<p>Professional accountability begins at the level of personal integrity. In teaching, the professional must aim to live an estimable life if they are to hold their students and colleagues to a high standard. From personal integrity springs not just hard work, since hard work in itself is of neutral value, but a work ethic with purpose. With these recursive elements in place, the teacher can authentically maintain high expectations for their students. High expectations are an emotional investment in the future; they put faith in the likelihood of achievement. So it further behooves the teacher to cultivate a trusting community and individual relationships in order to maximize student buy-in by teaching to the unique strengths and interests of each student. </p><p>I also believe that schools, like any workplace, function at a higher level when collaboration is valued. In schools, the usefulness of a collaborative environment stands out in two ways: first, teachers can build on the individual strengths of their colleagues while helping to compensate for and identify blind spots. Second, and of equal importance, teachers can model this behavior for their students. </p><p>With over a decade of professional and leadership experience, I am well-suited to live out my values in your school. I have a demonstrated history of academic rigor, as will be understood upon reviewing my records and contacting my references. In my former profession, I was an identified mentor as well as being in a position of leadership during emergency response. In this role, circumstances often dictated that I tactfully de-escalate heightened situations and negotiate between confrontational parties. For instance, I negotiated to determine property and jurisdiction boundaries during high-stress emergency responses, and talked down angry property owners unwilling to evacuate. I am ready to bring these skills to bear in my new chosen profession, and to humbly adapt to your school culture.</p>