How to Write a Personal Statement As a Teacher

A personal statement outlines a teacher's beliefs about education

When applying for a teaching position, applicants are often asked to provide a personal statement or philosophy of teaching. This is a teacher's opportunity to showcase his/her beliefs about learning, while also highlighting their skills. A personal statement helps school administrators understand whether a candidate is a match for the school's philosophy of education.

Things You'll Need

• List of personal beliefs about learning
• List of skills
• Computer

Instructions

Writing Your Personal Statement

1. Determine your personal beliefs on learning. Do you believe all students can learn? Does learning take place when education is relevant? Is technology a key component to learning in today's world? Make a list of your personal beliefs, but keep it limited to five ideas.

2. Create a list of skills you possess as a teacher that relate to your beliefs on learning. For example, if you believe all students can learn, what skills do you possess to ensure that they do?

3. Begin writing your personal statement by showcasing your top two or three beliefs about learning. This should be about a paragraph in length.

4. Write a paragraph about how your skills relate to your personal beliefs on learning. This is an opportunity to introduce your style of teaching and give potential employers a snapshot of what your classroom would look like.

5. Include a paragraph on your professional goals. What do you hope to accomplish as a teacher? How do you plan to get there? Keep in mind that education is a field with constantly changing concepts and ideas, so it is good to address how you will keep yourself current while staying true to your beliefs.

6. Personalize your statement as you send it out. Research the school or district you are applying to and try to subtly reference their values in your paragraphs. For example, if you believe technology is essential to learning, look up the district's technological resources and include them in your skills section.

Tips & Warnings

• Limit your statement to no more than two pages.

References

• Essays on Teaching Excellence
• Nellie's English Projects
• Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, Iowa State University