Your personal statement is one of the most crucial parts of an application. Applications are used to assess your commitment to teaching, desire for self-development and enthusiasm for education. Your personal statement provides a first impression of you as an applicant, make sure it is organised and literate. Here are some more tips below:
- Get the grammar, spelling and punctuation right. A statement filled with errors will give a negative impression of your skills and the effort you have put in.
- Your statement must be written in Standard English.
- Prepare your personal statement using a word-processing package and then copy and paste it into the application form once you have checked the spelling.
- Organise your information so that it is clear and easily accessible for the reader.
- Give examples of why you want to teach and how you feel you could undertake the role.
- Give an indication of your enjoyment of studying and gaining knowledge, which is important when applying for an academic course.
- Put your classroom experience to good use and show how it has led you to believe that you could cope as a teacher. Show insight and recognise that there are different learning and teaching styles.
- Indicate your practical understanding of equal opportunities and give examples. Relate your knowledge and work experience to teaching and show how that will advantage the pupils.
- Explain why you want to teach and provide evidence that you have the necessary skills and qualities to become a good teacher. If you mention your personal interests and hobbies, try to link them to the skills and experience required for working in schools.