PERB Letter

Dear PERB Panelist,

Thank you so much for taking the time to be a part of my PERB panel, I truly appreciate it. As my student teaching experience at Eight Corners Primary School comes to an end, I am excited to share my experience and passion for education with you. 

During my time at Eight Corners, I focused on building meaningful relationships with my students and creating a safe, inclusive classroom environment where students felt heard and seen both academically and emotionally. The 17 wonderful students that I taught provided me with such valuable opportunities to grow as a teacher. It was my daily goal to ensure that each student had a successful learning experience and felt a sense of belonging within our learning community. Watching them grow as learners and individuals has truly been rewarding. 

Working alongside my cooperating teachers and colleagues further developed my love for teaching. I learned the value of collaboration, flexibility, and positive reinforcement within the classroom. They always fostered a welcoming environment where students felt safe and ready to learn. I plan to carry these tools and strategies that I have observed and implemented in the classroom with me throughout my teaching career. 

Growing up, I always found joy in going to school. I loved creating relationships with teachers and peers, the learning, and the sense of community. My passion for working with children has only grown over the years through experiences such as babysitting, coaching, youth group involvement, and nannying. 

Coming into college, I was a medical biology major on the pre-dental track with the goal of becoming a dentist. I didn’t think of ever wanting to do anything else, but I quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit. A pivotal moment came during my study abroad trip to Morocco, where I switched from volunteering at a dental clinic to volunteering at an orphanage. Those days spent caring for and connecting with the young children were beyond rewarding and life-changing. Shortly after, I knew that I wanted to change my major to Elementary/Middle Education, and I’ve never looked back. 

Volunteering at the orphanage has impacted my outlook as an educator and person. Many of the children I spent time with came from uncertain backgrounds, yet were still filled with so much love, curiosity, and joy. Being there to feed, play with, or simply hold them, taught me that love, consistency, and relationships are a key role in a child’s development. This experience influenced the type of teacher I want to be. It is important to me that I foster strong relationships where students feel emotionally supported and cared for within the classroom. 

As I grow as an educator, I strive to use my experiences both in and out of the classroom to create a learning environment where students feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. I strive to use differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all my future students and help them reach their full potential in and outside of the classroom. 

As I continue my journey, I will continue to learn and grow in my teaching practices. I’m grateful to my professors at UNE, along with my mentors and peers, who have provided me with so much guidance and support. They have played such a meaningful role in helping me develop into the educator I am today.

Thank you again for taking the time to listen to my teaching journey. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited for what’s ahead!

Warmly, 

Maya Monteiro