Applying in Writing
Story posted: Dec 31, 2004, 12:31Email this article
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This is the section on which the Governors and Headteacher will ascertain the kind of person you are and whether you match the requirements of the particular job on offer.
Preparation
- Read the job description and/or person specification which came with the form.
- Read the school prospectus if there is one.
- Pick out the key points.
e.g.
- Well organised classroom teacher.
- Effective communicator.
- Team member.
Focus On: -
Your Motivation - why did you choose to train as a teacher? Were there specific incidents or experiences, which led you towards this career?
Your Experience - focus on your teaching practice(s) - give examples of good practice you have used. Comment on any less satisfactory experiences and what you have learnt from them particularly if they are likely to be mentioned in a college reference. Include other experiences, which relate clearly to the job of a teacher - pick out the qualities and skills you have developed through them. Include Key Stages taught, subjects, responsibilities, initiatives you have set up etc.
Your Philosophy - what is your approach to teaching? This needs to come through. What kind of teaching situation/environment suits you best? What principles will you apply to your work as a teacher? Be careful not to go 'over the top'; you may risk coming over as dogmatic.
Your Interests and Skills - what can you offer that would make you a valuable asset to the school? - Hobbies, interests, extra curricular club activities, etc.
It is very important to analyse your past experience i.e. what you have gained and learned, rather than straight description which will not give the reader an insight into you as a person. Give examples.
Opening Paragraph
Explain why you are applying for this post - mention some aspects of the school or the post you are attracted to. This is the opening part, which will indicate to the Headteacher whether or not you have read the literature and are making a personal application - or one which has been repeated many times!
e.g. 'I am applying for the post of year 2 teacher at your school - Tichbourne Primary - for two main reasons. I am very keen to start my teaching career with this age group as I have gained direct experience working with year 2 through my teaching practices. In addition, I am attracted to your need for a contribution to the development of science in your school, as I have a committed and lively interest in this field. It was my main subject at college and I completed a project on 'the practical implications of the national curriculum on science teaching for 5-8 year olds'.
The opening paragraph for a pool application is more difficult. It is still a useful opener to mention why you are applying to the authority e.g. 'I am committed to a teaching career in Barsetshire having spent three successful and enjoyable teaching practices in schools within the Authority'.
Body of the Letter
There is no absolute formula for this. You need to plan the order and content in order to put yourself across in the best possible light in relation to the post. Sort out a clear structure so that you can be logical and organised.
Layout Suggestions
Style One
Organise your letter in clearly defined paragraphs.
- Tell the reader why the School/Area is special to you: why you have applied.
- Tell the reader about your course of training, your special skills, professional interests and curriculum area.
- Tell the reader about aspects of your teaching practice and experience gained.
- Tell the reader about your beliefs and philosophies and how you act upon them i.e. how you translate them into practice in the classroom - Give examples.
- Tell the reader about your hobbies, interests, sports and how you will use them to expand your role. Give examples such as:
- Developing a school nature reserve.
- Running a French club after school.
- Tell the reader about any work experience that has contributed to your general awareness and skills which directly correspond to the work of a teacher.
- Tell the reader how you will make a positive contribution to the school and ask them to accept your application for the job.
This style may be suitable in the case of a specific teaching post.
By writing to match the requirements in this way you are meeting the expectations of the governing body. Identify the key points from the job description. You will need to show that you can fulfil and match these key points by giving specific evidence from your experiences.
Take a new paragraph for each point - four or five is about all you'll have room for.
e.g.
- Opening statement.
- Well organised classroom teacher - show that you are one, using your teaching practice experience to give examples of your style of working. Mention where else you have developed these skills, e.g. job as a local government administrator or as a parent at home.
- Effective communicator - show what you think this means - e.g. listening, being direct, giving clear instructions, etc and give examples of how you have developed and used these skills e.g. receptionist, chair of local committee, play scheme organiser.
- Good team member - (to work in a team teaching situation) - show that you understand what is involved and that you are interested and/or have experience (from TP). Give examples of how you have worked successfully as part of a team e.g. College - Channel 5 production team, sports team, fund raising group, work in advertising.
- Able to contribute to extra curricular activities - explain your interests and give specific examples of what you could offer e.g. local amateur dramatics - drama club after school.
- Closing statement.
Relevance - Any experiences you mention need to be related to the job you are going for i.e. teaching. Avoid a long description of the work you did as a clerical officer in the Civil Service - if you give this too much emphasis the head will wonder why you left! Instead pull out the skills you bring as a result of this experience to use in the school e.g. organisational, planning skills and the ability to prioritise your work loads and to meet deadlines.
Pragmatism - Use clear and specific examples to support your beliefs. A Headteacher will expect you to have worked out your 'philosophy' - the principles by which you'll work as a teacher - and needs to see that you can connect these to practice in the classroom.
Balance - you need to achieve the balance between 'going over the top' and vagueness - giving too much detail and not enough. The head needs to get some idea of the kind of person you are and how you'd work. 'How much should I give away?' It is obviously your decision and you'll need to weigh up the pros and cons.
If you give a lot of detail about your style of teaching and your views - you may appear fixed and dogmatic. However, you will be providing a clear picture of whom you are and how you aim to work.
If you stay vague and general on paper afraid to make any commitment to a view, you are unlikely to offend but may appear colourless and wishy washy.
Objectivity - Try and gain a sense of how you are coming across on paper by reading your letter through as if you were the Headteacher. Look at the content and style as objectively as you can and consider how you appear. Or ask a friend to read out your letter aloud to you.
e.g.
- Is this person communicating clearly with enthusiasm and energy?
- Is this person demonstrating that they can be organised and structured?
- Has this person put in effort and taken care over this important letter?
- Do they sound interesting?
- Would you want to interview this person?
Indicate your commitment to teaching and outline some key qualities that you possess. End on a positive note e.g. 'I look forward to hearing from you'.
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