with my taking photos and recordings and using his or her school work.  Please be assured that students and parents who prefer not to grant consent will incur no negative consequences.  Likewise, students and parents who grant consent will receive no preferential treatment in the classroom.

If you have any questions about this project, please call me anytime at (309) 556-xxxx, or email me at (xxx@iwu.edu).  You may also contact my professor, xxx, at 556-xxxx or xxxxxxx@iwu.edu. You may also contact Professor Sikora, (jsikora@iwu.edu or 556-3163) who oversees all university student projects of this type. 

Please complete the enclosed form, sign, and return the top copy in the enclosed self-addressed envelope.  The carbon copy is for you to keep.

Thank you very much.  Your permission will make it possible for me to have a meaningful learning experience.

Sincerely,