Jessica Benz | STAR Academy Teacher Pool Application 2016 -2017
Jessica Benz
PO Box 340082
Sacramento, CA 95834
916 606-7723
1-4-16
Jennifer Kloczko
STAR Academy Coordinator
Natomas Charter School
4400 E. Commerce Way, #100
Sacramento, CA 95834
Dear Ms. Kloczko:
Please accept my application for the STAR Teacher Pool for the 2016-2017 school year.
If planting the seed for life-long learning is the goal, and I believe that is the heart of education, no school has inspired me more than the Natomas Charter School STAR Academy and the PFAA programs. I see the creative, collaborative, customized learning happening there and I am inspired to be a better educator, one who emboldens students through bountiful active engagement in high interest learning activities while maintaining high expectations for student achievement.
With over 10 years of teaching experience in K-12 public education, I have a solid foundation of effective, engaging instructional skills and strategies. Additionally, I have been fortunate to broaden my perspectives as an educator while working with K-12 students from all over the state of California over the past three years as a studio teacher. In this capacity I have further embraced the importance of meeting each learner's individual educational needs. (Please see my latest blog post on technology integration for supporting student learning on the go.) I have seen the importance of meeting students where they are (both literally and figuratively in this case) and kindling their hearts and minds so they may walk boldly in the direction of their dreams. In considering my return to the classroom, I am fortunate to have a strong network of supportive professionals in the field, including some current and former NCS staff, upon whom I may lean during re-entry. I love to collaborate and create, both of which would fit well with the unique instructional setting at NCS.
In addition to holding a Multiple Subjects Credential, I possess a Reading Specialist Credential as well as an M.A. in Education (Language and Literacy) and a Single Subject Credential in English. Teaching reading is truly my passion and is quite possibly the most fulfilling role I have ever had as an educator. My experience as a Reading Specialist in Title 1 public schools has allowed me the privilege of supporting a diverse range of learners including the opportunity to work with many students and parents learning English as a second language. I have also been able to support students with learning disabilities for whom reading and writing were especially challenging.
Lately, I have been excited to see technology integrated in meaningful and exciting ways at STAR Academy. From read alongs using QR codes to parent YouTube tutorials on common core math lessons to programming Spheros, students are engaged and empowered. I have always been interested in computer technology and even earned a Computer Information Systems Minor from Humboldt State University. So much has changed since then of course and it is exciting albeit challenging to work toward keeping up.
In closing, as a member of the STAR Academy family since 2012, the students at STAR hold a special place in my heart. It would be an honor to support them on their academic journey.
Respectfully yours,
Jessica Benz