I absolutely adore analogies. It's such an easy way to explain something or to make information easier to process.
As only my first blog post on my brand new website (it's less than a week old and I'm still so excited about it), I wanted to share this analogy that I came to realise while I was on a walk and had a huge shoe mishap.
When we go into a shoe shop, we're normally looking for something specific. Going to the beach? It might be flip-flops or sandals. Big, bulky waterproof hiking boots would be inappropriate. But if you're going skiing, then flip-flops or sandals are the last thing you're looking for.
It's the same thing with schools and personal statements. All schools will be looking for specific things, qualities, and experiences. That's why it's highly recommended to adapt and edit your personal statement for every school or vacancy, no matter how exhausting this can feel.
Here are some more examples to clarify what I mean:
If a school highlights how passionate they are about incorporating outdoor learning into their curriculum, of course, you'll have an advantage if you mention outdoor learning in your examples or if you have formal forest school training.
If you're applying for a listed KS1 position and all your placements or experiences have been in KS2, don't then suddenly feel disheartened. This is where you need to work hard and think about what transferable skills from your KS2 experience can link to KS1. Have you used phonics to support children who struggled with reading? Did you adapt resources for children with special educational needs who were working below age-related expectations? Did you acknowledge your lack of experience in KS1 and consequently use your initiative to plan a day to observe in a Year 1 classroom?
Just like making sure your shoe matches the occasion, your personal statement should align with the school's requirements. If it doesn't fit at first glance, no worries! Adapt it to match the description and become the perfect fit they're looking for.
Now, let's dive a bit deeper into the art of crafting personal statements—a crucial step in landing that dream teaching position. If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed or unsure about your personal statement, it can be hard to identify these "stand-out" experiences or the transferable skills that you will have acquired subconsciously. My personalised coaching, expert editing, and workbook are designed to boost your confidence and help you craft a statement that stands out.
Ready to take the next step toward your teaching career? Check out my Personal Statement Services for aspiring and early-career teachers like yourself to get the support you need to stand out!
So there you have it—my take on the art of crafting personal statements. Remember, finding the perfect fit might take a little extra effort, but the right pair of shoes can take you places. If you have any questions or just want to share your own personal statement journey, drop a comment below. Until then, happy teaching adventures, and I'll catch you in the next post!
See you soon,
Annelies
Founder, Petite Primary
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