Getting a teaching job : Personal statement

It is crucial that you put together a well thought-out personal/supporting statement for each position you apply for. See the following example personal statement.

You may be asked to include your personal statement within the application form, to attach it separately or to support your application with a letter which should contain similar information.

In general, when completing a personal statement you should:

• not exceed two sides of A4 - unless otherwise instructed;
• follow the instructions on the application form - if in doubt, seek advice from the school/local authority (LA);
• tailor your statement for each new application according to the nature of the school/LA and the advertised role;
• emphasise your individual strengths in relation to the role.

The structure of the personal statement is very important and the below advice should be followed.

• Using paragraphs, you should address the job description and person specification (where available) detailing how you meet each requirement.
• For a pool application, ensure you give a good overview of your skills and experience.
• For both, it is vital that you give specific examples of what you have done to support your claims.

The following areas should be covered within your personal statement:

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 learnt from them.
• Mention any special circumstances, e.g. 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 any relevant modules you studied. Also mention if you have studied any Masters modules.

Your teaching experience

Include a brief overview of your practices, including:

• year groups taught;
• subjects covered;
• any special features of the practices, e.g. open-plan, multi-ethnic, team teaching.

Your classroom management strategies

Give examples of how you:

• planned, delivered, monitored and evaluated learning outcomes, including differentiation; 
• managed classrooms and behaviour; 
• worked with assistants or parents in your class.

Your visions and beliefs about primary/secondary education

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

Other related educational experience

• This can include information about any previous work experience.
• Include any 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, which will help the school to know more about you as a person.
• Any involvement with children (Brownies or Cubs, clubs, youth work and summer camps) is particularly useful to note.

Final paragraph

Finish your statement positively, for example:

'I am confident that my experience equips me well for the post of X at Y School. I have a strong commitment to teaching and learning and I know that I would be an invaluable member of the school community.'