Thomas R. DeGrand degrandt@gmail.

com
4675 Kara Court (517) 927-7171
Commerce Township, Michigan 48382 http://degrandportfolio.weebly.com/

January 16, 2021

Eric Whitney
Assistant Superintendent
West Bloomfield School District
Talent Management and Development
5810 Commerce Road
West Bloomfield, MI 48324

Dear Mr. Whitney,

I am writing to express my interest in applying for the Assistant Principal position at West Bloomfield Middle
School. I have had the honor and privilege of teaching and positively impacting the students of WBMS this past
year. My goal is that I am able to continue making such an impact on the students, as well as the staff, but from
a leadership position. I want to continue to help lead the Lakers toward the District mission to “educate students to
be their best IN and FOR the world.”

My professional background and leadership experiences outlined in my résumé show that I am a well-
E educated, versatile, and hardworking teacher and leader. In 2014, I began my training to become an
administrator. This includes my participation in the Oakland Schools Aspiring Principals’ Leadership
X Academy, which incorporated an internship with a mentor principal. In addition, I completed Oakland
P University’s Education Specialist in Leadership program in June of 2016. The 22-month, cohort-structured
program, which included an internship, provided me education and experience in the area of administration.
E This program also certified me for K-12 school administration in the state of Michigan. Furthermore, I have
had the privilege of taking on an administrative role the past seven summers as Director of West Bloomfield
R Community Education Summer Camps. This leadership role has given me firsthand experience of the
I responsibilities seen in administrative positions, such as overseeing all staff, planning and organizing all
daily activities, handling all student behavior issues, developing a positive behavior intervention and support
E system (Capturing Kids’ Hearts), and maintaining a great relationship with parents through effective
N communication skills. Lastly, over the past six years, I have taken an executive role in our education
association (WBEA) by holding the positions of elementary grievance chair and most recently, the EA
C secretary. I am also a member of the bargaining team. These roles have taught me the details of a
E contractual agreement, the bargaining process, as well as placing me into a district-wide leadership position.
The knowledge and skills I have gained are critical to have as an administrator that helps lead a school of
association members that are working within a contract.

While my professional background and leadership experiences are critical in developing my foundation as
an administrator, I believe it is my skills as a leader that will allow students and staff to reach their highest
potential. First and foremost, I have an absolute love for working with children. I do what needs to be done
to ensure they find a love for learning. I relate with them, laugh with them, and learn with them. I teach
S them about life, not just school. I push them to be the best they can be. I make them want to be at school,
K not have to be at school. In addition, I have always had a solid rapport with both parents and students. My
behavior management skills are a strong asset of mine. I have a calm demeanor when managing behavior
I issues, which helps keep discussions with students and parents from escalating. I believe in a combination
L of both positive reinforcement strategies, as well as staying firm and consistent with consequences. I
collaborate and get along well with all my colleagues, helping to establish and promote an open, supportive,
L and positive school climate. I have consistently participated in after school activities, which has allowed me
S to interact and develop stronger relationships with community members, showing them the love and
devotion I have for the district both inside and outside of the classroom. I believe my skills, as well as my
passion and commitment to my profession, are what qualify me for this Assistant Principal position.

For more details about what I have noted above, as well as other credentials, please review my submitted résumé. I
welcome the opportunity to discuss with you in person my qualifications that make me a good match for the West
Bloomfield Middle School Assistant Principal position. I look forward to hearing from you and appreciate your
consideration of interviewing me for this position.

Sincerely,
Thomas R. DeGrand