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Teacher Training Personal Statement Examples

personal statement why you want to teach

What is a teacher training personal statement?

The teacher training personal statement is your opportunity to let training providers know about your qualities, skills and expertise, and why you want to teach.

While your application form briefly outlines your qualifications, skills and work experience, your teaching personal statement is where your personality shines through.

Take your time with it, be prepared to receive constructive feedback and write a few drafts before you send it off.

How do I write a good teacher training personal statement?

To help you write a successful teacher training personal statement, we recommend you include:

  • use examples to back everything up, based on your teaching experience so far
  • tailor your personal statement according to the age group you wish to teach
  • write using concise English, using first person terms such as 'my' and 'I'
  • be original and honest - don't embellish the truth or lie outright
  • avoid clichés and general statements, such as 'since a young age' or 'I've always wanted to be a teacher'
  • demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for teaching.

You have up to 4,000 characters to write a memorable opening, middle and conclusion.

Don't waste your valuable space on writing about things that are already on your UCAS form elsewhere, such as your qualifications.

What should I include in my teacher training personal statement?

When planning out your personal statement, ask yourself what it is your training providers are looking for. Make sure your statement answers the following questions:

  • Why do I want to teach? - show that you know about the challenges and rewards of teaching, and remember that everything has its ups and downs. Maybe talk about any lessons you have observed/taught, what went well and how you would have improved on them. Discuss teaching styles used and the use of technology in the classroom.
  • Why do I want to teach this age group/at this level? - what appeals to you, and what experience do you have teaching these students/children?
  • What are my strengths? - include the relevance of your degree and subject knowledge.
  • What experience do I have? - include any experience you have of volunteering with children, such as teaching a sports team, youth work or working at a summer camp? Give examples of how this helpd develop your teaching skills.
  • What personal skills/abilities do I have? - these might include research, creativity, time management, IT skills, problem solving, managing people, organisational skills, listening skills, leading or working in a team. To strengthen your application, make sure you back everything up with examples.
  • Are there are any location restrictions? - if you don't currently live in the UK, why do you want to study here? Are you willing to move away from your current home town/city for your degree?

You only have up to 47 lines (4,000 characters including spaces) in which to persuade your chosen initial teacher training (ITT) providers to offer you an interview. The statement must be concise, enthusiastic and sell your potential to be a successful teacher.

For more help and advice on what to write in your teacher training personal statement, please see:

  • Personal Statement Editing Services
  • Personal Statement Tips From A Teacher
  • Analysis Of A Personal Statement
  • The 15th January UCAS Deadline: 4 Ways To Avoid Missing It
  • Personal Statement FAQs
  • Personal Statement Timeline
  • 10 Top Personal Statement Writing Tips
  • What To Do If You Miss The 15th January UCAS Deadline.

What is a teacher training degree?

Teacher training degrees combine the study of curriculum subjects with learning teaching techniques and putting these into practice during hands-on school placements. The course leads to QTS (qualified teacher status) to enable you to teach in a school or college.

How long is a teacher training course?

To teach in England and Wales you need to gain QTS. You will obtain this on an ITT programme, which could be school or university-based and takes approximately one year to complete.

How do I become a teacher with a degree?

To teach as a qualified teacher in England, you'll need qualified teacher status (QTS). If you already have a degree, you can complete a postgraduate teacher training course to achieve this. Additionally, you'll need to have a GCSE at grade C/4 in maths and English, as well as science if you want to teach primary.

Can I train to be a teacher without a degree?

Unfortunately no - you cannot become a teacher without a degree.

But if you are an undergraduate or have a degree in a different subject than what you want to teach, there are options to help you get into a teaching career.

Will I get paid for teacher training?

There are three types of funding available for teacher training - depending on your circumstances, you could receive all three:

  • Tax-free bursary or scholarship.
  • Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan.
  • Extra financial support if you're a parent, have an adult dependant or a disability.

Further information

For more tips and advice on teacher training personal statements, please see:

  • GetIntoTeaching
  • The Complete University Guide

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Teacher training interview questions.

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Teaching personal statement examples

Giving you the chance to show why you'd be a great teacher, your personal statement is an important part of your application and worth taking the time over

What is a teaching personal statement?

Your personal statement is used to explain why you want to become a teacher and your suitability for the role. While your application form briefly outlines your qualifications, skills and work experience, your teaching personal statement is where your personality shines through.

Take your time with it. Many candidates often spend a few weeks on this part of the application as you don't have to write it all at once. You should get someone to read over it and be prepared to receive constructive feedback and write a few drafts before you send it off.

It's important to:

  • use examples based on your recent teaching experience
  • tailor your personal statement according to the school/age group
  • use good, clear, written English, using first person terms such as 'my' and 'I'
  • be original and honest
  • avoid clichés and general statements, such as 'I've always wanted to teach'
  • demonstrate a passion for teaching.

While it's crucial to get it right, your teaching personal statement is only a small part of the application process. Find out how else you'll need to prepare to  get a teaching job .

How to write a personal statement for teaching

Your personal statement should be between 500 and 1,000 words. It's crucial that you  don't copy  and that the statement you provide is  your own work .

This is your opportunity to:

  • write about any relevant skills and experience you have
  • explain your understanding of why teaching is important
  • detail why you want to become a teacher
  • list any extra skills or experience you have, such as volunteering or first aid.

See  personal statements for postgraduate applications  for more guidance.

The nature of your personal statement will vary, depending on the type of teaching you'd like to pursue. Take a look at some of our example personal statements to get an idea of how they differ.

Personal statement for PGCE primary

As well as focusing on roles in which you've gained experience with primary-age children, a PGCE primary personal statement should demonstrate your well-rounded personality and any skills that could be useful for the range of extra-curricular activities primary schools provide (such as the ability to read music for recorder lessons, or drama experience to help with school plays).

Personal statement for PGCE secondary

Many good PGCE secondary personal statements acknowledge the challenges involved in teaching older pupils and provide examples of where the candidate has worked to overcome these problems. As secondary teaching roles are geared towards teaching a specific subject, training providers are looking for more evidence of your subject and degree knowledge.

Personal statement for School Direct

If you're applying for the salaried School Direct route, you should discuss the experience you've gained in the classroom prior to your application. One of your references will need to be from an employer, or someone who can comment on your work ethic and suitability for teaching. Don't worry if your degree is unrelated to the subject you'd like to teach - you may still be able to apply by completing a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) course .

Find out more

  • Discover how to structure a teaching CV .
  • Find out what it's really like to be a primary or secondary school teacher .
  • Search postgraduate courses in teaching .

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Dream Career — Why I Want to Be a Teacher: A Personal Statement

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Why I Want to Be a Teacher: a Personal Statement

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Published: Jun 13, 2024

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The joy of imparting knowledge, the rewards of witnessing student growth, the opportunity to inspire and empower.

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Why do you want to be a teacher?

How to Answer “Why Do You Want to be a Teacher?”

posted on November 30, 2020

For this month’s career content, I’m focusing on that inevitable question any future-educator will receive, “Why do you want to be a teacher?”

I’m an educator and love it. It’s a great career and a solid financial path despite what most people believe. But that’s not a good reason to become a teacher, and not a great answer in an interview. Let me prepare you to nail this common teacher interview question.

“Why do you want to be a teacher?”

You can be absolutely certain that this question will show up sometime in your journey to become a teacher. It may be part of your application to college, a formal part of the teacher interview, or a seemingly casual conversational question from another educator.

As a school principal , I don’t ask this when hiring a teacher. I do, however, ask it of any student teacher candidates we host. I know our district uses a version of it in applications for our Grow Your Own Program .

Whenever it’s asked, your answer will contribute to the impression other educators have of you. 

I’m going to help you form your answer. I’m not going to give you a “hack” because you can’t and shouldn’t fake your way into the profession. It’ll backfire on you. 

But, if you really want it, we’ll make sure you’re able to describe why in an impactful way. Even better, clarifying this for yourself will help keep you motivated.

Table of contents

The path that led you to this point, a fulfilling moment with a student or teacher, impact – the key ingredient, be positive.

  • Focus On Kids 

Be Authentic

Don’t ramble, implications of the fallback, example 1 – why do you want to be a teacher, example 2 – why do you want to be a teacher , example 3 – why do you want to be a teacher, why do you want to become a teacher essay, summary – how to answer why do you want to be a teacher, why do i want to be a teacher.

To help you formulate your answer, I suggest you sit down and think through these three things. They’ll enable you to create both a tight impactful answer and form the foundation for a longer response.

Since you’re reading this post, I’ll assume you’ve already decided to be a teacher. You may even be well down the road and preparing for interviews. Fantastic! We need good teachers in the profession.

Sit down and write out how you ended up at this point. Trace your education and career path. Just sketch it all out. List as many different choices and paths as you remember. 

Here’s an example of what that may look like:

  • Planned to be an astronaut – read science books all through elementary school
  • Parents split – poverty
  • Became obsessed with making money
  • Paper route in middle school
  • Worked at the local convenience store
  • Studied economics in high school
  • Worked weekends at a home improvement store
  • Went to college for economics – looking to make lots of money
  • Ended up in an office job. Hated it.
  • * Volunteered in teacher friend’s classroom *
  • * Felt drive to do something that mattered *
  • Enrolled in an MAT program

Look for those pivot points, the moments that set you on the path to teaching. Highlight those. (I marked two above with *bold*.)

Your story will be different. Some people knew when they were very young that they wanted to be a teacher. They may have fewer points. That’s great, too!

You can’t make it clear to other people why/when you decided to be a teacher unless YOU are clear. Moments matter, and we’ll talk about that more in the next step.

Moments matter. Both for individual motivation and for stories. Indeed, Chip and Dan Heath wrote a whole book on it: The Power of Moments.  

I’ve witnessed dozens of times how a candidate sharing an impactful moment hits the interview team. Many teachers are driven by those personal moments and interactions, so they resonate deeply with educator panels.

Don’t wait until you’re asked to try and think of a moment. Take time now and write out a few moments in education that had an impact on you. 

It can be something you experienced as a student with a teacher, or a moment you’ve had in your education path with a student. Both are equally impactful.

Make sure it’s authentic and personal. Scripted obviously fake moments stick out and work against you. But real moments are gold.

Oh, and while I always advise keeping things as positive as possible, it’s okay if a moment is a negative experience that led you to want to do it better.

A few examples:

In 3rd grade, my parents split. As the oldest kid in my family, I suddenly had a lot of responsibility. I walked around like a zombie, but somehow my third grade teacher Ms. Holland noticed and asked me what was going on. She was the first person I told. She said it was probably hard at home, but it was okay to be a kid at school.

In 10th grade, my US History teacher challenged me to be the first person in our school to ever get a 5 on the AP US History exam. I’d been struggling with self-doubt and the matter-of-fact way he assumed I could do it changed everything.

While I was volunteering in my friend’s classroom, she asked me to read with a first-grade student who was struggling. I’d go in a few times each week and we’d read together. For several weeks, the student (I’ll call her Sara) was quiet and sad. Then one day, I came in and she sprinted to me with a book in her hand. “Ms. Jones taught me to read! I’m going to read this book to you now!” 

You will not use all of your examples, but your answer to this question (and others) will benefit from having thought through and clarified these examples.

Moments matter. Make sure you have a few clear in your head and ready to go.

Moments matter, but your personal inspiration isn’t the primary reason you’ll be selected to be a teacher. Liking kids isn’t enough (though it matters.) You need to be driven to have an impact on students.

As a principal, more than anything else I listen for this in a response. Even if you nail the first two, if your “why” isn’t firmly embedded in making a difference for students you have missed the mark.

While the first two are personal and require reflection, this one may require deeper thought. Answer these questions for yourself:

What will change because you become a teacher?

Why did you choose the subject / speciality level that you did?

How will you know you’ve made a difference after a year, ten years, or a career?

A moment will hook people. A strong statement of impact will seal the deal.

Putting It All Together Into Why You Want To Become a Teacher

Okay, now that you’ve written out your thoughts you have all you need to prepare your best answer. Before I get to the examples, here are important things to keep in mind when framing your answer:

This is true in all interviews, but remember to frame your answer in positive language. You want the listener/reader to know you believe that things can and should be better. 

Focus On Kids 

Why it matters to you is important, but not everything. Teaching is a service profession and your answer should be grounded in students and why you will be good for them as a teacher. An incredibly inspiring story that doesn’t mention students will crash and burn.

Don’t make things up and don’t fake emotions. I’ve seen some really awkward attempts at this. It always shows.

Be honest, and stay within your personality. If you’re cheesy – feel free to be cheesy. But if you’re a quiet person, respond authentically and earnestly. 

You’re reading this post to make sure you’re prepared. Part of being prepared is forming a tight answer that has impact. Include all the important information, but do it in a way that flows quickly and focuses the listener/reader on your answer, not a thousand extraneous pieces of information.

Never Include These Things In Your Answer

Yes, I believe that teaching is a solid choice for a career. It’s the point of this site. However, that’s not a reason to be a teacher. There are better professions for your finances.

Most importantly, the vast majority of educators view education as a calling. They don’t want to hear you say it’s about the paycheck.

If you entered education as part of a career change (like I did) then frame it as being called to service. Don’t imply that you’re looking to become a teacher because you couldn’t find anything else to do or are looking for an easier route. 

Yes, teachers do get summers off. You’ll be surprised to find that your summers, especially the early ones, are busier than you expect. ( Teachers don’t get paid in the summer! ) 

Summers off aren’t a good reason to choose a profession. Don’t include this in your answer. Just don’t.

“Why Do I Want To Become a Teacher?” Examples

Okay, with those things in mind, let’s look at some example answers and why they work.

“I think I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I remember as early as 7 years old running a classroom for my younger brother and sister. My decision was affirmed again and again by great teachers I had in middle school and high school. I used to watch and take notes on what worked and didn’t work. During high school, I took career classes and worked on the weekends at a child care center. I’ve never wavered in my desire to teach, and know that I can make the biggest difference at elementary school. I know there are huge disparities in outcomes by race and believe we can change that by eliminating the gap as early as possible.”

This works because it combines the old standby of “I was born to be a teacher” with specific examples of focusing on the craft and skill of teaching in addition to the passion. It closes with a specific desire for impact related to choosing elementary teaching as a focus.

“My parents split when I was young, and my mom worked hard to take care of us. But, we were poor and I hated it. I spent my years in high school and college obsessing over how to become rich. Then I started down the finance career path. It felt hollow and empty. I was making money, but it didn’t really matter. To give something back and do something that mattered, I started volunteering in a friend’s classroom. I still remember the first time one of her first-graders flipped from non-reader to reader. It was magic, and I wanted to learn to be a magician. Every kid we can give the gift of reading to is worth any million dollars I could earn.”

This answer starts with a personal detail that draws the listener in. Then it has a career pivot with a specific student story. Finally, it emphasizes the power of teaching and the drive to make a difference.

“I had some great teachers as a kid. But, as a black boy, I saw how differently some teachers treated us. I’ll never forget in fifth grade when they named the TAG (talent and gifted) students in the grade. Not a single black or brown student was on the list. I knew some of us were just as smart. I watched friends fall away and become disillusioned or drop out. Not me, I became determined to be the kind of teacher that lifts up all students. I know only ⅔ of students of color graduate on time in this district, and I’m ready to be part of changing that.”

This is a real answer I heard a candidate give. As a teacher, it made me immediately want to work with him as a colleague. It starts with a negative story that moves quickly into a drive to make impact. Finally, it closes with a specific piece of data that links the story to the real world and a need for change.

I’ve been asked to complete an essay version of this question three times in my life. First, when applying for graduate school to become a teacher. Second, in an education philosophy course. Finally, in one of my early teacher job applications I had to submit this as an essay. 

Each time, my essay got a little better. But, I have to be honest, I don’t think any of those versions would meet my expectations now. I want to make sure yours does.

Use the three building blocks we discussed above. I’d advise starting with the moments to establish your path and desire for becoming a teacher. Moments hook.

Then, use the remaining space in the essay to focus on impact. Research data points and strategies and describe the steps you plan to take. This takes the essay from what some might perceive as “fluff” to inspiration with real world action.

If you look at the previous examples of short-form answers, you can probably see how these could be expanded into a longer essay or statement.

An example outline for such an essay (using example 2) might look like this:

  • Working hard in school – inspired to action by teachers
  • Volunteering – “aha moment” with a student
  • Prison populations predicted by third-grade reading rates
  • Only x% of students in our community are reading at grade level by third grade
  • Impact of reading strategies at early grades
  • Excitement to implement these strategies
  • Teaching young students to read changes lives and improves the community

Using the simple framework, but expanding the stories and (most importantly) adding research on impact and strategies will produce a strong essay that hooks the reader and presents a clear desire to make a difference. Trust me, you will stand out.

How to answer "Why Do you want to be a teacher?"

Whether it’s an interview question, an application statement, or an essay, you will undoubtedly encounter this question in your journey to become a teacher. Be prepared and increase your chances with the following steps:

  • Your career path (note the pivot points)
  • Personal moments / stories with teachers or students
  • How you will have impact
  • Be positive
  • Be authentic
  • Focus on kids
  • Keep the statement tight (Don’t ramble) 

If you follow these simple steps, you’ll clarify for yourself and others why you want to become a teacher. Your answer will keep you motivated during the challenging times AND stand out in any selection process.

Other Posts to Check Out:

Reader interactions.

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November 30, 2020 at 10:27 am

I was never an official teacher, but teaching was the favorite part of my job. I was an engineer who ended up running a large corporation and was able to teach and mentor many others on my journey. Even right before retiring and since retiring some of my consulting has been teaching new engineers things they need to learn to be successful. It is just fun to have a positive impact on the lives of others. I chose the niche field of chemical engineering because I had niche skills at science and math that few people had, but what I really got to enjoy the most was teaching others and helping them grow. I suspect a lot of your readers are not officially educators but have teaching as an integral part of who they are.

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December 1, 2020 at 5:38 pm

Definitely true. For many who have a high degree of knowledge in a field, passing it on can be rewarding. While teaching can be a career, it can absolutely be something one does in any field.

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Why do you want to be a Teacher? 13 Example Answers

  • Posted by by Emily Adders
  • February 4, 2023

Why do you want to be a teacher? This is one of the most commonly asked teacher interview questions out there, and it’s one of the trickiest ones to answer as well.

In theory, any aspiring teacher should be able to answer this question with relative ease, but from my experience, this isn’t always the case.

If you find it difficult to explain why you want to be a teacher , here are some key points you should emphasize in your interview:

  • Your desire to help students succeed.
  • Your enthusiasm and dedication to teaching.
  • Your love of working with children.
  • Your ability to inspire students.
  • Your willingness to go the extra mile for your students.
  • Your commitment to helping bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world experience.
  • Your aspiration to become a role model for students.

Here are 13 example answers you can use as a basis to answer “why do you want to be a teacher?”. As always, try to add your own unique touch to whichever answer you like.

1. “I believe teaching is more than just imparting knowledge; it’s also about instilling values and inspiring enthusiasm for learning. I am devoted to the idea that all students should have access to quality education and I’m determined to help them reach their full potential. ”

2. “I want to be a teacher because I believe in the importance of education for creating a better society. Teaching provides me with an opportunity to shape young minds and inspire the next generation to become productive, successful citizens.”

3. “I’m a teacher because I love working with children and watching them grow. I find it incredibly rewarding to see a student’s face light up when they finally understand a concept or have success in an area where they were struggling.”

4. “I want to be a teacher because I believe that every child deserves to have access to quality education, regardless of their background or economic situation. Teaching provides me with an opportunity to make sure that all students are given the right tools and knowledge to achieve success in life.”

5. “I’ve always had a passion for teaching and I want to share my knowledge with others in order to help them reach their goals. I believe that education is the key to a successful future and I want to do my part in making sure every student has access to quality education.”

Related: 11 qualities of a good teacher.

6. “I am passionate about helping students learn and grow, both academically and personally. As a teacher, I have an opportunity to make an impact on young people during a critical time in their lives by teaching them important life skills and providing guidance that will help shape their future.”

7. “I love being around children and inspiring them to reach for the stars! I believe that a good teacher has the ability to motivate students, bring out new talents, and instil a lifelong passion for learning. This is what motivates me to pursue a career in teaching.”

8. “I believe that education is a right, not a privilege, and I want to do my part in creating equal access to quality education for all students. Being a teacher allows me to become an advocate for those who are underserved and underrepresented in our educational system.”

9. “I have always been interested in working with children and teaching felt like the perfect match for my skills and interests. I am excited by the prospect of helping children reach their full potential and guiding them in their pursuit of a successful future.”

10. “I believe that teachers play an important role in creating a better future through education, and I want to be part of that process. As a teacher, I have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of my students and help ensure that they have access to quality education.”

11. “I am motivated by the idea that teaching provides me with an opportunity to mould young minds and shape our society for the better. Teaching is about more than just imparting knowledge; it’s also about inspiring enthusiasm for learning and instilling values that can last a lifetime. ”

12. “I want to be a teacher because I believe in the power of education to make our world a better place. I am passionate about helping students learn and discover their potential, while also providing them with the encouragement they need to strive for success.”

13. “I have always been passionate about learning, and teaching helps me share this passion with others. I find great joy in being able to help my students understand difficult concepts and grow academically. Working as a teacher is an incredible privilege, and I am excited to work with students of all ages.”

Related: Why should we hire you as a teacher?

Wrapping up

Whether you are passionate about teaching, have always dreamed of being a teacher, or simply believe that it’s the best way for you to make a difference in the world, it’s important to express your motivations clearly and honestly.

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Free Examples of Effective Teaching Personal Statement

Table of Contents

The personal statement is an important part of the teaching application process. It allows you to provide information about yourself that doesn’t appear in your resume or transcripts.

When writing your personal statement, be sure to focus on the qualities that make you a good teacher. Before giving you  examples of personal statements for teaching jobs , we have a few tips to help you.

Important Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for a Teaching Job

When creating your personal statement , it’s important to remember why you want to become a teacher. We dive further into this and more in this section of the article.

Start With Why You Chose Teaching As a Profession

What do you love about teaching? What drives you? Define what makes a great teacher for you and explain how your experiences have prepared you for this career.

Be specific and honest in describing both your strengths and weaknesses as they relate to teaching. Ultimately, the goal is for the recruiter to understand why you’re the best choice for the job.

Explain How You Have Developed This Passion

Your statement should explain how you developed your passion for teaching. Choosing teaching as a profession isn’t enough. How did you nurture this passion?

Describe Any Experience You Have Had Working With Students

You need to describe your previous experience working with students. Doing this helps demonstrate your ability to handle students and work in a school environment.

Highlight Your Strengths and Skills As They Relate to Teaching

Don’t be shy to highlight your teaching strengths and skills. You’re competing with others for the job. Only qualified candidates with skills related to the job get interviewed. Highlight any experience or qualifications that are relevant to the role.

Tailor the Statement to the Job Description

Like any job opening, be sure to read the job description. This helps ensure you tailor your personal statement specifically for the position you’re applying for . 

It is unbecoming for a teacher to submit a statement full of errors. Proofread and edit your statement carefully before submitting it.

Examples of Personal Statements for Teaching Jobs

man and woman sitting on chairs

We have some of the best examples of personal statements for teaching jobs for you. Read through to see what your personal statement should look like.

Teaching has been a lifelong passion of mine. I began working with children as soon as I was old enough to volunteer in my local Sunday school program. Since then, I have continued to work with students of all ages in many different settings, including public schools, after-school programs and summer camps. My experience has taught me that nothing is more rewarding than helping young people learn and grow. 

I am confident that my skills and passion for teaching would make me an excellent educator. In addition to having classroom experience, I possess strong organizational and communication skills, which are essential for successfully managing a classroom environment.

Above all, however, what makes me an ideal teacher is my dedication to the success of each individual student. Every child deserves the opportunity to find their own unique strengths and passions. It is my goal as a teacher always be there to help them discover these things within themselves.

I am a compassionate and dedicated teacher with years of experience in the field. Above all, I believe that teaching is not simply a profession. Rather, it is a calling that allows me to share my knowledge and help others learn and grow. 

My approach is student-centered. I adapt my instruction to meet their unique needs while fostering an environment where they can feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes. In addition to having strong classroom management skills, I have a proven track record of developing engaging curricula tailored for students at different levels. Ultimately, I view teaching as an opportunity not only to impart important academic knowledge but instill lifelong values such as curiosity, resilience, and compassion.

It’s always nerve-racking to go through the application process for a teaching job. If you put some thought into it, it becomes easier. Focus on what’s important: the skills, strengths, and experience that make you right for the job. 

Free Examples of Effective Teaching Personal Statement

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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How to write the perfect teaching personal statement

Application and interview, tes editorial.

Teacher Personal Statement

When applying for a new job, you may be competing with tens or hundreds of other applicants in a race for the role.

The HR manager or headteacher recruiting for the job will be scrutinising every detail of your application to make sure they are bringing in the right people for interview.

The application form is the first hurdle you have to get over and sets the first impression of you as a person in the recruiter’s mind.

  • Advice on honing your job search
  • How to write a personal statement for teacher training
  • How to write a must-read CV

The personal statement: why does it matter? 

The personal statement presents the perfect opportunity to show you are an exceptional candidate, understand teaching and know the school you are applying to.

It is not an easy task and is a tricky thing to get right. It requires being concise and clear – it shouldn’t be too long or read like a list.

You should talk about yourself and your professional achievements, while at the same time apply those experiences to the school itself.

We spoke to Malcolm Trobe, deputy general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders , about what goes into the perfect personal statement. Here's what he said:

What does a great teaching personal statement look like?

"In general, I would say no longer than two sides of A4 – typescript. It needs to be well structured and linked to the specific school. It will need to include a number of key areas, including behavioural management, educational philosophy, subject expertise, pedagogy, personal organisation and skills and enrichment activities that the candidate can bring."

What should it contain?

"I would recommend that candidates include three elements in each of the key areas:

  • What their beliefs/philosophy/approach is – i.e., the theory
  • Their experience in that area
  • How they would use that experience in the school they are applying to and specific to the job they are applying for

The statement should also include something personal in terms of their outside interests to indicate that they live an interesting and well-balanced life."

What are school leaders looking to read in a good personal statement?

"They will want to see something of the person’s character come through. It must not be just a list of achievements or repeat of the CV. It needs to be well-written, error-free and mention the school they are applying for – but not too many times. It should read as if it has been specifically written for the school and job they are applying for. I would be looking for something similar to the approach I have indicated above, covering all of the key areas and indicating that they have a vocation for working with young people. Somehow I would like to see a ‘generosity of spirit’ come through in the statement."

How can a candidate stand out in a personal statement?

"A good personal statement needs to include something of the person themselves. It has to make the reader believe that the candidate has something special without bragging or appearing arrogant – but something a bit above what other candidates may offer. A really good introduction and ending are important, and it's worth spending a great deal of time crafting those sections of the statement. Hook the reader in at the beginning and finish on a high note so that they want to meet the person and explore what has been written."

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How to write a teacher personal statement

A teacher talking to students while they're working.

Your personal statement is your first opportunity to show the school you’re a great fit for the job, and gets you closer to being shortlisted for an interview. The more you show how your skills and interests match the school’s ethos and values, the better. We’ve spoken to a range of teachers to get their top tips for success.

What experience do you have?

Schools want to hear about your trainee experience with different subjects, key stages, types of school, and working with a range of pupils.

Think about your approach to teaching, how you keep pupils engaged, and how you communicate with different kinds of people (children, staff, parents and carers). Ensure you provide evidence for how you have improved student engagement and built positive relationships with pupils.

Schools will be interested in your approach to behaviour management, so think about your go-to strategies.

Are you engaged in teaching theory and research?

Think about any research that has affected your teaching practice. Explain what has worked well and if it didn’t, what you learnt.

Are you up to date on safeguarding statutory guidance?

You need to demonstrate your awareness of the importance of safeguarding and the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education . Include any examples of how you worked with a Designated Safeguarding Lead.

What are your skills and qualities?

Are you a well-organised, confident, and motivated teacher? Say it, and provide examples! Schools are looking for great communicators, team players and relationship builders. Make sure you say how you create a positive learning environment, and consider skills like time management, organisation, and flexibility. Schools will also want to know how you overcome challenges.

How can you contribute to wider school life?

Set yourself apart by showing how your hobbies and achievements could contribute to the wider school community. Could you run an after school club or organise school trips?

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Teacher interview questions answered: Why do you want to be a teacher?

Each of us has some values, ambitions, fears and worries . These things determine to a huge extend our career choice , though we should realize that the ambitions and fears are also determined by something–our upbringing, role models, things we experienced in our childhood. You can talk about all these things when the hiring committee inquires why you want to become a teacher , or when they ask you a similar question, for example “ What attracts you to teaching? “, or “ Why did you choose teaching as a profession? ” But what do they really want to hear from you?

First and foremost, they want to hear some enthusiasm in your voice . They want to feel that, regardless of the reasons why you opted for a teaching career, you are enthusiastic about your future, your teaching mission at their school. And they also want to hear a strong enough reason, something profound , since the strong motivation will help you get over difficult days in the classroom. And such days will undoubtedly come…

Let’s have a look at 7 sample answers to the question. The list contains some standard choices, but also a couple of strange and unconventional answers . Try to pick one that resonates with your values, and clearly explain the reasons why you want to be a teacher, and teach for many years to come.

7 sample answers to “Why do you want to be a teacher?” interview question

  • I chose teaching as a professions because I love the impact one can have on individual children , especially here at elementary level. Of course it’s a great responsibility , but at the same time I cannot imagine devoting my life to something else, especially since I love being around children –which is likely the second reason why I want to be a teacher. In my view, teaching is more a mission than a job really, especially in the uncertain times we live nowadays. I cannot wait to start working as a teacher.
  • I want to become a teacher because I believe to have the right skills, abilities, and attitude to become a good teacher. And I enjoy teaching, talking to children, listening to them , trying to understand their emotional world, and be a good role model for them. At the end of the day, we should do a job in which we see some meaningful purpose . I know that I could earn twice as much working in some big corporation analyzing some data or sitting at a computer programming another mobile application, the billionth on the app store…. But I just don’t see a point in such type of work. Teaching is a completely different story.
  • I just want to share my vast knowledge of history and geography with the students. I’ve been doing research in these field for years, publishing papers, going to conferences. At this stage of my professional career, however, I feel that I should hand the ball to the younger generation . It is time to share my knowledge with them, and perhaps have them better understand certain phenomenons of the modern day . History is the best teacher in this case, if you can look at it without prejudice. The proposition of helping them to see these things is highly motivating to me.
  • To be honest with you, my ultimate goal is to become a school principal , or even to establish a small private elementary school. But I am still young and inexperienced , and need to learn a lot from seasoned professionals. And I cannot see a better place than your school, which has an excellent reputation and renowned leadership. That’s why I want to work as a teacher here.
  • My goal to pay back a big favor attracts me to teaching as a profession . When I was young I struggled to find my place in life. I was a sort of an outsider, always attracted to strange ways, spending times with other outcasts. Had my episode with drugs, skipping school, and everything. But one teacher saved me from a path that would eventually lead me to a lie on the street. They showed huge confidence in my abilities , and they treated me as an equal. Certain things they said to me, and their trust, motivated me to change my ways completely. I became an excellent student, managed to quit drugs and  lousy lifestyle, and eventually graduated from the university. Nothing of it would have happened, however, had I not met that one teacher… Now it is my time to help other struggling youngsters find their way. Or at least try my best to do so.
  • To be honest, I am very concerned about the situation in the world. The inequality of people, the widening gap between the rich and poor, the conflicts we have all around. And I do not believe that some Messiah from heaven will come and save us . We people are responsible, and education is the most powerful weapon we have in our hands–if used correctly. I want to help educate children, especially in rural areas. Help them develop the right values, the sense of self-worth, and of course an ability to think critically and question the religious and political leaders . In this way I can play my small role in helping to make the world a better place. Maybe it is just a drop in the ocean. But even the biggest ocean consists of nothing but water drops…
  • Teaching is a calling I’ve been following from a young age . I am not sure if I can explain it clearly, why teaching, why not social work, or healthcare. But sometimes you just hear this voice in your head, this calling in your soul, and you know that something is the right thing to do , or the right goal to follow. That’s how I have always felt about teaching, that’s the reason why I chose my school, and ultimately the reason why I sit in this interview with you right now.

Conclusion, other tough questions for your teaching job interview

Teaching is a mission, a calling. Sometimes a pleasure, and sometimes a cross you carry on your shoulders . As long as you know why you do it, however, why you are a teacher and not a manager, engineer, or doctor, you will always get over the difficult period, or over some bad words you may hear in the classroom, or even from fellow staff members.

Ensure the hiring committee that you have your reasons, that they are deeply rooted in your heart, and you won’t quit the profession after first few months. And remember that stories are the best interview answers . Narrating a story of a teacher helping you in your young age, doing something that eventually changed the course of your life, is a great idea. If you have such story, share it with your interviewers.

And if you want to simplify your interview preparation , check out my new eBook the Teacher Interview Guide , for brilliant answers to all 40 teacher interview questions (+ more). Thank you!

Other interview questions that may interest you :

  • What are your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher?
  • Teacher interview – Tell me about yourself .
  • Where do you see yourself in five years as a teacher?
  • Teacher interview – Tell us more about your teaching experience.
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If you want to study for a teacher training degree that leads directly to qualified teacher status (QTS), then you'll need to write a strong personal statement that reflects your ambition and experience.

Remember, if you're applying to a non-QTS degree and planning to qualify as a teacher through the postgraduate route then your experience in schools is less important at this stage, but will be crucial in three years' time.

Teaching training: experience is essential

Degree courses that lead to QTS usually require you to meet certain criteria over and above their entry grades, often asking for you to have built up experience of working in a classroom or learning environment.

Universities may insist that you have a minimum of two or three weeks’ classroom experience, and they will want this to be recent or current. If you have worked in two or more contrasting schools or with different age groups, that’s all the better.

If you've had additional experience of working with children or students in other settings, that may also provide some useful content for your statement, although it won’t be sufficient on its own.

How to expand on your classroom experience

  • Outline your classroom experience and reflect on what you did, what you observed, and how it has informed your understanding of the role of teachers, the challenges they face, the nature of teaching and learning, or the interaction between the two.
  • Most importantly, describe some of the skills or qualities you’ve seen teachers use in the classroom, and show how you’ve demonstrated some of them yourself.
  • Reflect on any effective strategies you have seen teachers use to create a motivating and engaging learning environment, the way they interact with and inspire pupils, the way the classroom is managed, the way behaviour is managed, the way the curriculum is planned, or anything else that has made an impact on you.
  • Also reflect on anything significant you have gained from any experience of working with children in other settings.

More teacher training statement dos and don'ts

  • Explain why you want to teach , why you are interested in your chosen age range, and (if appropriate) why your specialist subject?
  • Say something relevant about your academic studies , and demonstrate your own enthusiasm for learning.
  • Mention any personal accomplishments or extra-curricular activities that you might be able to contribute to a school community.
  • Expand on any relevant skills or qualities you've demonstrated in a part-time job.
  • Comment on any current professional issues you’ve read about in, for example, the Times Educational Supplement (TES).
  • Don't forget the basics – the presentation, organisation, coherence, spelling, grammar, and punctuation of your statement will be crucial.
  • Don't include bland clichés such as 'I love children,' 'I was born to teach,’ 'I am passionate about teaching,' 'I have wanted to be a teacher from a young age' – or the word 'babysitting.'

If you are applying for a general degree in education that doesn’t lead directly to QTS, then demonstrate that you understand what the course involves, explain why you’re interested in it, and relate your academic interests and experiences to it.

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How to write your teaching personal statement

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Teaching Personal Statements

What is a teaching personal statement?

personal statement why you want to teach

UCAS Teaching Personal Statement

Your statement is the biggest part of the UCAS application process for becoming a teacher, and is the part you should spend the most time on. Try to make sure that you aren’t repeating things that have gone elsewhere in your application. All statements are different and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through, but the main themes you want to include are:

  • Why you want to be a teacher 
  • What you understand the role of a teacher to be
  • What your teaching experience or your relevant experience with young people has taught you
  • Proof that you have the skills needed for the classroom
  • That you understand the Scottish education system
  • That you understand the Curriculum for Excellence
"I’m originally from Dublin, but moved to Scotland to work in a primary school four years ago. At St David’s I work in a promoted post as a Development Officer. I’m a member of the management team and I’m also developing play-based learning. I would encourage anyone to teach here – there’s so many great opportunities." Aoife Lambert – Primary Teacher at St David's RC Primary School

personal statement why you want to teach

How to write your personal statement

Your personal statement can be up to 4,000 characters long, around 1,000 words. It might sound a lot, but it may be less than you think, so it is important to be concise and not use convoluted language. But it is also vital that you give yourself plenty of time to write it, and try to write multiple drafts to give yourself every chance of getting it right.

You need to outline why your skills are relevant to a classroom environment. Talk about any classroom experience you have. Talk about lessons you’ve observed and what it taught you about your own teaching practice. Talk about other relevant experiences you have with young people. Discuss the transferable skills you have from previous roles/education and how they relate to teaching.

Write it in Microsoft Word first and make sure you thoroughly proof-read it as the grammar and spelling need to be impeccable. If possible, get someone else to read it over for you. Don’t use different formatting such as bold or italic text, and ensure it is 100% your own work.

"I wanted to be a teacher from a young age. I knew I could help young people to better themselves and felt my work would have purpose. As a Business and ICT teacher, I cover a variety of subjects including Business Management, Administration, IT and Tourism. I teach pupils to be enterprising and develop practical skills for creating and running businesses while acquiring ICT skills." Mary Osei-Oppong – Business Education and ICT Teacher at Brannock High School

Mary Osei-Oppong

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How to write a great personal statement for a teaching job.

Vinny Potter

7 Feb 2024, 16:23

Discover our top tips on what to include in your personal statement for a teaching job and how to present your skills, knowledge, experience and attributes.

Teaching personal statement

Supported by:

Lift Schools

Your personal statement is the heart of your application for work as an early career teacher and should be tailored for each role. For teaching applications this is sometimes also called a letter of application, but it is essentially the same thing. This is your opportunity to provide evidence of how you match the needs of the specific teaching job you are applying for, and earn yourself an invitation to the next stage, which is likely to be a selection day held at the school.

Writing tips for personal statements

See our example personal statement for primary school teaching, below. Imagine it was written in response to the following job advert:

We are advertising for a Year 3 Classroom Teacher. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

  • Committed to our school and our values
  • Experience across a range of age groups
  • Committed to reflection and improving practice
  • Knowledge of the National Curriculum
  • Excellent lesson planning
  • Knowledge of assessment
  • Good knowledge of SEND and positive interventions
  • Positive approach to provide challenge and support student success
  • Excellent behaviour management
  • Good communication skills with parents
  • Enthusiastic and creative approach to lessons
  • Willing to contribute to the wider life of the school.

See our personal statement for secondary school teaching, below. Imagine it was written in response to the following job advert:

Country High School are advertising for an enthusiastic Secondary PE Teacher. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

  • Ability to adapt and tailor your approach for the differing needs of pupils
  • Knowledge of the National Curriculum for your subject
  • Knowledge of a wide range of sports
  • Willing to engage in extra curricular activities and the wider life of the school
  • Experience of supporting high ability students, as well as those who may be less able or motivated
  • Ability to use data effectively
  • Teach across all ability levels including SEND
  • Ability to use Technology to enhance learning.

When completing a personal statement for a teaching job, you should typically observe the following guidelines:

  • Do not write a generic statement. Instead use the person specification and job advert for the vacancy as a structure for your statement or consider using the government's Teachers' Standards if no person specification is provided.
  • Do not exceed two sides of A4, unless otherwise instructed.
  • Tailor your statement for each new application according to the nature of the school or LA and the advertised role.
  • Always read any guidance provided – many schools and LAs will tell you how they want this section set out.
  • Emphasise your individual strengths in relation to the role.
  • For a pool application, make sure you give a good overview of your skills and experience.
  • It is essential that you give specific examples of what you have done to back up your claims.

Primary school personal statement

Examples of a personal statements for a primary school teaching job.

Primary school personal statement example

Secondary school personal statement

See our example of a personal statement for a secondary school teaching job.

Secondary school personal statement example

What you should cover in your personal statement

When schools advertise graduate teaching jobs , they write a job description which states the essential attributes they are looking for. This is their marking criteria for the job. When they read your statement, they will usually score this based on their essential and desirable criteria. Therefore, you need to read their documents carefully to find the criteria and provide an example or evidence of each point. If the job advert does not include any documents which include their criteria, then you can use the following structure for your statement and use the Teachers’ Standards as a guide for the criteria they may be looking for.

Why you are applying for the role:

  • Refer to any knowledge you have of the LA or the school, including any visits to the school and what you learned from them.
  • Show you would be a good fit for the school. The best way to do this is to look at the school’s values and give an example of how you match these.
  • Mention any special circumstances (for example, your religious faith) which you think are relevant.

Details about your course:

  • Give an overview of your training course - including the age range and subjects covered - and any special features.
  • If you are a PGCE student, mention your first degree, your dissertation (if appropriate), any classroom-based research projects and relevant modules studied. Also mention if you have studied any masters modules.

Your teaching experience:

  • What year groups you have taught.
  • What subjects you have covered.
  • Your use and understanding of formative and summative assessment practices.

Your classroom management strategies:

  • Give examples of how you planned and delivered lessons and evaluated learning outcomes, including differentiation, scaffolding etc.
  • Explain how you have managed classrooms and behaviour.
  • Detail your experience of working with assistants or parents in your class.

Your visions and beliefs about primary/secondary education:

  • What are your beliefs about learning and your visions for the future? You could touch on areas such as learning and teaching styles and strategies.
  • Reflect on key policies relevant to the age range you want to teach.

Other related experience:

  • This can include information about any previous work experience.
  • Include training activities you have carried out and ways in which your subject knowledge has been developed.

Other related skills and interests:

  • Give details of any particular competencies, experiences or leisure interests. This will help the school to know more about you as a person and could ‘add value’ in a school environment.
  • Any involvement in working with children (running clubs, youth work and summer camps) is particularly useful to include.

Aim to end on a positive note. A conclusion which displays your enthusiasm in relation to the specific application and teaching in general will enhance your application - but avoid general statements and clichés.

Written by Vinny Potter, St Marys University, Twickenham, July 2023

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Your teacher training personal statement

Your personal statement is your chance to make yourself memorable with teacher training providers and show them why you’ll make a great teacher.

You do not have to write it all at once – you can start it and come back to it. Successful candidates often take a few weeks to write their personal statements.

How long should my teacher training personal statement be?

Your personal statement can be up to 1000 words. 90% of successful candidates write 500 words or more.

You could include:

  • skills you have that are relevant to teaching
  • any experience of working with young people
  • your understanding of why teaching is important
  • your reasons for wanting to train to be a teacher
  • any activities you’ve done that could be relevant to teaching (such as first aid courses, sports coaching or volunteering)

Teacher training providers want to see your passion and that you understand the bigger picture of teaching.

How to write your personal statement

When writing your personal statement you should make sure you check your spelling and grammar in your application. You want to make the best possible impression.

You can use ChatGPT or other artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help you write your personal statement. You should not rely on it to write your entire statement because:

AI tools use bland language and will not be able to give details about you as a person. Using them may result in your application being unsuccessful

your account to apply for teacher training may be blocked if you consistently submit personal statements that look like they have been written with AI tools

Do I use the same personal statement for each application?

You can use the same personal statement for every course you apply to.

However, there may be some instances where you’d like to tailor it to different courses.

For example, if you want to apply to train to teach maths and also to train to teach physics. In this case, you might want to change your personal statement to talk more specifically about the subject you’re applying to train to teach.

Should my personal statement be different if I’m training to teach primary or secondary?

You should use your personal statement to explain why you feel passionate about teaching a specific age range or subject.

If you’re applying for a primary course with a subject specialism, or you’re particularly interested in certain primary subjects, you can talk about that, too.

If you’re not sure if you want to teach primary or secondary, you can find out more about teaching different age groups .

Do I need school experience?

You do not need school experience to apply for teacher training, but it can help strengthen your personal statement.

Teacher training providers like to see that you have a good understanding of teaching, how the school system works and what your transferable skills are. You need more than just good subject knowledge and school experience can be a great way to get this.

Getting some school experience can also be a good way to make sure teaching is right for you before you apply for a course.

Find out how you could get school experience .

Get help with your personal statement

You can get help with your personal statement from our teacher training advisers . They have years of teaching experience and can give you free, one-to-one support by phone, text, or email.

Advisers can also help you understand more about what teaching is really like, which can help improve your application.

Having a teacher training adviser was really beneficial when editing my personal statement and preparing for interviews. My top tips for the application process would be to get an adviser, and to think about what transferrable skills you have when writing your personal statement and answering interview questions. Felix, former teacher trainee

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Your NQT Personal Statement – 13 Tips to Make it Stand Out

When you’re applying for your first NQT teaching job it can be quite challenging. You might feel like you’re all alone, with no one to help and advise you. We don’t want you to struggle and perhaps lose the opportunity to get that teaching position you have set your eyes on. Therefore, we’ve created this post just for you.

Once you’re ready to start looking for a teaching position, one of the first things you will need to prepare is your application. There are usually three main components to an effective application, and these elements are:

  • The application form
  • A supporting statement or letter of application
  • An executive summary to show how you comply with the criteria, and that you are the person the school is looking for.

In this article we will be focusing on your NQT Personal Statement. 

Your NQT personal statement is likely to be the first impression that you will make with this new school or NQT pool and an ideal opportunity to show your unique qualities that make you the best person for the position on offer. 

Therefore, you will want this opportunity to promote yourself to the school in the best way possible. So it’s important that your writing is coherent, focused and clearly explains your reasoning behind wanting to be a teacher. In addition, a strong NQT personal statement will set you apart from other candidates in the competitive marketplace. 

Just like a resume and cover letter for a regular job, your personal statement should be rewritten for every position you apply for.

Never use the same NQT personal statement for multiple applications. Generic personal statements are super easy for employers to spot. And after all, you want to shine, right? Plus, you don’t want to copy someone else’s statement. Your employer might screen all personal statements using a similarity detection service like Copycatch. This could really hurt your application right out of the gate. And quite possibly end up in the bin. 

Remember, your personal statement is your chance to show your personality and enthusiasm, relevant to the school and prove you understand what they are looking for.

Your personal statement also shows your communication skills. That’s why you want to grab their attention, just like you want to with your students at the start of every lesson.

What is the NQT personal statement?

The NQT personal statement is an important document which schools use to understand why you want to become a teacher and whether you are suitable to teach at their school.

Of course, your application form will lay out all your qualifications, your skills, your strengths and weaknesses and also any relevant work experience. But your NQT personal statement is where you allow your unique personality to shine.

It is important to put your heart into writing your statement. And be prepared to write multiple drafts.

How do you write an effective NQT personal statement?

Your application and your NQT statement are going to be the first steps in securing the position you are looking for. Therefore, you obviously want to make a great first impression. Be ready to go through multiple drafts. Take your time, and get feedback from friends and family members.

I’m sure you have a ton of questions, such as:

  • How do I write a killer, successful NQT statement?
  • Where do I start?
  • What should I include in my NQT statement?

These are all important questions. And I’m sure you have many more. So, let’s dive in and show you how to write an NQT statement which will stand out and give you the best chance of getting hired in your chosen teaching position.

Are you ready to write your killer NQT personal statement?

Great. Here are some important tips to help you.

1. The first rule when writing a successful NQT statement is to know your audience.

Before you start, it’s a great idea to step back for a minute and put yourself in your hiring manager’s shoes.

Think about what's important to them. What are they passionate about? What are they looking for? How can you improve their life?

When you think about what your hiring manager is looking for, you’ll have a much better chance of writing a concise and effective personal statement.

It’s a good idea to write a list of 10 things you think will be important to them.

However, the most critical step at this stage is to do your research and find out exactly what is required for this specific application. Different schools or LEA’s will have different requirements for the personal statement and should have guidelines somewhere in their application advert or portal.

Clearly your first task is to make sure that the personal statement you prepare is tailored to the requirements that have been set out for that job.

2. What is your objective?

  • What is the purpose of your personal statement?
  • Why should they hire you?
  • What action are you trying to get the reader to take?

You need to be clear on this before you start writing your personal statement. If the answer isn't clear to you, it certainly won't be clear to your potential employer.

3. Why do you want to be a teacher?

Seems a simple question on the surface. But this is a great opportunity to show you’ve thought through this question. You could mention a past teacher who inspired you. Or the challenges and rewards of teaching. You could also talk about any lessons you have observed or taught previously which impacted you. You could also discuss particular teaching styles and your interests in using technology in the classroom.

Key tip: Think about creating a story for this question. Remember, the hiring manager is first and foremost a human being. Many new teachers make the mistake of forgetting this vital point. You are equal to them in this respect. Use emotional language to touch your reader. Help them imagine themselves in the situation you are describing. Help them feel what it was like in the situation that drove your desire in becoming a teacher. This is a major key in rousing your reader’s emotions.

4. Make sure you start your personal statement strongly.

Just like a great book or movie, your opening sentence should stand out. Make it memorable, without being overly dramatic. Effective personal statements often start with what inspired you to enter teaching in the first place.

  • Did a high school teacher inspire you?
  • Was it your own experience of learning?
  • Was it a good or bad teacher you had previously?

This is a great opportunity to show some passion. Like point no.3 above, use some emotional language.

5. Why do you want to teach a particular age group?

Be ready to explain why a certain age group appeals to you. Mention specific examples of your experience with this age group.

For example, anyone who has taught kindergarten knows how much energy the students have. Lessons are always full on. And as cute as the kids are, if your lessons are not jam-packed with active, high-energy games, you’re going to lose them. 

Similarly, elementary students are at a stage where they are slowly beginning to think for themselves and many of them think they already know it all. At this age role-playing is effective, as the students like to see themselves as tiny adults. 

If your chosen age group is teenagers, you’ll be aware that this age group has its own challenges. Being a teenager has never been an easy task, and with so many changes going on in their lives and their bodies, their confidence is up and down. 

So, when you answer this question, you’ll need to show that you can relate to what is going on in your chosen group’s world. Show you are able to look back to when you were their age, relate to the age group and show how you keep your lessons relevant and exciting.

6. What experience do you have?

Relevant teaching experience is always going to help you when applying for any position. But it is also important to reflect on how that experience has helped you develop as a teacher. If you haven’t had much classroom time:

  • Do you have any experience in voluntary teaching?
  • Have you coached a sports team or been involved with a summer camp?

Obviously, as a new teacher, you can’t recite years of experience. Help your hiring manager imagine you in action. For example, you could describe a particular lesson which was either a success or failure. Think about retelling a memorable or challenging experience with a student, or a description of what your classroom looks and sounds like on a typical day. This will be much more valuable to enable them to envision your teaching experience than to cite pedagogical terms or talk vaguely about your teaching experience.

Always use specific examples of how your experiences have developed your teaching skills.

7. You should highlight your achievements, strengths and skills

Explain what you can bring to the school. Show how you differ from the other candidates. You could mention past experience and achievements, your unique talents, as well as your professional goals. You could also add specific classroom strategies you have developed and how they helped your students.

Many applications will make it clear that they want you to cover your specific qualifications, skills and understanding of elements of the National Curriculum, your classroom and educational skills plu your short and long term goals for making a difference to the education of your pupils.

The exact requirements should be set out in the application guidelines which should also tell you what you need to focus on.

8. How long should your NQT personal statement be?

This is not an essay. It’s simply a summary of you, your skills and your experience, and how they relate to the position you are applying for. Therefore, you should be specific and keep your personal statement short and informative.

This will help you keep your personal statement under a widely recommended  500-word limit. The school will not be impressed by minor childhood achievements, so keep your statement pertinent and focused.

That said, again, check the specific requirements in each case. Some applications will welcome a longer NQT personal statement, as is the case with Lambeth where we are happy to read up to three pages of A4, but no more.

If there is no guidance then the 500 word range is a very solid guide.

9. Make every word count

It’s a good idea to take a leaf out of a professional copywriter’s book here. Don’t waffle. Make every word count. Use powerful words where possible, without being overly dramatic. Avoid weak words like may, maybe, hope, wish, try, and perhaps. Instead, use words like will and can to help your personal statement command attention.

10. Take your time

Edit and then re-edit your personal statement. Besides being difficult to read, misspelled words and grammatical errors will destroy your credibility. Once you think you’ve written a great personal statement, it’s a good idea to leave it for a day or two. Then come back and see if you can improve it.

11. Read your statement out loud

This next tip is super-effective, and one many people fail to do. Read your statement out loud. If you do this, you’ll spot areas that don’t flow properly. And if you stumble when reading your statement out loud, you can be sure your potential employer will have the same trouble.

Key tip: Why don’t you record yourself as you read out your statement? This is simple to do with your phone. Then play it back and see if you can spot areas you can improve.

12. Let friends and relatives read your personal statement

Make sure whoever you ask to read your personal statement knows you want them to be critical. The whole purpose of this exercise is to improve your statement, not to make you happy that they love it. Choose your feedback team carefully. 

13. Finish strongly

The way you finish your personal statement should reinforce your enthusiasm for your career in teaching. Acknowledge that hard work is necessary, but also make your excitement stand out.

Your personal statement for PGCE primary

You should explain the experience you’ve gained with primary-age children.

The PGCE primary personal statements usually demonstrate your personality and the various skills you have which would benefit primary schools such as being artistic, your musical talents or your sporting prowess. 

All these types of skills would be very useful during primary schools’ extracurricular activities.  

Your personal statement for PGCE secondary

In this type of personal statement, you will want to make it clear you understand the challenges of teaching older students.

You could mention specific examples of situations and challenges you have faced teaching this age of students, and how you overcame them.  

You’ll also want to document how your degree ties in with the position you are applying for.

Final thoughts on your NQT Personal Statement

So, that is the nuts and bolts of what your NQT personal statement should include. The basic foundation for an effective personal statement is that it’s all about the pupils. What the school wants for the pupils, what you can provide for the pupils.  

You should always write your personal statement, and indeed your whole application from the angle of what will benefit the pupils, not what’s best for you.  The school is not interested at this stage in what’s good for you, it’s more interested in what’s good for its pupils, and if you can provide that. 

Now you know the structure of a strong NQT personal statement, we hope you will be in a perfect position to write an effective statement to get that dream job you’ve had your eyes on.

There’s more on the specific requirements of what Lambeth are looking for in the NQT personal statement for the Lambeth NQT pool on pages 10 and 11 of the NQT Information Pack which you can download here .

Remember that, as we said at the start of this article, each job you apply for should come with clear requirements for the application and hopefully some guidance. In the case of Lambeth we have a requirement for your NQT personal statement to clearly cover how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of being an NQT, and we outline a set structure that helps you do that.

Download our NQT Information Pack now to learn more.

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We have more helpful articles right here!

Climbing the teaching ladder: a guide to promotion for ects, stay, switch, or shift an ect’s guide to post-induction decisions, new teacher toolkit: navigating your first week as an ect, from trainee to teacher: 5 critical ect questions answered.

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COMMENTS

  1. Teacher Personal Statement Examples (With Helpful Tips)

    Here are a few teacher personal statement examples you can use as a reference when you're writing your own: Example 1: Entry-level teacher ... Your conclusion clearly articulates why you're applying for the teaching position and what you want to accomplish. Share your vision for what you may like to achieve in your next teaching position.

  2. Personal Statement Examples For Teaching

    The teacher training personal statement is your opportunity to let training providers know about your qualities, skills and expertise, and why you want to teach. While your application form briefly outlines your qualifications, skills and work experience, your teaching personal statement is where your personality shines through. ...

  3. Teaching personal statement examples

    explain your understanding of why teaching is important; detail why you want to become a teacher; list any extra skills or experience you have, such as volunteering or first aid. See personal statements for postgraduate applications for more guidance. The nature of your personal statement will vary, depending on the type of teaching you'd like ...

  4. Why I Want to Be a Teacher: a Personal Statement

    The Rewards of Witnessing Student Growth. Another reason why I want to be a teacher is the immense satisfaction that comes from witnessing student growth. Teachers have the unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of their students, not only academically, but also personally and emotionally.

  5. How to Answer "Why Do You Want to be a Teacher?"

    Focus on kids. Keep the statement tight (Don't ramble) If you follow these simple steps, you'll clarify for yourself and others why you want to become a teacher. Your answer will keep you motivated during the challenging times AND stand out in any selection process. Filed Under: Career.

  6. Why do you want to be a Teacher? 13 Example Answers

    12. "I want to be a teacher because I believe in the power of education to make our world a better place. I am passionate about helping students learn and discover their potential, while also providing them with the encouragement they need to strive for success.". 13.

  7. Free Examples of Effective Teaching Personal Statement

    Before giving you examples of personal statements for teaching jobs, we have a few tips to help you. Important Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for a Teaching Job. When creating your personal statement, it's important to remember why you want to become a teacher. We dive further into this and more in this section of the article.

  8. Teacher Training Personal Statement

    How to write it. You can use up to 47 lines of text (4,000 characters) in your personal statement. Some word processing packages calculate line counts differently from the UCAS Teacher Training system, so you might need to redraft your statement if there's a discrepancy between the counts. Write in English (or Welsh if you're applying to ...

  9. How to write the perfect teaching personal statement

    The personal statement presents the perfect opportunity to show you are an exceptional candidate, understand teaching and know the school you are applying to. It is not an easy task and is a tricky thing to get right. It requires being concise and clear - it shouldn't be too long or read like a list. You should talk about yourself and your ...

  10. How to write a teacher personal statement

    How to write a teacher personal statement. Your personal statement is your first opportunity to show the school you're a great fit for the job, and gets you closer to being shortlisted for an interview. The more you show how your skills and interests match the school's ethos and values, the better. We've spoken to a range of teachers to ...

  11. PDF Your personal statement

    The basics. Your personal statement is: Around 1 page of A4 47 lines long About 4000 characters including spaces Verdana size 11 font. It will be put through Copycatch, the UCAS plagiarism checking system. Don't copy anything from the web, no matter how good it sounds. Make sure you read and answer the question.

  12. How to Answer, 'Why Do You Want to Be a Teacher?'

    How to answer the interview question, 'Why do you want to be a teacher?'. You can use the following process to answer a question on why you want to become a teacher: 1. Analyze your commitment to teach. Before the interview, take the time to analyze your dedication to your job. While you're likely to know why you want to teach, it's ...

  13. Why do you want to be a teacher? 7 sample interview answers

    I want to become a teacher because I believe to have the right skills, abilities, and attitude to become a good teacher. And I enjoy teaching, talking to children, listening to them, trying to understand their emotional world, and be a good role model for them. At the end of the day, we should do a job in which we see some meaningful purpose.

  14. PDF How to write a personal statement for teacher training

    Top Tips. Your personal statement should: be persuasive, interesting, enthusiastic. be fluent, relevant, realistic, specific. mention young people - it is as much about enabling them to learn as it is about you wanting to teach. be honest - if you're ambitious, say so!

  15. Personal statement advice: teacher training and education

    Say something relevant about your academic studies, and demonstrate your own enthusiasm for learning. Mention any personal accomplishments or extra-curricular activities that you might be able to contribute to a school community. Expand on any relevant skills or qualities you've demonstrated in a part-time job.

  16. How to write your teaching personal statement

    All statements are different and don't be afraid to let your personality shine through, but the main themes you want to include are: Why you want to be a teacher. What you understand the role of a teacher to be. What your teaching experience or your relevant experience with young people has taught you. Proof that you have the skills needed ...

  17. Teacher training personal statement tips

    See two sample personal statements at the end of this article. Your statement must be concise, enthusiastic and sell your potential to be a successful teacher. It should explain why you want to teach, your suitability to teach that age group, and/or your chosen subject (if you're applying for secondary teaching).

  18. How to Write A Personal Statement For Teaching (With Tips)

    It explains why you want to become a teacher and how you are suitable for the particular job. Usually, a personal statement is approximately 200 to 500 words, but this may vary according to the employer's requirements. A personal statement includes an overview of who you are along with your strengths, work experience and education.

  19. Personal statements for teaching jobs

    Positive approach to provide challenge and support student success. Excellent behaviour management. Good communication skills with parents. Enthusiastic and creative approach to lessons. Teamwork. Willing to contribute to the wider life of the school. See our personal statement for secondary school teaching, below.

  20. Your teacher training personal statement

    Your personal statement can be up to 1000 words. 90% of successful candidates write 500 words or more. You could include: skills you have that are relevant to teaching. any experience of working with young people. your understanding of why teaching is important. your reasons for wanting to train to be a teacher.

  21. 10 Reasons To Become a Teacher You Can Include in an Essay

    There are a range of reasons you may write an essay about why you want to become a teacher, such as: College or university admissions: Most colleges and universities ask their candidates to send personal statements about how earning a degree can help their careers. Whether you're applying for a general or education-specific program, the ...

  22. Interview Question: "Why Do You Want To Teach?"

    3. Detail your reasons for becoming a teacher. A teacher can take on many roles in the lives of their students, such as a surrogate parental figure, a mentor, a leader or a motivator. Make sure to mention the kind of impact you're hoping to have on your students' lives. Related: 50 Teacher Interview Questions (Plus 11 Example Answers) 4.

  23. Your NQT Personal Statement

    Use emotional language to touch your reader. Help them imagine themselves in the situation you are describing. Help them feel what it was like in the situation that drove your desire in becoming a teacher. This is a major key in rousing your reader's emotions. 4. Make sure you start your personal statement strongly.