Debra Grove is applying for an Assistant Principal position in the San Jose Unified School District. She has experience as a Teacher on Special Assignment for Common Core, where she helped with curriculum research, professional development, and building a shared vision. She also served as a mentor teacher to support other teachers. Her vision is for students to be passionate learners who contribute to their communities, and for teachers and administrators to be equally committed to student and professional growth. She looks forward to being an educational leader who fosters collaboration and prioritizes student learning.

1. Debra Grove
600 Encino Drive
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Dear Selection Committee:
It is with upmost interest that I am applying for the position of Assistant Principal in San
Jose Unified School District. As an educational leader, I model collaboration by inspiring
a shared vision in the school community that I work with, I demonstrate honesty, and
open communication with the staff, the students, and their families. I intend to be
thoughtful as I deliberate the purpose for decisions.
My vision for students is that all students are passionate about their learning. They are
eager for new knowledge and engaged in their education. Further, my desire is that
students are compassionate and contributing citizens in their communities. Students can
achieve these ideals by having teachers and administrators equally committed in the
education of themselves and their students as they grow as professionals.
Recently I have been a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) for Common Core where
my communication skills have been utilized as the implementation of Common Core has
progressed successfully. Researching and recommending curriculum, modeling
strategies for the delivery of lesson in Common Core, facilitating professional
development, and working as a liaison within the district to build a common vision in
Morgan Hill, has helped me to develop as a leader. I have assisting in bridging the
relationship between both the district and teachers as well as assisted in building
collegiality amongst schools. I have networked with a cadre of Santa Clara County
district leaders to collaborate on best practices for the implementation of Common Core.
Concurrently along with my responsibilities as a TOSA, I have been serving as a mentor
teacher in our Teacher Support Network (TSN). In this role, I have supported teachers in
honing their skills to best serve the needs of their students. I feel this role as a mentor
teacher has prepared me as an administrator as I develop my coaching skills, learned to
be explicit in my communication, and as I have learned to be supportive to the efforts of
teachers.
I look forward to working with a team that fosters collaboration, that seeks challenge in
order to grow, and puts student learning and achievement as a priority. I look forward to
being an educational leader in San Jose Unified School District.