personal statement to teacher

WTO / Business / Statements / 6 Great Teaching Personal Statement Examples (How to Write)

6 Great Teaching Personal Statement Examples (How to Write)

Personal statements are used for different purposes, but their primary function is to convey the story of who you are and why you are apt for a job position. This guide will help you create the best statement for a teaching job so you stand out from the others.

Personal Statement

A personal statement allows an academic institution, an organization, a workplace, or a potential client to know more about you. The statement will be slightly different, but each one should highlight why you are the right candidate for the program or the position. You should also use past experiences and accomplishments to support the statement.

There is a fundamental difference between a personal statement and a cover letter , as the former is written casually and informally, while the cover letter is a formal document. 

Perfect Examples

Writing it for Teaching Job

Begin the statement by researching the institution that will read it. Read the organization’s mission statement , history, and recent news or bulletins to determine their value in a student or potential employee.

Write for a specific job

Each institution and organization will seek content specific to its mission and objectives. Do not send the same statement to several institutions and personalize each one you write.

For example, if you apply to a college that emphasizes community service and involvement, you will need to highlight your service work in that statement. However, another school may value academics more for that school and your grades.

Describe the education and experience

While you should not include a complete list of accomplishments in your statement, some of the most important ones are worth mentioning. Writing a list of your actions will help you remember each one and determine which ones to include.

The following are some formal accomplishments you can consist of:

• Academic degrees and certificates
• Scholarships, internships, and grants
• Awards or distinctions from academic institutions (departmental distinctions and list of honors.)
• Promotions, reviews, and workplace evaluations
• Speak at a conference, convention, or workshop
• Published works in the field of specialization
• Official recognition for community service or contributions

Show your passion

Remember, you have to impress. Start by saying how excited you were about this position and how happy you would work for this institution. Your first sentence should emphasize your passion for this job, your interest in the institution, and perhaps emphasize why you want this job. Write a list of experiences and turning points in your life that led you to develop your current career or academic interests.

The following are some questions worth asking yourself:

• When did you start showing interest in the field of your choice?
• What do you like the most about teaching?
• Why do you think a teaching position is important?
• What experiences have you had that helped you develop expertise in teaching?
• Have you missed other dreams or expectations to focus on this position?

Some institutions may ask some questions. Write your text in a way that answers these questions. These are usually questions to know a little about you, your reasons for choosing the program, and what you can add if you teach at the institution.

Put emphasis on your value

When talking about you , talk about your projects, interests, and experiences that helped you grow as a human being. Remember to name even failures (if any) if you have added some exciting learning.

What can you add to the program? Think about what they might have from you: your skills on the subject, recognized research you have developed in the field, your experiences, and acquired knowledge to enrich the program. What is good offers the institution without extolling pride or excess vanity.

Typically, you will only have 1 or 2 pages to include all the information in return. Outlining it before writing it will ensure that you include the most salient points in the limited space. Try to pick 2 or 4 critical issues to have. Prioritize the purpose of the statement in the outline.

Address the job that the institution or organization has specifically mentioned. If there is a topic that the reader demands to see, please include it in the statement.

Show your personality

The opening paragraph should grab the recruiter’s attention. A strong introductory paragraph will present the thesis or the topic of the statement , and at the same time, create a narrative sense as if you were giving a story. Use an anecdote to hook recruiters with your personality. Avoid starting with common phrases or clichés like “The most important moment of my life was when.”

A better way to present that “important moment” would be to start simply by describing it in an informal and personal way. Provide as much detail as possible in the first paragraph. Present the main idea of ​​the statement and explain how it connects to the narrative. However, save any elaborate details or related notes and experiences for the body of your essay.

One of the best ways to avoid sounding like everyone else in your statement is to omit some of the most used phrases. For example, don’t say that you are a “hard worker” or that you “go above and beyond.” Try to find unique ways to explain who you are. One way to do this is to focus on particular examples: show them who you are, rather than tell them.

Use this Checklist

Before the final submission of the statement for the teaching job, it is necessary to polish the statement to maximize your chances of getting selected. Use this checklist to help you with the process:

Many individuals just spend a few minutes proofreading, trying to spot some obvious mistakes that surface on the page. But particularly after you’ve worked long, a simple and cursory reading typically misses a great deal. Acting with a definite strategy that encourages you to consistently look for forms of mistakes is easier.  The ideal is to wait some time after writing to do the review because if you do it right away, some errors under your nose may go unnoticed.

Edit and draft

As soon as you complete your first draft, editing is something you start doing. For starters, you reread your draft to see if the document is well-organized, the transitions between paragraphs are seamless, and the proof supports your point. It is possible to edit on many levels.

 Structure

Does each paragraph have a simple sentence about the topic? Does one key definition stick to each paragraph? Are there any sentences in any of the paragraphs that are irrelevant or missing? Don’t forget to use short sentences and short paragraphs. Large blocks of text impair the understanding of the message where a line of reasoning begins and ends.

Spelling and grammar

A text full of misspellings can wipe out all the authority that you have struggled so hard to build, so review all the content you produce, not just to find errors but to see if it fits the standards mentioned above.

Once you are satisfied with the content, review it once to correct necessary spelling and grammar errors. Then, put the statement aside for 3-4 days and look at it again with fresh eyes. You may come across some mistakes that you missed during the first reading. Once you have resolved these issues, your statement is ready for you to submit.

Prove your writing skills

In the personal statement , you will have the opportunity to express yourself more fluently and show the reader your writing skills and your commitment to describing yourself. Remember to use a captivating and persuasive style, use keywords related to the position and the sector, and communicate enthusiasm.

Keep a positive tone

Write in an optimistic and confident tone, even if you tackle difficult topics. The statement should show how you will address problems and create solutions, and the style should reflect this. Avoid vague or weak phrases like “I’m not sure, but I think I would be a good candidate for the show.” Even when discussing the challenges or difficulties you have faced, focus on the triumphs rather than the problems.

Expand the statement if it is too short

The first draft can be as long or as short as you need it to be, but many institutions or organizations have a word or page limit for statements. If yours is not long enough, then you have space to add more additional information. When expanding your statement, look for ways to detail the information you already have. Include more specific details to create a complete description. Alternatively, you can make another point that contributes to the overall purpose of the statement.

If your statement has a short, full-page paragraph but contains all the relevant information, you do not have to expand it.

Shorten the statement if it is too long

When narrowing down the statement, check it for any parts that do not directly address the point. You should also remove any points that only serve to provide background information. You can also consider reducing the number of main points if any do not seem especially significant. Unlike a short statement, a lengthy statement cannot stay that way. Many job programs will not allow you to press the submit button until the return is of the proper length. That means if it is too long, you will have to shorten it.

Read it aloud

Reading the document out loud will give you a more accurate idea of ​​how it sounds. As you read, listen for mistakes or unclear phrases. You should also notice if there are sentences that seem out of place or inappropriate. When you hear the statement, ask yourself if it sounds like your natural voice. If you were to describe these things in person, would the way you speak sound like what you have written?

Tips for a Strong Statement

That you will get the job will depend much more on you, but we can give you some tips that will help in your approval process in the selection:

• Do not be wordy; it is not the number of words that will guarantee your approval; on the contrary, the limit of words usually imposed is to avoid this.
• The clearer and more objective, even if you emphasize some detail, the better your text will be. Find that balance.
• If you have difficulties with this, train, ask for help. But do not make that mistake.
•  Never lie! Even if your resume is not extensive, trust and bet on your qualities and your talent; focus on that. Don’t you think your information will be verified for accuracy? Yes, they will be. So, be sincere and do not overdo it. Believe in your potential and bet on it.

The focus should be on you, your work, and what you will have to share with the institution.

• One of the best ways to avoid sounding like everyone else in your statement is to omit some of the most used phrases in cover letters. For example, don’t say that you are a “hard worker” or that you “go above and beyond”. Try to find unique ways to explain who you are. One way to do this is to focus on particular examples: show them who you are rather than tell them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, 500-550 words are allowed in a personal statement.

It is not necessary to include it on a CV unless it is required.

Yes, you can talk about hobbies if they complement the application.

A personal statement gives a chance to highlight your story, experiences, and struggles. If written properly, it can be a real difference in getting a teaching position.

About This Article

Was this helpful?

Great! Tell us more about your experience

Not up to par help us fix it, keep reading.

11 Perfect Academic Research Statement Examples (with Guide)

Education , Statements

36 Strong Thesis Statement Examples and Templates

43 Printable Division Worksheets (for Grade 4-6) | Word, PDF

Education , Proposals

9 free research proposal templates (with examples).

Business , Employment Contracts , Statements

25 simple scope of work templates.

Analysis , Education

40 free venn diagram templates [2, 3, and 4-circle], thank you for your feedback.

Your Voice, Our Progress. Your feedback matters a lot to us.

• Schools directory
• Back issues
• New Teachers
• Resources Jobs Schools directory News Search

How to write the perfect teaching personal statement

Application and interview, tes editorial.

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."

Want to keep up with the latest career advice? Follow  Tes Jobs on Twitter  and like  Tes Jobs on Facebook

• AI Content Shield
• AI KW Research
• AI Assistant
• SEO Optimizer
• AI KW Clustering
• Customer reviews
• The NLO Revolution
• Press Center
• Help Center
• Content Resources
• Facebook Group

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

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. 

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.

Explore All Write Personal Statement Articles

How to draft meaningful length of law school personal statement.

Are you confused on how to write a law school personal statement? One of the essential elements of your application…

• Write Personal Statement

Effective History and International Relations Personal Statement to Try

Are you considering studying history and international relations? Or you may be curious about what a degree in this field…

Guide to Quality Global Management Personal Statement

Are you applying for a global management program and want to stand out from the crowd? A well-written personal statement…

How to Draft Better Examples of Personal Statements for Residency

Achieving a residency can be a massive accomplishment for any aspiring medical professional. To secure your spot in one of…

Tips for Drafting a Free Example of Personal History Statement

A personal history statement can be crucial to many applications, from university admissions to job search processes. This blog will…

Writing Compelling Dietetic Internship Personal Statement

Applying for a dietetic internship is a rigorous process and requires submitting a personal statement, which is an essential part…

• Log in
• Site search

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 .

How would you rate this page?

On a scale where 1 is dislike and 5 is like

• Dislike 1 unhappy-very
• Like 5 happy-very

Thank you for rating the page

Crafting a Compelling Teaching Personal Statement

Your teaching personal statement needs to give an insight into your personality, teaching style & unique qualities only you hold. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of writing a compelling teaching personal statement.

The best personal statements are more than just a list of experiences and achievements. A personal statement which tells a compelling story will always compel the reader to want to find out more. If you keep your philosophy as the central theme and ensure that you use examples of practice which link back to that, it will ensure that your personal statement is a coherent and interesting piece of writing.

What Inspired You:

Begin by reflecting on what motivated you to become a teacher. Headteachers want to understand your background, inspiration, the reason you trained as a teacher and why you want to teach your specialism. Highlight your passion for teaching and your genuine desire to make a positive impact on students’ lives.

Showcase Key Achievements:

Highlight your career achievements, qualifications and teaching milestones that you’re most proud of. Demonstrate your ability to drive student progress and results through concrete examples throughout your teaching personal statement. If you’re an early career teacher, discuss your teaching placements, voluntary work, or even include any quotes from observation reports.

Showcase Teaching Skills:

Demonstrate your teaching skills by providing specific examples. Discuss successful teaching strategies you’ve employed, innovative lesson plans you’ve created, or how you’ve adapted to meet the needs of diverse learners. Highlight any extracurricular involvement, such as coaching sports teams or leading clubs, which showcases your dedication to students’ holistic development.

Keep It Concise and Well-Structured:

Teaching personal statements should be clear, concise, and well-structured. Aim for a maximum of 500-600 words. Use headings or bullet points to organize your content. Start with a captivating opening paragraph and conclude with a strong summary of your qualifications and enthusiasm for teaching.

Proofread and Edit:

Thoroughly proofread your teaching personal statement to eliminate grammatical errors, typos, or awkward phrasing. Consider seeking feedback from mentors, colleagues, or friends to ensure clarity and impact. Editing is crucial to present yourself as a professional and detail-oriented teacher.

Show Enthusiasm:

Infuse your teaching personal statement with enthusiasm and optimism. Convey your passion for teaching, showcase your qualifications, and demonstrate your commitment to fostering student growth. A positive and enthusiastic tone can be infectious and leave a lasting impression.

To conclude, your teaching personal statement is your chance to shine as a teacher. Get personal. Write about what makes YOU in the classroom.

For further support and tips, please reach out to Gemma Yates.

If you’re an ECT, click here for tips on how to land your ECT role

If you’re an experienced teacher looking to accelerate your career, click here

Latest Updates

Advance Your Teaching Career

A How-to Guide: Landing Your ECT Role

0203 621 6321

[email protected]

Copyright © 2024   Ethos Education  | All Rights Reserved  |  Web Design Surrey

Privacy Overview

• mrsstrickey
• Jan 16, 2021

Writing a Personal Statement

Going for your first NQT post can be a daunting prospect... especially when in teaching, you need to write a personal statement to support your application form.

Schools use your personal statement to help short list candidates for a position by checking off the criteria of the person specification that they can see in your statement. It is always a good idea to write your personal statement alongside the person specification, ensuring that you have included all the "essential" criteria and as much of the "desirable" criteria you can that are assessed through the application.

Where possible, you should also use the language of the school you are applying to - their vision, values, mission and ethos statements will help you here and should be available on the school's website. You will also sometimes find these in the application pack. Read this carefully and then read it again, reading between the lines of what they might be looking for.

Here is an example of the structure of a personal statement for a trainee teacher applying for their first NQT job:

Begin with an impact statement that summarises your philosophy on teaching or that refers to the mission/vision/values/ethos of the school you are applying to:

I believe that it is, as Einstein said, the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. As a passionate teacher, dedicated to ensuring the very best outcomes for all students I teach, this statement resonates with me as I endeavour to awaken joy in all of the learners within my classroom. It was your belief all young people have the right to a transformational educational experience, that will enable them, no matter what their starting point, to fulfil their potential and realise their ambitions that first attracted me to your school as it aligns with my own personal and professional philosophy on education.

Throughout my practice, I constantly encourage pupils to participate and contribute in an atmosphere highly conducive to learning. I have consistently set high expectations of pupils in different training contexts. There are high levels of mutual respect between me and pupils. I am very effective in promoting learners’ resilience, confidence and independence when tackling challenging activities. In my lesson, I generate high levels of enthusiasm, participation and commitment to learning.

Back this up with an example from your training.

I have also assumed a high level of responsibility for the attainment progress and outcomes of the pupils I have taught. I have demonstrated confident judgement in planning for pupil progression both within individual lessons and over time and I am able to articulate a clear and well-justified rationale as to how I am building on prior achievement. Within my lessons, I seek to actively promote engaging and effective methods that support pupils in reflecting on their learning. I have demonstrated that I am able to set appropriately challenging tasks, drawing on a sound knowledge of the pupils’ prior attainment, which has been obtained through systematic and accurate assessment. I regularly create opportunities for independent and autonomous learning. As a result the majority of pupils make very good progress.

In order to plan effective lessons, I draw on my in-depth subject and curriculum knowledge of [your subject or phase] to plan confidently for progression and to stimulate and capture pupils’ interest. Throughout my training, I have demonstrated very well-developed pedagogical subject knowledge, by anticipating common errors and misconceptions in my planning. I am astutely aware of my own development needs in relation to extending and updating my subject, curriculum and pedagogical knowledge in my early career and have been proactive in developing these effectively during my training. I always model very high standards of written and spoken communication in all professional activities. I also successfully identify and exploit opportunities to develop learners’ skills, in communication, reading and writing.

I plan lessons that often use well-chosen, imaginative and creative strategies, and that match individuals’ needs and interests. I am highly reflective in critically evaluating my practice. I am able to accurately judge the impact of my practice on individual and groups of learners and can use my evaluation to inform future planning, teaching and learning. During my training, I have shown initiative in contributing to curriculum planning and developing and producing effective learning resources in my placement settings.

I have been able to quickly and accurately discern my learners’ strengths and needs and I have been proactive in differentiating and employing a range of effective intervention strategies to secure progression for individuals and groups. I have an astute understanding of how effective different teaching approaches are in relation to impact on learning and engagement of learners

I can confidently and accurately assess pupils’ attainment against national benchmarks. I use a range of assessment strategies very effectively in my day-to-day practice to monitor progress and to inform future planning. In my practice, I systematically and effectively check learners’ understanding throughout lessons, anticipating where intervention may be needed and do so with notable impact on the quality of learning. I have shown that I am able to assess learners’ progress regularly and work with them to accurately target further improvement and secure rapid progress.

I have been able to rapidly adapt to the different circumstances in which I have trained, working confidently within the frameworks established in different settings and applying rules and routines consistently and fairly. I have also demonstrated an ability to adapt to remote working and remote delivery in response to the Global Pandemic. I consistently have high expectations and understand a range of strategies that experienced teachers use to promote positive behaviour and apply these very effectively, including use of school sanctions and rewards, and use of praise, in order to create an environment highly supportive of learning. I am able to manage pupil behaviour with ease so that learners display very high levels of engagement, courtesy, collaboration and co-operation. Where it is needed, I actively seek additional support in addressing the needs of pupils where significantly challenging behaviour is demonstrated.

During my training, I have been proactive in seeking out opportunities to contribute in a significant way to the wider life and ethos of the school. I have built strong professional relationships and have demonstrated that I am able to work collaboratively with colleagues on a regular basis. I have taken responsibility for deploying support staff in my lessons and for seeking advice from relevant professionals in relation to pupils with individual needs. I deliberately seek out opportunities to develop my own professional learning and respond positively to all the feedback I receive. I have also demonstrated that I can communicate very effectively, both verbally and in writing, with parents and carers in relation to pupils’ achievements and well-being when required to do so formally, but I am also proactive in communicating in relation to individual pupils’ emergent needs.

I always treat pupils with dignity, building relationships rooted in mutual respect, and at all times observing proper boundaries appropriate to a teacher's professional position. I realise the need to safeguard pupils' well-being, in accordance with statutory provisions. I show tolerance of and respect for the rights of others. I do not undermine fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. I always ensure that personal beliefs are not expressed in ways which exploit pupils' vulnerability or might lead them to break the law. I am always punctual and have good attendance. I have attended numerous CPD sessions and will continue to do so. I have also completed a weekly duty (before school and at break} and attends daily briefings (whole school, subject or pastoral). I have taken on board the policies of the school and maintain a high standard in all my practices. I have a good understanding of the framework within which I work and my professional duties

End with a statement that implies/assumes you will be invited for interview:

I would relish the opportunity to work at your school and look forward to discussing this further with you at interview.

You can download the word version of this

Recent Posts

Making the Most of Expositions: Starting at the Point of Current Pupil Understanding

Breaking It Down: The Art of Effective Lesson Planning Through Task Deconstruction

Crafting Competence: The Essence of Effective Lesson Planning Through Consolidation and Practice

• Applying to Uni
• Apprenticeships
• Health & Relationships
• Money & Finance

Personal Statements

• Postgraduate
• U.S Universities

University Interviews

• Vocational Qualifications
• Accommodation
• ​​​​​​​Budgeting, Money & Finance
• ​​​​​​​Health & Relationships
• ​​​​​​​Jobs & Careers
• ​​​​​​​Socialising

Studying Abroad

• ​​​​​​​Studying & Revision
• ​​​​​​​Technology
• ​​​​​​​University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Clearing Guide

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

Postgraduate Personal Statements

International Student Personal Statements

Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

Personal Statement Changes 2025

Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

You are here

Teaching personal statement example.

My lifetime goal and aspiration since a young age has been to become a school teacher. While I was in school, I had a favourite teacher whose impactful teaching inspired my interest. Her kindness, genuine appreciation for me, and unique teaching style sparked my passion for becoming an educator. I always want to work with children as I care for them a lot. I always find it interesting to handle children. I can understand well their situation. During my time in school, my principal noticed my rapport with younger students and suggested I assist primary teachers. Engaging with the kids and their fondness towards me inspired me to start teaching. I was able to assist the children in reading, helping them with words that they think are difficult. Witnessing their growth and fostering their self-confidence was immensely rewarding. I just loved having the responsibility of supervising children.

I used to teach my younger brother from kindergarten to fourth grade. He felt most comfortable learning from me within our family. Sometimes, when I had exams, I couldn't teach him, and surprisingly, his grades did not improve during those times. However, whenever I resumed teaching him, his results became excellent, catching everyone's attention. I felt incredibly proud. I recall how my brother wasn't very interested in Bengali initially, but my teaching approach motivated him to study harder, eventually achieving the highest marks in his class.

I have a fondness for children and believe that they can be taught vital and valuable life lessons during their time in primary school which will then help them to grow emotionally and mentally into mature young people. It is this that I want to be a part of, the progression to their success. I remember as a child the amount of respect that teachers earned from their classes which drove me to learn in primary school. I'm extremely passionate about having a big input into a young person's life and making a difference. it is my ambition to become a good role model for the next generation. I am a responsible, hard-working and friendly girl who is known for my strong passion to attain a career as a primary school teacher. I firmly believe that in order to become a great teacher, the desire to help and assist children should be there. The learning process can be tough and challenging, which is one of the reasons that I really love about this profession.

I completed an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Business Management. I learned independently through online classes. I went to university for Business Management but realized it wasn't right for me. The course didn't make me happy. My inner self urged me to follow my true passion. I discovered I love teaching children the most and being around them brings me joy and real happiness. I'm good at talking with people and making things easy to understand. At work, I learned a lot and got inspired. People know me for being friendly and reliable, and I love taking on challenges. In my role at work, I am responsible for providing initial training to new employees. Colleagues find me approachable, and I have a knack for explaining things in a way that's easy for them to understand. I genuinely enjoy teaching people new things. I have great communication skills and work well with others, but I can also do things on my own. When things get busy, I stay organized and always meet goals on time.

The new lessons going to be learned from this program can make me further more suitable and stronger to take up teaching as profession in primary school. Definitely, I will use wisely my past experience to gather more knowledge from this program and groom myself as a best teacher for the primary school. All my past experiences and this current one will help me to explore new heights in your program and I am going to be a special student among the program for sure too.

I feel that my experience and enthusiasm for Primary teaching would make this a fulfilling and rewarding career. I am very much looking forward to expanding my practical and theoretical knowledge by attending university. In pursuing a degree in teaching, I seek to advance my knowledge and work to achieve my life ambition. I believe I have the commitment, patience and persistence to succeed. My teaching practice has confirmed my belief that teaching is one of the most challenging, demanding, exhausting but varied and exciting careers there are. look forward to university and ultimately having a job that is so important and a vital part of so many young lives.

Profile info

There is no profile associated with this personal statement, as the writer has requested to remain anonymous.

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

Add new comment.

• Skip to content

Applications

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.

Supported by:

Academies Enterprise Trust

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

Supported by

This describes editorially independent and objective content, written and/or edited by GTI editors, with which the ‘supporting’ organisation would like to be associated and has provided some funding in order to be so. Any external contributors featuring in the article are independent from the supporter organisation and contributions are in line with our non-advertorial policy.

In partnership with

Occasionally targetjobs will work with another organisation to provide impartial careers content. This is to provide you with the most relevant information to make the best decisions about your future. As such, ‘in partnership’ content has been written or sourced by the partner organisation and edited by targetjobs as part of a content partnership.

Related careers advice

Teaching jobs: where to find them and when to apply

• Teaching & education +4

We've got you

Cookies on Teaching Vacancies

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use this service and help us improve it. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

beta This is a new service - your feedback will help us to improve it.

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 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?

Search for roles

• How to write a teacher training personal statement

Teacher Training

• Routes into teaching in England
• PGCE university-led teacher training in England
• School Direct (tuition fee) programmes in England
• School Direct (salaried) programmes in England
• Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship programmes in England
• Teach First Leadership Development Programme
• Assessment Only programmes in England
• Researchers in Schools, including Maths and Physics Chairs programme
• Postgraduate Early Years Initial Teacher Training in England
• Find teacher training programmes
• Train to teach in Northern Ireland
• Explore your options in Scotland
• How to apply for teacher training in Scotland
• Scotland and Wales: What happens next?
• Fees and funding
• Returning to teaching
• Decisions and replies
• Know your rights!
• Preparing for interviews
• Preparing for teacher training

Tips for your teacher training application

Tips for your teaching training application.

If you're looking for programmes in  England , use the DfE's  ' Apply for teacher training' service . If you're looking for programmes in  Wales or Scotland,  use  UCAS' search tool .

You can only complete one personal statement You can’t change it or create different ones for university or school-based choices. The providers you’re applying to understand this, so they won’t be expecting you to say specific things about them or their programmes. However, if you’re applying for programmes in a particular subject or age group, it would be helpful to explain why you have chosen them, and the skills and attributes you have that make them appropriate for you.

I read hundreds of UCAS applications for teacher training every year, and I cannot stress how important the personal statement is. Claire Harnden, Director of Initial Teacher Training at Surrey South Farnham SCITT

What to include

You do need to think carefully about the things that all your chosen providers will want to know about you. You’ll probably want to include things like:

• your reason(s) for wanting to teach
• evidence that you understand the rewards and challenges of teaching
• details of your previous education and how you have benefitted from it
• any other work with young people, such as helping with a youth club, working at a summer camp or running a sports team
• the range of relevant abilities and skills you can bring to teaching, for example, practical experience, managing people, working with or leading a team, and communication skills
• any reasons why there may be restrictions on your geographical mobility
• why you want to study in the UK, if you don’t currently live here
• whether you have any previous classroom experience, either independently or had a taste of school life via the  Get School Experience service .

These are the things all training providers want to know – whether they’re School Direct, a university or a SCITT – so there’s no need to worry that you can’t write different personal statements. Read what SCITT director, Claire Harnden, looks for in a  teacher training personal statement .

In addition to the details you give in the school and work experience section, you can also expand on your experience of teaching, such as visits to schools, classroom observations or working as a teaching assistant. To help, read   Chris Chivers' tips for completing your teacher training application .

Whatever the route, the process will have similar elements, which are worth considering, so that the appliation has the greatest chance of making an impression. Chris Chivers, experienced ITT tutor and mentor

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 Welsh providers) and avoid italics, bold or underlining.
• Get the grammar and punctuation right and redraft your statement until you’re happy with it.
• It’s a good idea to write your personal statement in a word processor first, then copy and paste it into your application.

Don’t copy!

Don’t copy anyone else’s personal statement or from statements posted on the internet.  Make sure your personal statement is all your own work.

You might also like to read

Ucas teacher training in england: what happens next, sponsored articles ucas media service, how to find a job, five reasons to sign up to the ucas newsletter, teacher training: three things to consider before you apply.

• BSW Scholarships
• How to Transition to a Social Work Career
• Social Worker Salary and Jobs in Social Work
• Is a Master of Social Work MSW Really Worth It?
• Social Worker Resource Guide
• Doctor of Social Work Salary and Careers
• How to Become a School Superintendent
• Faculty Interview: Dr. Lee Nabb, Morehead State University
• Scholarships for Doctor of Education (EdD) Students
• What is a Terminal Degree?
• Is It Worth Getting a Doctorate in Education (EdD)?
• Faculty Interview: Tracy Caddell, Ball State University
• Doctor of Education EdD Salary and Career Outlook
• EdD vs. PhD
• What is Organizational Change?
• Faculty Interview: Michael Poe, Northwest Nazarene University
• How to Transition to a Teaching Career
• Applying for Your Master’s
• Preparing for Your Interview
• Crafting Your Resume

How to Write a Personal Statement

• How to Get the Right References
• Is a Master of Teaching Worth It?
• The Ultimate Guide to the Praxis® Tests
• Finance your Teaching Education
• Online Master of Arts in Teaching – TESOL Programs
• HBCU Undergraduate Scholarships Guide
• Librarian Resource Guide
• Explore Librarian Salary, Jobs, and Careers in Library Science
• Online Master of Science in Teaching
• Online Master of Education Programs
• Our Guide to Entry-Level Nursing
• What Type of Nurse Should You Be?
• Guide to Transitioning RN to MSN Programs
• What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Public Health?
• Bachelor of Public Health Scholarships and Grants
• Kinesiology and Exercise Science Salaries
• How to Make a Career Change from Teaching to Speech Pathology
• Speech Pathology School Scholarships
• How to Get into Speech Pathology School
• ASHA Certification for Speech-Language Pathologists
• Is a Master’s in Speech Pathology Really Worth It?
• Professional Development Guide for Speech Pathologists
• What Speech Pathology Students Should Do Before Graduating
• Speech-Language Pathologist Resume Guide
• Speech-Language Pathology Job Interview Guide
• Speech Pathologist Resource Guide
• Speech Pathologist Salary and Career Outlook
• What Is an AGACNP?
• What Is a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
• Guide to Making a Career Change to Nursing
• How To Get Into Nursing School
• Is Nursing School Really Worth It?
• Nursing Salary by State
• Nursing Resources
• Which Nursing Degree Is Right for Me?
• Types of Nursing Degrees
• Nursing School Scholarships
• Explore Midwife Salary, Jobs, and Careers in Midwifery
• What is a Midwife
• The 2022 Guide to Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs
• Nursing Careers Infographic
• Nurse Practitioner Career & Salary
• Our Guide to APRN License and Certification
• NP vs DNP: Nurse Practitioner vs Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Registered Nurse vs. Nurse Practitioner
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner ACNP Salary and Careers
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner WHNP Salary and Careers
• Online Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs (PMHNP)
• Occupational Therapy Salary and Career Outlook
• Scholarships for Occupational Therapy Students
• How to Get into Occupational Therapy School
• Is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy Worth It?
• What is Occupational Therapy?
• What Is the Difference Between Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy?
• What Is Physical Therapy?
• How to Get Into Physical Therapy School
• Is a Doctor of Physical Therapy DPT Really Worth It?
• Physical Therapy Careers and Salaries
• How to Make a Career Transition to Physical Therapy
• Chiropractor vs. Physical Therapist
• Physical Therapy Scholarships
• What’s the Difference Between a Physician Assistant and a Doctor?
• Scholarships for Physician Assistant PA Students
• Physician Assistant vs. Nurse Practitioner: What Are the Differences?
• Physician Assistant Salary, Jobs and Career Path
• How to Become a Physician Assistant
• How to Get Into PA School
• Is a Physician Assistant PA Degree Really Worth It?
• Physician Assistant Certification Guide
• Pharmacy Doctorate Salary and Career Outlook
• How to Get into Pharmacy (PharmD) School
• Master of Health Informatics Career and Salary
• Master of Public Health Salary and Career Outlook
• Online Master’s in Health Administration Programs (MHA)
• Top Paying Healthcare Careers
• Bachelor of Psychology Scholarships
• Digital Resources for Students with Autism – Helpful for Teachers and Parents
• What is a Functional Behavior Assessment?
• What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
• Applied Behavior Analysis ABA Scholarships
• Psychologist Salary and Career Outlook
• Types of Psychology Degrees
• Clinical Psychologist Careers and Salary
• Marriage and Family Therapist Salary and Jobs for MFT Careers
• Behavioral Psychology
• Counseling Skills and Techniques
• Is a Master’s in Counseling Worth It?
• 25 Counseling Scholarships for Graduate Students
• School Psychologist vs School Counselor
• Bullying Resources for Educators and Parents
• The Comprehensive College Planning Resource
• School Counselor Certification Guide
• Resources for School Counselors
• School Counselor Salary and Career Outlook
• LMHC vs. LCSW
• How to Become a Counselor
• Mental Health Counselor Salary and Career Outlook
• MPA vs MPH: Which Degree is Best for You?
• MPA vs. International Relations
• MPA vs. MPP
• Masters in Business Administration (MBA) vs. Masters of Public Administration (MPA)
• Is an MPA Degree Really Worth It?
• MPA Careers and Salaries
• Master of Public Administration MPA Scholarships
• Online Masters in Urban Planning Programs
• What Can I Do With an International Relations Degree?
• International Relations Salary and Career Paths
• How to Make a Career Transition to Financial Planner
• Can You Change Careers with an MBA
• MBA Concentrations Guide
• Online MBA in Financial Planning Programs
• Find Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Programs
• Find Online MBA in Marketing Programs
• Find Online MBA in Business Analytics Programs
• Find Online MBA in Finance Programs
• MBA or CFA: Which Is Better for a Finance Career
• How to Get Into Business School
• MBA or JD: Which Is the Better Career Path?
• Is an MBA Degree Really Worth It? Decide Here
• Explore MBA Salary, Jobs, and Careers in Business
• MBA Scholarships
• Bachelor’s of Business Scholarships
• What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Business and Management?
• What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s in Marketing?
• Bachelor of Marketing Scholarships
• Is a Master of Accounting Worth It?
• Accountant Salary and Career Outlook
• Guide to Transition into an Accounting Career
• Master’s in HR Salary and Career Outlook
• How to Break into Supply Chain Management
• Supply Chain Management Salary and Career Outlook
• Online Master’s in Management and Leadership
• Online Master’s in Finance Programs
• Explore Our LSAT Study Guide
• How to Get into Law School
• How to Study for the Bar Exam
• Is a JD Really Worth It?
• MPA vs JD: Which Is Better?
• Is a Master of Legal Studies Worth It?
• Online Master’s in Taxation Law Programs
• Online Master of Laws LLM Programs
• Online Master of Legal Studies in Compliance Programs
• What You Can Do with a Bachelor’s in Communications
• Bachelor of Communications Scholarships
• Online Master of Communication Management Programs
• Master’s in Communications Salary and Careers
• Is a Communications Degree Worth It?
• How to Become a Communications Director
• How to Become an Architect
• Guide to Online Economics Certificates and Courses
• How to Become a Public Policy Analyst
• Public Policy Analyst Salary and Job Outlook
• Guide to Online Sustainability Certificates and Short Courses
• Data Science Salary and Career Outlook
• Is a Data Science Degree Worth It?
• Online Business Management Courses
• How to Become a Finance Manager
• Finance Salary and Careers
• Web Developer Salary and Career Paths
• How to Become a Cyber Security Specialist
• Guide to Cybersecurity Salaries and Careers
• AI Engineer Salary and Career Outlook
• How to Become an AI Engineer
• How to Become a Blockchain Developer
• Systems and IT Salary and Career Outlook
• Online Human Resources HR Courses
• How to Become a Project Manager
• Project Manager Salary and Career Outlook
• Become a Marketing Manager
• Is a Marketing Degree Worth It?
• Marketing Salary and Careers
• Online Healthcare Courses
• Online Nutrition Courses
• Online Education Courses
• Online Business Negotiations Courses
• Online Leadership Courses
• Online Conflict Resolution Courses
• Become a Data Analyst
• Online Real Estate Courses
• What is an HBCU?
• Reasons to Choose a Degree From an HBCU
• Teaching Methods
• Learning Styles
• Testing Effect
• School Media
• Motivating Students
• Dropout Prevention
• Teachers Care
• Grants for Teachers
• Teacher Appreciation
• Debra Rose Howell
• Dr. David Lazerson
• Dr. Penny Ferguson
• Genein Letford
• Lynne Kesselman
• Susan Evans
• Valerie Kibler
• How To Become a Lawyer Online
• How to Become a Principal
• Guide to Becoming a Doctor of Social Work
• Masters Degree Program Accreditation
• Teacher Certification Tests (The Praxis and Beyond)
• Teacher Salary, Career and Benefits Guide
• Summer Vacation for Teachers
• Teaching STEM
• Teaching Art
• Teaching Music
• Teaching Gifted Education
• Teaching Social Studies
• Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Teaching English and Language Arts
• Teaching Special Education
• Teacher Shortage Areas by State
• How To Become an Online Teacher
• Become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor
• How to Become a School Counselor
• LMHC Licensure Guide for Mental Health Counselors
• What does an LMHC do?
• Become a Psychologist
• How to Become a Clinical Psychologist
• What Does a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) Do?
• Become a Behavior Analyst
• How to Become a Pediatric Nurse
• Become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
• How to Become a Pharmacist
• Become a Speech Pathologist
• Become a Physical Therapist
• How to Become an Occupational Therapist
• Become a Registered Nurse (RN)
• Become a Nurse Practitioner
• Become a Nurse Midwife
• Become an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
• Become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse APRN
• How to Become a Business Consultant
• Become an Accountant
• Become a Human Resources Specialist
• Become a Public Administrator
• Become a Librarian

Teach.com / Online Education / Education Degrees / Online Master of Arts in Teaching Programs (MAT) / Applying for Your Master’s / How to Write a Personal Statement

Brainstorming

Before you start outlining your statement, ask yourself a few questions to get an idea of what you’ll need to include. Jot down each of the following questions and leave some space to answer them.

• Why do I want to be a teacher?
• How should I address my academic record?
• How can my experiences enhance my application?
• Who is my audience?

Now take a few minutes and come up with some answers to these questions. Don’t spend too much time on this step; just write down your general thoughts. Once you do that, you will be ready to dive in and start writing your personal statement.

The Introduction

Your introduction needs to grab the reader’s attention at once. Remember that they are most likely staring at a pile of applications, and yours will be one of many they’ll read in this sitting. You need to be memorable right from the start. Follow this general form for a solid intro.

• HOOK:  Grab the admissions officer’s attention with a broad, but strong statement about the teaching profession.
• LINE:  Write two to three sentences that develop that idea and narrow it down to focus on you.
• SINKER:  Deliver your thesis. This is where you state specifically why you want to study education at their school.

Begin with a short summary of your educational background. Do not turn this into a resume; just briefly give an overview of your studies in both your major (English, math, etc.) and in your education concentration. If you have any inconsistencies in your academic record, this is where you should address them. Do not give excuses, but if there are reasons why you did poorly in an area, state them here.

The second body paragraph is where you get to tell your story. Why do you want to become a teacher? What inspires you about this profession? What type of teacher do you see yourself becoming? How did your student teaching experience inspire you to continue on this path? Anecdotes are best, but don’t get carried away. Keep it concise and to the point.

Once you have explained who you are and what your professional goals will be, the third body paragraph should explain why you think you are a good fit for that particular school. Hopefully you did some research before applying, and you have some concrete reasons for choosing this college. Tell them your reasons, but don’t go overboard with platitudes. They know what awards they have won and where they rank in the U.S. News college rankings. Be honest and explain what attracted you to their program of study and what you hope to get out of it.

In order to ensure the clarity of your work, each body paragraph should be formatted the same. This way the reader will be able to quickly read without losing track of the point. After the first body paragraph, begin each subsequent paragraph with a transition phrase or sentence, and then provide a clear topic sentence. Support that topic sentence with solid evidence. Finally, provide examples to back up that evidence.

The Conclusion

Conclusions are hard, and they are hard for a reason. Ideally, you have made your case in the body of your personal statement, so you understandably ask yourself, “What else can I say?” Try one of these strategies:

• Widen the focus a bit and validate your thesis without being redundant.
• Project where you see yourself in 10 years after completing your degree and becoming a successful teacher.
• Reaffirm your passion for your subject area.

However you decide to close, do not fall back to your middle school days and simply restate your case in the conclusion. Take some time to craft a closing that will leave them with an overall positive impression.

The Nuts and Bolts of Academic Writing

It is certainly worth noting a few of the technical aspects of writing your personal statement. Many programs will have specific items they want you to cover in your statement. Be sure you have carefully read and then answered their questions. Use a basic font like Times New Roman or Calibri and either a 10- or 12-point font. Always use 1-inch margins and single space your document. The general suggested length is 500 to 1,000 words. Don’t feel like you have to hit the word limit, but don’t only get halfway there either.

More from  Applying for your Masters in Teaching: The Complete Guide

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Applying to graduate school
• How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.

To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:

• Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
• Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
• Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?

This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.

Urban Planning Psychology History

Table of contents

Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.

Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.

For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.

There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.

The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:

• A personal experience that changed your perspective
• A story from your family’s history
• A memorable teacher or learning experience
• An unusual or unexpected encounter

To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.

Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:

• Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
• Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
• How does it fit into the rest of your life?
• What do you think it contributes to society?

Tips for the introduction

• Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
• Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.

Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.

To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.

• What first sparked your interest in the field?
• Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
• Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?

Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.

My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.

• Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
• Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.

Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.

• Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
• Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
• Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.

The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.

In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.

• If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
• If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
• If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.

Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.

One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.

Tips for the main body

• Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
• Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.

Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.

Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?

If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?

Tips for the conclusion

• Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
• Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.

Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.

Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.

Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

College essays

• College essay examples
• College essay format
• College essay style
• College essay length
• Diversity essays
• Scholarship essays

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Avoiding repetition
• Literature review
• Conceptual framework
• Dissertation outline
• Thesis acknowledgements
• Burned or burnt
• Canceled or cancelled
• Dreamt or dreamed
• Gray or grey
• Theater vs theatre

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. (2023, July 03). How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved September 7, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/graduate-school/personal-statement/

Is this article helpful?

Shona McCombes

Other students also liked, how to write a graduate school resume | template & example, how (and who) to ask for a letter of recommendation, master's vs phd | a complete guide to the differences, get unlimited documents corrected.

✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts

Writing a Postgraduate Teacher Education personal statement

Updated on 7 July 2023

Guidance on how to write a PGDE/CE personal statement and an example to help demonstrate your skills, experience and motivation for teaching.

A personal statement is a short piece of writing (47 lines/4000 characters) which you are asked to submit in support of your application to study a PGDE/CE made through UCAS. It is your opportunity to demonstrate your skills, experience and motivation for teaching.

Before you start

Remember that this is a very important part of your application. Take your time to carefully plan out and practise your statement. It is a good idea to draft your statement in a word document and get some feedback on it before committing to the final version..

• Don't waste space with irrelevant or repetitive information. Be succinct and avoid complicated language and overly long sentences.
• Be specific about what you have to offer. Detail what you have gained from your experiences in schools/working with children. Give appropriate evidence of the skills you possess for teaching.
• Indicate the relevance of other types of experience or skills you possess, e.g. supervising people or sports
• Avoid using negative language. Present any gaps in skills or experience positively.
• Finish with a summary of what you have to offer     leave the selectors with a clear understanding of your suitability for the course.
• Let your enthusiasm for teaching and working with children shine through in everything you say.
• Check grammar and spelling thoroughly! Do not rely on the spelling and grammar check on your word processing package alone. Ask someone to proof read it for you.
• If you are cutting and pasting from a word document, remember to check the formatting.

Questions to consider when structuring your Personal Statement

• Why do you want to be a teacher? - What has inspired you; who/what influenced you?
• Why do you want to work with young people? - What appeals to you about working with this age group; what skills do you possess that will help you?
• Why do you want to teach your subject? For primary: demonstrate a breadth of knowledge across a range of curriculum areas. For secondary, show how your subject knowledge is relevant to the curriculum.
• What have you gained from working with young people? - Have you had any experience in schools or working with children in other settings? Reflect upon what you did, what you observed, what you learned.
• What else can you offer? Skills in sports, music, languages, arts and crafts, ICT etc.

This is an example personal statement. There is considerable room for improvement and the notes make suggestions to help you with writing yours.

I am applying for the PGDE course because I have always wanted to be a teacher. I really like working with children and think that I have the right kinds of skills to become a good teacher .

• The above statement is far too short: you are allowed 47 lines/4000 characters so use them.
• Remember to specify whether you are applying f or primary or secondary courses.
• It is not enough to say that you have developed the "right kinds of skills". Be specific about them.
• It is important to have a strong opening statement . It is the first thing the selectors will read so you want to make an impact. 
• Think about why you have always wanted to teach and clearly demonstrate.

New Paragraph

At school, I was involved with the Primary 1 class when I was in final year. I helped the less able children with reading on a one to one basis. I also help out at my local Brownie pack every week, keeping the girls busy with various activities. I have applied to do the Student Tutoring Scheme.

• When describing experience with children, make sure you are specific about what you learned from the work and the skills you developed.
• You need to demonstrate (by providing evidence) that you have developed/ have the potential to develop skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, problem solving, organisation, planning and time management.

At school I studied a wide range of subjects but the one I enjoyed most was History so that is what I have studied at university. I also took Psychology and Politics in first year and Politics in second year too.

• When describing your studies, remember to show how this is relevant to the subject(s) you will be teaching.

I have been a babysitter for two children for several years and enjoy helping the older child with his homework now that he is at school.

• When describing your experience remember to demonstrate the transferable skills you have gained in this role that would be relevant to teaching. For example with babysitting you could link to the skill of 'behaviour management'.

I am very interested in education generally and keep up to date with current issues by reading the BBC website.

It is not enough to say that you 'keep up-to-date' here. Give a summary of what you have to offer and stating why you should be offered a place on the course.

Careers service

[email protected]

• Sign up for emails
• Find an event
• Pay and benefits
• Changing careers
• Who to teach
• What to teach
• View all in Life as a teacher
• Postgraduate teacher training
• Qualifications
• Other routes into teaching
• View all in Train to be a teacher
• Courses with fees
• Courses with a salary
• Extra support
• View all in Fund your training
• Teacher training application
• Teacher training personal statement
• Teacher training references
• When to apply for teacher training
• Teacher training interviews
• Subject knowledge enhancement (SKE)
• If your application is unsuccessful
• View all in How to apply
• If you want to train to teach
• If you're already a teacher
• Get international qualified teacher status (iQTS)
• If you're from Ukraine
• View all in Non-UK citizens
• How do I change to a career in teaching?
• Which age group should I teach?
• How can I teach children with special educational needs?
• If you have or are studying for a degree
• How to choose your course
• What to expect in teacher training
• Get school experience
• Teaching internships
• Qualifications you need to be a teacher
• Qualified teacher status (QTS)
• Postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE)
• If you do not have a degree
• If you’ve worked as an unqualified teacher
• If you want to do a teaching apprenticeship
• Tuition fees
• Student finance for teacher training
• Bursaries and scholarships
• Salaried teacher training
• Funding and support if you're disabled
• Funding and support if you're a parent or carer
• Funding and support if you're a veteran
• Train to teach in England as a non-UK citizen
• Fees and financial support for non-UK trainee teachers
• Qualifications you'll need to train to teach in England
• Apply for your visa to train to teach
• Teach in England as a non-UK qualified teacher
• Get an international relocation payment
• Gain the equivalent of English QTS, from outside the UK
• Ukrainian teachers and trainees coming to the UK

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

Start your application

Create an account and start your application for a teacher training course.

Apply for a course

Get free one-to-one support

Maximise your chances of submitting a successful application with the support of a dedicated adviser with years of teaching experience. Chat to an adviser through phone, text or email.

Chat online

Chat is closed

Chat not available Email: [email protected]

0800 389 2500

Call or chat to us Monday to Friday, 8:30am until 5:30pm , except on bank holidays (opens in new window) .

Whether it's just an idea or you're ready to apply, you could get personalised support from an adviser with years of teaching experience. Chat to them by phone, email or text as little or as often as you need.

We use cookies to collect information about how you use this website. We use this information to make the website work as well as possible, and improve this website. We also share some of this information with our social media, advertising and analytics partners.

• Skip To Main Content
• Report an Accessibility Barrier
• Accessibility

Writing a Teaching Philosophy

A teaching philosophy is a reflection of your beliefs, values, and goals regarding teaching.  It should also provide concrete examples of how you achieve these goals or endorse your beliefs in the classroom.  In essence, its contents should represent who you are as a person and teacher. 

Tips for Writing Your Teaching Philosophy Statement

Your teaching statement should:

• explain what you want to accomplish and how your teaching is intended to bring that about, addressing both short and long-term goals for your teaching
• illustrate how you design your course content to meet University, departmental, and personal goals while facilitating student learning
• establish a connection between teaching and learning and your classroom practices
• suggest criteria for evaluating your work as a teacher
• demonstrate your engagement with central issues of teaching
• show your commitment to the improvement of your teaching

Questions to ask yourself when writing your statement of teaching philosophy:

• Where do you find your inspiration and/or motivation for teaching?
• What is your view of the teacher’s role in the classroom and with students?
• How do your teaching methods reflect your view?
• Has someone specific influenced your teaching style or approach to teaching – a mentor or past teacher? Why and how?
• How do you feel learning occurs?
• How do you build an intentional classroom culture?
• How do your personal characteristics and teaching style impact your students’ learning?
• How do you help students learn and develop as individuals?
• How do you provide different types of learning opportunities for different types of learners?
• What obstacles do you think students face and how do you help them overcome difficulties?
• How have you modified your methods in response to changes in students, course materials, your situation, changes in curriculum, or other mitigating factors?
• What do you feel you need to change in how you teach? What difference will this make? Express this plan for growth in terms of desired outcomes/underlying values.

General Criteria & Format of Teaching Philosophies

There is no required format for a teaching philosophy.  Many different styles and approaches are considered acceptable.  However, there are some general guidelines related to the content and formatting of your teaching statement.

• Statements of teaching philosophy are generally 1 to 2 pages in length, and rarely longer than 3 pages double spaced.
• Avoid using technical terms when writing your philosophy – while these terms may be understood by individuals within your own field, many times your teaching philosophy is reviewed by individuals from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds if you are being considered for a teaching award.
• Write your teaching philosophy in the present tense.
• Most teaching philosophies are written in a narrative format.
• Provide a few specific examples related to the approaches you use in your teaching.
• Remember to revise this regularly! Your teaching philosophy will – and should – evolve over time.

Tools and Resources

• Explore your Teaching Style – Teaching Perspectives Inventory –  http://www.teachingperspectives.com/tpi/
• Examples from ECU Faculty
• External Resources for Writing a Teaching Philosophy

Two students, two teachers killed at Apalachee High School, 14-year-old in custody

What we know so far.

• Coverage on this live blog has ended. Follow the latest news here.
• The 14-year-old student accused of killing four people at Apalachee High School was investigated last year for threatening to carry out a school shooting, federal authorities said. The teen allegedly made the threats online and included photos of guns, according to officials.
• Two teachers and two students were killed and nine were injured yesterday in Winder, Georgia.
• The teenage suspect, Colt Gray, surrendered immediately and will be charged as an adult, law enforcement officials said.
• The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified those killed as Mason Schermerhorn, 14; Christian Angulo, 14; Christina Irimie, 53; and Richard Aspinwall, 39.
• The nine wounded victims are expected to recover, officials said. The school's golf coach was among them, his daughter posted on social media.

'You’re basically never safe anywhere': Student recalls hearing gunfire and hiding in corner of room

Marlene Lenthang

Ariel Bowling, a sophomore at Apalachee, was walking to a vending machine with a friend when she heard gunfire erupt yesterday.

"We had gotten like halfway out of the room and there’s a brick wall so you can’t really see who’s out in the hall. And then we heard shots fired and we ran back into the room and we all just piled on top of each other in the corner,” she said on NBC's "TODAY" show Thursday morning.

Her mother, Tabitha, recalled receiving a call from her daughter — then hearing five gunshots ring out.

“Then the phone went dead so I didn’t know if she was hurt and she was calling 911," the mother said.

Bowling said the shooting was "just a really traumatic experience," especially as it unfolded in a space meant to protect and embrace children.

“I just feel like you’re basically never safe anywhere and no matter if there’s cops in the school, there’s still no safety at all,” Bowling said.

'Truly heartbroken': Fundraising page for Christian Angulo’s family collects $33,000 in donations

Patrick Smith Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

A GoFundMe page for Christian Angulo, 14, one of the four people shot dead in Georgia on yesterday, has already raised more than $33,000 in donations.

The page, set up by Angulo's older sister, Lisette, has attracted more than 900 donations, with some donors offering $1,000 to help with funeral expenses.

"Unfortunately my baby brother was one of the victims of the school shooting at Apalachee High School," she writes in a message on the page.

"He was only 14 years old. He was a very good kid and very sweet and so caring. He was so loved by many. His loss was so sudden and unexpected. We are truly heartbroken. He really didn’t deserve this," she said.

ID alarm button helped notify of problem at school

Phil Helsel

Authorities were notified of a problem at Apalachee High School after a security button carried by teachers was pressed, the Barrow County sheriff said.

The technology is new, Sheriff Jud Smith said at a news conference.

The system “alarms us and alerts the law enforcement office after buttons are pressed on an ID, and it alerts us to that there is an active situation at the school for whatever reason, and that was pressed,” Smith said. “And we’ve had that for about a week now.”

Investigators working on timeline of suspected shooter's actions

GBI Director Chris Hosey said that investigators were trying to clarify a timeline of the suspected shooter’s actions before the deadly gunfire at Apalachee High School.

Also under investigation is how the 14-year-old suspect got into the school, Hosey said in response to questions at a news conference tonight.

“We’re still investigating that aspect of it,” Hosey said.

“We’re still trying to clarify a lot of the timeline from the time that he got here to school today until the incident took place,” he said when asked about the suspect’s movements prior to the shooting.

Georgia’s U.S. senators condemn shooting, offer condolences

Georgia’s two U.S. senators today expressed shock and sadness about the deadly high school shooting at Apalachee High School, and said their condolences were with the families of the victims and others affected.

“Today’s horrific attack at Apalachee High School is a despicable act of violence unimaginable for any parent,” Sen. Jon Ossoff, a Democrat, said in a statement .

Sen. Raphael Warnock, also a Democrat, said that his heart breaks for the families of the victims and every student at the school.

“The entire Winder community is in my prayers, but we can’t pray only with our lips—we must pray by taking action,” Warnock wrote on X .

“Until we center the people and start a serious, bipartisan conversation in Washington & state capitols across the country to advance popular, commonsense gun safety reforms, the sad truth is it’s only a matter of time before this kind of tragedy comes knocking on your door,” he added.

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, a Republican whose district includes Barrow County, said that he and his wife “ are praying for the victims, their families, and all students at Apalachee High School in Barrow County.” He also pledged any assistance needed.

Victims were two 14-year-old boys and two math teachers

The two students killed in today’s shooting at Apalachee High School were both 14, the director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said.

The children killed were Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said.

The teachers killed were Christina Irimie, 53, and Richard Aspinwall, 39, the GBI said.

The school's website says the teachers taught math. Aspinwall is also listed as a defensive coordinator for the football team.

Investigators looking at previous contacts with family services

GBI Director Chris Hosey said that investigators are aware of possible contact between the suspect and the state's family and children’s services, but don’t know if that played any role in today’s high school shooting.

“We’re also aware of some previous contacts that the Department of Family and Children Services in the area had had with the suspect and his family,” Hosey said. “We are pursuing that avenue as well, too.”

He was not more specific about those contacts.

“Let me stress again, as we have many times, that this is still a very fluid investigation. It is still very active,” Hosey said.

Gov. Kemp says shooting is ‘everybody’s worst nightmare’

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said that today’s shooting at Apalachee High School is “everybody’s worst nightmare” and pledged that the state will use every resource to support the community.

“This is everybody’s worst nightmare,” Kemp said at a news conference tonight. “And I just want to offer my sincere condolences and our thoughts and prayers to the families that have lost loved ones, for those that are injured continuing to fight through just a tragic time.”

In addition to two students and two teachers who were killed, eight students and one teacher were injured and are in the hospital. They are all expected to recover, the sheriff said.

Kemp asked all Georgians and Americans to keep the families, educators and students in their prayers.

All injured victims expected to survive

Everyone injured and at hospitals after today’s high school shooting is expected to survive, Barrow County Sheriff Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith said.

“All of our victims that are at the hospital are going to make it and going to recover well, as we’ve been told, and we don’t expect any more fatalities at this time," Smith said at a news conference tonight.

Shooter used AR-style weapon

The 14-year-old suspect in today’s deadly shooting at Apalachee High School used an “AR platform-style weapon,” the director of the GBI said.

The exact model of gun was not specified at tonight's news conference.

GBI Director Chris Hosey said that the investigation is still very fluid and active.

Following the shooting at a Georgia high school that killed four people and injured at least nine, the Winder community came together for a vigil. NBC News’ Jesse Kirsch spoke with a 15-year-old student who recalled the moment she heard gun shots. 

Counselor shaped by a school shooting decades ago heads to Winder to try to provide comfort

Curtis Bunn

WINDER, Ga. — In 1997 in Pearl, Mississippi, Lisa Sanders was a law enforcement official on the scene after a 16-year-old shot and killed two classmates after beating his mother to death.

Sanders said she was shaken by the scene and eventually transitioned into education. Since then, she said she has shown up at the scene of two other school shootings because, “I just feel like I should be there.”

She moved to metro Atlanta two years ago, and when she learned of the latest tragedy, she headed to Winder.

“I don’t know anybody here,” said Sanders, a counselor in the Gwinnett County School System. “I never thought that in 1997, before Columbine, this would be such an epidemic. I thought we’d have a handle on it. But it’s out of hand."

"To have this continually happening is so tragic," she said. "All these years later, I feel like I have to be here. I’m so saddened by it. But being here makes me feel connected to the people who need comforting.”

Suspected gunman was investigated in 2023 over school threats, FBI says

John Filippelli

The 14-year-old suspect in the deadly Apalachee High School shooting was investigated last year over online threats about a school shooting, federal officials said.

“In May 2023, the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center received several anonymous tips about online threats to commit a school shooting at an unidentified location and time," the FBI and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said in a joint statement. The online threats contained photos of guns, they said.

“Within 24 hours, the FBI determined the online post originated in Georgia, and the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office referred the information to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for action.”

The sheriff's office identified a possible subject, a 13-year-old male, and interviewed him and his father, officials said. The FBI confirmed that the 13-year-old is the same person in custody related to today’s shootings.

"The father stated he had hunting guns in the house, but the subject did not have unsupervised access to them. The subject denied making the threats online. Jackson County alerted local schools for continued monitoring of the subject," the agencies said in a statement tonight.

“At that time, there was no probable cause for arrest or to take any additional law enforcement action on the local, state, or federal levels.”

Read the full story here.

Most of the injured are students

Eight of the nine people who were injured and taken to hospitals after today’s high school shooting were students, authorities said.

One of the injured in the incident at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, is a teacher, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said .

Two Apalachee High School students and two high school teachers were killed. A 14-year-old suspect was arrested.

Winder community turns to one another for support

WINDER, Ga. — A 30-minute vigil ended tonight with community members praying and lighting candles for the victims of this morning's deadly school shooting.

Many cried and hugged each other. A few let balloons float into the air.

While holding three balloons, Matt White, 61, said he had moved to Winder from Athens, Georgia, three years ago for peace.

“It was impossible for me not to come here and be among my community. You never expect something like this," he said. "You see it other places. But now, we have to figure out how to heal. And it has to be together. It can’t be as individuals.”

'When one of us hurts, we all hurt,' leader tells grieving community

WINDER, Ga. — As the sun began to settle behind thick clouds at Jug Tavern Park, Winder City Council Member Power Evans struggled to find the right words.

Hundreds of teary-eyed locals reeling from today's tragedy at Apalachee High School gathered tonight for a vigil to help process the shooting and mourn the four victims.

“Whether you have a student, whether you’re the mother or father of a student, brother or sister, whether you’re a teacher, an Apalachee teacher, this all affects us,” he said, finally.

“We may be a county of 90,000 people, but we’re still a small community, and when one of us hurts, we all hurt.”

Drawn to Apalachee High to offer support

WINDER, Ga. —  Though she's not a student at Apalachee High, Gretchen Gierlach, an 18-year-old student at Georgia Gwinnett College, felt compelled to come to campus this evening.

“I didn’t come here for answers. I simply see an issue," she said. "I’m here for the family who are suffering from this tragedy. I’m here to support them through this awful, awful, awful tragedy."

Two students and two teachers died in today's shooting.

"I keep hearing the same thing on the news: How this keeps happening. This is, unfortunately, just another statistic," Gierlach said. "These kids are desensitized to this entire situation."

85% of Gen Z voters worried about gun violence, survey finds

Scott Bland Senior Politics Editor

Eighty-five percent of registered voters younger than 30 said they were at least somewhat concerned about “the possibility of gun violence in school or public spaces,” according to  a new NBC News Stay Tuned Gen Z Poll powered by SurveyMonkey .

That includes 59% who said they were “very concerned.”

Apalachee High is 2nd school shooting involving active shooter this year

Today’s deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, is the second school shooting involving an active shooter in 2024, according to a count of school shootings by NBC News.

The other school shooting this year occurred on Jan. 4, when a 17-year-old student at Perry High School in Perry, Iowa, fatally shot a sixth-grader, wounded four others, and then killed himself.

The school shooting tracker is a project by NBC News designed to add consistency to statistics used by news agencies and other organizations, as well as to identify and contextualize shootings in all types of schools from kindergarten to college, across the U.S.

The shooting at Apalachee High School occurred a little over a month after the first day of school for the 2024-'25 school year, which was Aug. 1, according to its online calendar .

School Shooting Tracker: Counting school shootings since 2013

The scene outside the school hours after shooting

WINDER, Ga. — Hours after the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School, a heavy police presence remains in the area.

At 6 p.m., a helicopter circled the campus from above. The street and perimeter of the school are lined with media.

While the scene at the school was bustling, the neighborhood of single-family homes across the street is quiet. Not one person could be seen lingering outside.

Winder planning vigil for community to grieve together

The city of Winder will hold a vigil at 7 tonight after today’s deadly shooting at a high school.

The vigil will be at Jug Tavern Park in the city of around 18,300.

The city said in an announcement on Facebook that the event will be “for a time to be together and grieve for the horrific events that unfolded in Barrow County today.”

‘Hate will not prevail,’ sheriff says after shooting

Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith pledged that “hate will not prevail” after today’s deadly shooting at Apalachee High School.

“This is home for me. I was born and raised here. I went to school in this school system. My kids go to this school system. I’m proud of this school system,” Smith said. “My heart hurts for these kids. My heart hurts for this community.”

“But I want to make it very clear that hate will not prevail in this county. I want that to be very clear and known,” he said. “Love will prevail over what happened today.”

A motive in the shooting is unclear, and Smith said he did not know why the shooter opened fire. Smith described the shooting as “pure evil.”

Officials don't yet know if gunman targeted the victims

David K. Li

Investigators could not immediately determine whether the 14-year-old shooting suspect targeted the victims at Apalachee High School or it was a random attack.

"We don't know of any targets at this point," Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith told reporters. "We have not identified that at this point."

Smith also said there were no clear connections between the suspect and the victims.

Four people were killed and nine injured in the shooting.

Suspect, 14, gave up immediately when confronted

A campus police officer quickly confronted a 14-year-old gunman, who is a student at the school, and got him to surrender immediately, officials said,

"Our school resource officer engaged him and the shooter quickly realized that if he did not give up, that it would end with an OIS — an officer involved shooting," Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith told reporters.

"He gave up, got on the ground and the deputy took him into custody."

School district will be closed through rest of week

Barrow County Schools will be closed for the rest of the week.

"Our schools will be closed for the remainder of this week as we cooperate fully with law enforcement to get answers to the many questions that we all have," district Superintendent Dallas LeDuff told reporters.

Two students and two teachers were killed

Tim Stelloh

Two of the people fatally shot at Apalachee High School today were students and two were teachers, a law enforcement official said.

Chris Hosey, director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, did not immediately provide additional details about the victims' identities.

14-year-old suspect to be charged as an adult, official says

A 14-year-old student was identified as the shooter who opened fire at Georgia's Apalachee High School, killing four people.

The victims included two students and two adults, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Hosey told reporters.

The teen will be treated as an adult in his arrest and prosecution, Hosey said.

Eight people taken to three North Georgia Medical Center hospitals, official says

Nicole Duarte

Eight people, including three with gunshot wounds, were taken to three Georgia hospitals today after the shooting at Apalachee High School, a hospital spokesperson said.

The patients were taken to North Georgia Medical Center facilities in Barrow, Gainesville and Braselton, the spokesperson said.

In addition to the patients with gunshot wounds, five people were hospitalized with panic attack symptoms, the spokesperson said.

Donald Trump calls unidentified shooter 'deranged monster'

Jake Traylor

Former President Donald Trump lashed out at the unidentified shooter, calling the attacker at a Georgia high school a "deranged monster."

“Our hearts are with the victims and loved ones of those affected by the tragic event in Winder, GA," the GOP presidential nominee said in a statement. "These cherished children were taken from us far too soon by a sick and deranged monster.”

The identities and details of the victims have not been made public. At least four people were killed in gunfire this morning at Apalachee High School.

Golf coach among those injured, daughter says

Janhvi Bhojwani

Golf coach David Phenix was among those injured in the shooting at Apalachee High School today, his daughter said.

In a Facebook post, Katie Phenix wrote that her father was shot in the foot and hip, shattering his hip bone.

David Phenix was alert and awake when hospitalized, she wrote, and he was in stable condition after being released from surgery.

“We are so, so lucky, but please keep our family as well as the AHS family in your prayers,” she wrote.

Students full of terror and tears

A student who witnessed the deadly school shooting in Georgia described the “scary” scene and said many kids were crying. 

'It doesn't have to be this way,' VP Harris says

Vice President Kamala Harris lamented the "senseless" Georgia school shooting that claimed at least four lives — because "it doesn't have to be this way."

She started a New Hampshire campaign stop by thanking first responders who rushed to Apalachee High School and limited the bloodshed.

"This is just a senseless tragedy on top of so many senseless tragedies, and it's just outrageous that every day in our country, in the United States of America, that parents have to send their children to school worried about whether or not their child will come home alive," Harris told supporters in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

"We have to end this epidemic of gun violence in our country once and for all. You know, it doesn't have to be this way. It doesn't have to be this way."

An Apalachee High School student describes the panic she felt when shots rang out from the classroom next to hers and the moments that followed as she sheltered in place with other students.

Suspected shooter is a teen, law enforcement officials say

The suspected shooter in today's deadly violence is a teenager, multiple senior law enforcement officials told NBC News.

Police are working to determine the teen's name and whether they had a prior affiliation with the school, the officials said.

White House calls for tougher gun laws

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre condemned the deadly shooting in Georgia and joined the president in calling on Congress to take action and pass either an assault weapons ban or universal background checks.

Biden: 'Ending this gun violence epidemic is personal to me'

Caroline Kenny

President Joe Biden thanked first responders for catching the suspected Apalachee High School gunman and called for an end to this “gun violence epidemic."

"We are closely coordinating with officials at the federal, state and local level, and are grateful for the first responders who brought the suspect into custody and prevented further loss of life," Biden said in a statement. “Ending this gun violence epidemic is personal to me.”

The president challenged Republicans to work with Democrats on gun safety legislation.

"After decades of inaction, Republicans in Congress must finally say ‘enough is enough’ and work with Democrats to pass common-sense gun safety legislation," the president added. "We must ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines once again, require safe storage of firearms, enact universal background checks, and end immunity for gun manufacturers.”

4 killed, 9 wounded in the shooting

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said that four people are dead and nine injured after the shooting at the Apalachee High School today. 

They added the suspect is alive and in custody.

Apalachee 10th grader recounts moments of terror: 'It was heartbreaking'

Elizabeth Maline

Miguel Eduardo Perichi Orta, a sophomore, recounted the moments surrounding the shooting. He told WXIA reporters that he heard banging following a loud boom.

"I was shaking, scared," Miguel said. "I couldn't communicate with my phone for half an hour, and I didn't know what was going to happen."

Once the police let students out of the classrooms, Miguel described seeing gunpowder and blood on the ground.

"I saw like a huge puddle of blood in the classroom, and that really, it like dropped my stomach," he said. "It was heartbreaking to see that."

Miguel said he was "upset and disappointed" over the deadly violence.

"If something like this can happen here, when you think it's a normal day, it can happen anywhere, and that's what really hurts," he said.

14-year-old girl on shooting: 'I didn't want to die that way'

Camille Nelms said she was crying when a gunman fire on her classroom.

As bullets came flying into the room, the teacher and students tried to take shelter in the corner, the teen said.

"I was crying, I didn't want to die that way," Nelms told NBC affiliate WXIA of Atlanta. "I don't want to meet the Lord that way."

Apalachee parent describes harrowing details from daughter's friend

Jackie Moore, the mother of an Apalachee freshman, spoke with NBC News about what her daughter knew about the moments leading up to the shooting.

One of her daughter’s friends, who was in a classroom two doors down from where the shooting occurred, said she heard someone banging on a door and shouting, “Open the f---ing door, let us in” before gunshots rang out. He said he then witnessed gunpowder, gun shells and blood everywhere.

Fortunately, Moore was able to find her daughter after rushing to the school.

"I literally stopped everything and took off just to be here," Moore said, her voice trembling. "My heart was just breaking because my daughter wasn’t responding to her texts or phone calls. It was terrifying."

Moore is now waiting to reunite with her son, who attends a nearby middle school.

AG Merrick Garland 'devastated' by deadly Georgia shooting

Federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and ATF, are on the scene in Georgia to assist local authorities in the ongoing probe at Apalachee High School, a "devastated" Attorney General Merrick Garland said.

"We are still gathering information but the FBI and ATF are on the scene, working with state, local and federal partners," Garland told reporters.

"I'm devastated for the families who have been affected by this terrible tragedy. The Justice Department stands ready to provide resources or support the Winder community needs in the days ahead."

Neighbor of Apalachee student: 'He probably doesn't want to finish the rest of the year'

WXIA reporters spoke with a neighbor of an Apalachee High School student who rushed to the school and confirmed that the student was safe.

"I'm sure he's devastated," the neighbor said. "He probably doesn't want to finish the rest of the year. His last year, and this is what happens."

The neighbor said that the student heard the shooting and called his mom.

"He's like, 'They're shooting, they're shooting right across from my classroom,'" the neighbor said. "He called his mom devastated, I'm sure."

Georgia law enforcement officials say a suspect is in custody after a shooting that resulted in multiple casualties after a shooting at Apalachee High School.

Students to be released from surrounding schools as investigation continues

Sheriff Jud Smith said that schools surrounding Apalachee High School, which were placed on a soft lockdown after reports of the shooting, would release their students soon as families anxiously await reunions with their students.

Smith called the investigation "very active and ever-developing," as officials of numerous sheriff’s offices from across the state of Georgia could be seen on Apalachee’s campus.

Police step up patrols near Atlanta public schools

The deadly school shooting, about 45 miles northeast of Atlanta, has prompted officials to step up patrols around campuses in Georgia's biggest city.

​"I have been in contact with APD chief, and APD has been working with Atlanta Public Schools Police Department to bolster patrols around our schools for the rest of the day out of an abundance of caution," Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said in a statement .

"​APD has also been on standby in case other law enforcement agencies need assistance with this incident. May God comfort the victims and their loved ones in the difficult days ahead."

Sheriff describes 'chaotic' scene following deadly school shooting

Reuniting students with their parents is the immediate top priority of law enforcement in the wake of this deadly shooting, officials said.

Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith confirmed that one suspect as in custody.

"We're in the process of reunifying our students with their parents," Smith told reporters. "Obviously, that's chaotic, but we want to be respectful of them and their privacy as well."

Smith did not reveal any additional details about the shooting at Apalachee High School but said he hopes to give more information at a 4 p.m. news conference.

Rep. Lucy McBath, whose son was murdered in 2012: ‘No family should have to go through this’

Annemarie Bonner

Rep. Lucy McBath, D-Ga., who lost her son Jordan Davis to gun violence in 2012, said in a post to X : “I am praying for the students of Apalachee High School and the community of Winder. I am praying for families across our state and entire country. Too many continue to experience the pain of gun violence. No family should have to go through this.”

McBath became active in efforts to curb gun violence after her son’s killing and made the issue a main thrust of her campaign for Congress in 2018.

Grandmother of Apalachee student: 'Start praying'

Morgan Chesky

Shirly Powers is the grandmother of an Apalachee student and spoke with NBC News about her urgent rush to the school.

"My daughter called me at work screaming that there was a shooter at Apalachee and begged me to get there as quick as possible," Powers said.

She said the principal instructed her grandson to run to the band room.

"Start praying, for all the kids, not just my grandson," she added.

Gov. Brian Kemp orders state law enforcement to assist

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp dispatched state resources to assist local authorities in the ongoing shooting probe at Apalachee High School, about 45 miles northeast of Atlanta.

"I have directed all available state resources to respond to the incident at Apalachee High School and urge all Georgians to join my family in praying for the safety of those in our classrooms, both in Barrow County and across the state," Kemp said in statement .

"We will continue to work with local, state, and federal partners as we gather information and further respond to this situation," Kemp added.

A heavy police presence remains at Apalachee

A WXIA helicopter showed streams of cars and a heavy police presence at Apalachee High School as families waited to search for their students. Federal agents were also at the scene.

The high school, which has approximately 1,900 students, has been in session for just a few weeks, since Aug. 1.

Hospital has received one gunshot wound victim

Jackie Zhou

A Grady Health System spokesperson said the hospital has so far received one gunshot wound victim from Apalachee High School.

Grady Hospital is about an hour's drive from the school.

Apalachee High School is about 45 miles northeast of Atlanta

President monitoring initial reports.

Monica Alba

President Biden has been briefed by his Homeland Security adviser, Liz Sherwood-Randall, on the shooting, per a senior White House official.

Multiple people shot, suspect is in custody

Jonathan Dienst

Law enforcement officials briefed on the Georgia investigation into the shooting at Apalachee High School in Barrow County say that initial information from the scene is that at least two people have been killed and at least four have been injured.

The officials cautioned that the information is preliminary and subject to change. 

It is not yet clear if the victims were students or teachers. A suspect is in custody, and it also isn’t clear if he is among those injured or killed. 

One suspect is in custody after gunfire was reported at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga., and casualties have been reported. NBC News’ Anne Thompson reports on the latest details from the shooting.