...Personal Statements

 

Applying for an NQT Post 
Writing a Personal Statement

A personal statement is usually requested to support an application for a teaching position. The statement serves to help potential employers shortlist candidates for interview.  It should summarise key skills and interests, set out strengths and experience, and demonstrate sound writing in standard English.

This brief article sets out some tips and principles to guide you to write a good statement, which is accurate, clear and economical. It includes a suggested structure - in the form of a writing frame - to support you with the process.

To begin, here are some key principles worth adhering to, to help ensure that your personal statement does its job and supports (rather than scuppers) your application:

• There is no need to write at length about wanting to be a teacher if you are already on a teacher training programme.
• Write economically; two A4 pages max, as a guide. But do note and include specific expectations from the employer.
• Give concrete examples of what you do in the classroom which has made a difference to pupils and their learning.
• Avoid cliché, quoting too much of the Teachers’ Standards or appearing arrogant (by bragging, for instance).
• Write in error-free English. Your application is likely to be rejected if there are any spelling or punctuation mistakes, or if your grammar is flawed.

The next step - there's no avoiding it - is to get writing. Use the suggested sections below to guide the structure of your personal statement. (Do not include the subheadings in your final personal statement.) Limit the time you spend writing your statement - it is just one of several important aspects of your application. Also limit what you try to include - an interviewer can ask you for more information... they don't need your life story!

 

Introduction                    Describe why you are you applying to the school and/or local authority or for the post. What attracts you to the school or authority? Describe briefly what you have read about the school, or seen during a visit, which confirms you would like to work there.

Professional Values and Beliefs Outline what is important to you. If equality of opportunity or inclusion are key values, give an example of when and how you put them into practice on a school placement. What is your personal philosophy regarding education?

Professional Knowledge and Understanding Select and describe examples of what you have learned on your journey to become a teacher. What understanding have you developed during your training year? What notable certification or qualifications do you have? Include your understanding of the critical importance of safeguarding.

Professional Skills Sell yourself and your capacity to develop into a highly effective teacher. Give a few carefully selected examples of the planning and teaching you have done and how it contributed to the learning and experience of pupils. What have you done that has made a difference? You might describe a particularly creative or exciting lesson, or supporting the progress of a pupil or group over a sequence of lessons.

Interests and Attributes Consider what stands you apart from other applicants. What languages do you speak? Outline relevant transferable skills from previous work, voluntary experience or interests (e.g. project management; competence with information technology). If you are particularly interested in film, music, sport or games then say so. Employers want to know that you can maintain a good work-life balance, with interests beyond teaching... which might also contribute to the school beyond your own classroom.

Before sending off your statement make sure it's checked and edited carefully. If there are obvious errors or the opening is unnecessarily convoluted then your hard work may be wasted. Ask someone you trust to read through your statement for you, for their honest opinion on its clarity, economy and accuracy. 

Then, hit send. Good luck!

DJA


For more support with the application and interview process, see the following posts:

Demo Lessons... http://danieljayres.blogspot.com/2013/12/demo-lessons.html

Interview Day... http://danieljayres.blogspot.com/2014/02/interview-day.html