Scott Birkestrand

5738 Meade Ave, San Diego, CA 92115

Sjbirkestrand@gmail.com
(209) 768-7687
April 6, 2016
Dear Meredith Scott,
I am writing in response to the open School Counselor position in the Pacifica School District. I
am looking for the opportunity to be a part of a comprehensive school counseling team. My goal
is to use the skills I have gained at San Diego State University to address the personal, social,
academic and career needs of all students, while providing support to help them meet their
developmental needs, improve well-being, and reach their potential. I share in your districts vision,
by putting students first and collaborating with community partners we can support students with
a clean and safe environment that promotes developing successful 21st century skills.
During completion of my 700 hours as a school counseling trainee in both the middle and high school
level, I have furthered student success by creating and presenting numerous classroom guidance lessons
that focused on subjects ranging from college and career readiness to school safety. I also created and
implemented multiple small group curriculums based on data and needs assessments, and collaborated
with parents, teachers, administrators, and local community resources to provide students with necessary
support. Throughout my time as a trainee I have made it a priority to meet with the diverse student body
at my fieldwork sites in one-on-one sessions and work innovatively by utilizing a range of counseling
theories and modern technologies to promote a safe stimulating learning environment. My experiences,
including working with children and adolescents with special needs through Easter Seals, have given me
the opportunity to observe, participate, and collaborate in 504 and IEP meetings and also in AVID and
21st century preparation classes.
My data-driven school counseling background emerged from my experience working in a Recognized
ASCA Model Program and my position as a Research Assistant for the past two years at SDSU. This
research opportunity has involved traveling the country interviewing administrators, school counselors,
and students from diverse backgrounds regarding their experiences with college and career readiness.
These interviews allowed me to understand the various barriers students face in reaching their goals, as
well as which tools and practices are most successful in supporting those students in achieving academic
and career success.
My personal educational philosophy is that learning is a lifelong process, we are all teachers and learners,
and that all people have a right to an equitable education. I look forward to sharing this belief with the
students in the Pacifica School District. I look forward to meeting with you to further discuss this
opportunity. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Scott Birkestrand