Prompt:Please describe your background and experience in education, and explain why you are pursuing a career in education. Discuss the specific goals you wish to achieve through the Hunter College program, and how the program aligns with your career aspirations. Additionally, describe any personal challenges you have faced in your educational journey and how you have worked to overcome them. All applicants are required to submit a Statement of Purpose. Please write a statement of purpose of approximately 500 words indicating your objectives in undertaking graduate study. Please create your document using either Times New Roman or Arial font. You must upload this statement of purpose below.
- General Statement of Purpose for all programs: Please indicate your purpose and objectives in undertaking graduate study, your special interests and plans, and your strengths and weakness in your chosen field. In reviewing applications, considerable importance is placed on the applicant’s relevant experience as well as his or her interest in and commitment to advanced study and professional development.
Instructions for the Person Writing the Essay:
Background on the Applicant (Domonique):
Name: Domonique
Current Role: 3rd-grade teacher with over 5 years of experience in education, including two years as a youth worker and a few months as a teaching fellow before relocating.
Passions: Domonique has always been passionate about helping others grow, particularly in the classroom. She is committed to fostering an environment where students feel empowered to learn and overcome challenges. She’s driven by the belief that education can change lives, and that teachers are pivotal in guiding students through their academic journey.
Why Education: Domonique’s deep-rooted love for education stems from her desire to help students succeed, no matter their background. Her mission is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential and thrive academically.
Career Goals: Domonique aspires to continue growing as an educator, with long-term goals of taking on leadership roles in curriculum development and potentially educational policy work. She is passionate about educational equity and making a lasting impact on students and the system.
What to Focus on in the Essay:
Motivation for Education: Discuss Domonique’s passion for helping students grow and thrive. Her experience as a teacher and youth worker has shaped her belief that every student deserves access to the tools for success. Highlight her dedication to improving her practice and making a meaningful difference.
Why Hunter College: Emphasize why Domonique feels that Hunter College’s Education Program aligns with her values and goals. The program’s emphasis on equity, diversity, and teacher development fits well with her aspirations to create a positive impact on her students and community.
Career Aspirations: Domonique’s main goal is to continue developing as a teacher and taking on roles that allow her to influence curriculum design and educational practices. She wants to advocate for students who struggle academically, encouraging them to persist and overcome obstacles.
Challenges Faced and Overcoming Them: Domonique’s upbringing created a constant pressure to be perfect, which has been a struggle throughout her life. This pressure often caused anxiety and self-doubt. However, Domonique has used her experiences to encourage her students to embrace academic struggles and persevere. She encourages them to view challenges as opportunities for growth, drawing from her own journey of overcoming perfectionism and learning to accept imperfection.
Tone: The tone should be reflective, sincere, and focused on personal growth. The essay should show Domonique’s determination to improve herself as an educator and leader, while also reflecting her commitment to fostering perseverance in her students.