COVER LETTER: Dear Members of the Search Committee , I am writing to apply for the Faculty-Liberal Arts-History position at Cayuga Community College as posted at higheredjobs.com. Dr. Robert J. Brown, the History Discipline Coordinator at Finger Lakes Community College, encouraged me to apply for this position. I am excited about this opportunity because of my passion of history and my desire to share that passion. Since 2013 I have enjoyed being able to teach history at Finger Lakes Community College as an adjunct. It is now my desire to teach full time and to completely immerse myself in my passion. I am a student focused teacher. My mission is for students to succeed personally and professionally. My classes at FLCC are designed to bring a new aspect of history to the students. I let them know that history does not have to be 100 years old with an inch of dust on it. History is now as well as then. It is the story of people, people like them. I draw comparisons between the students as a demographic and the people we are studying. I encourage students to compare and contrast in their reading, writing and discussions. In my classes we explore more than who, what and where but ask why- why people acted in such a manner that we deem it important to study today. I have created Power Point presentations which reflect our text book, primary source reader and monograph. The Power Points are used as points of discussion and exploration. I understand that students have different learning styles and my classes have addressed this. I strive to engage the students in various ways by bringing in artifacts, using the audio and visual technology available, and class participation projects. While at FLCC I have taught a very diverse group of students. I have been able to connect with students in such a way that other candidates might not. Many students today are returning students, students with jobs and family obligations. I acknowledge to my students that "Life sometimes gets in the way" but there is a way to achieve success. I tell my students that the bar has been set and it is my responsibility to get them over the bar, and we will do it together. I went back to SUNY Brockport as a returning student, worked the overnight shift in order to pay the bills and meet family responsibilities. My professors challenged me but at the same time provided an environment in which I could succeed. I have incorporated that same ideology in my teaching. Due to my experience teaching at FLCC I am very familiar with Blackboard. Also from FLCC, I gained an appreciation for bringing a quality education to students beyond the main campus. I pride myself on my working knowledge of geography, both American and global. Throughout my working career, I have been successful in reaching goals by using skill sets such as team building, problem solving, collaboration, communication and using respect as a foundation for interaction. I am very interested in teaching at Cayuga Community College. I believe every American citizen should have the opportunity to pursue higher education. Education is the key to a successful future for not only our students but for our country as well. I am very excited about this great opportunity and would like to speak with you about it further. Please contact me at your convenience so we may set an appointment. Thank you. Sincerely

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