As long as I can remember I have always wanted to be a teacher. I am inextricably drawn to the education profession for reasons that include my aspiration to help and influence children to grow into productive citizens on a global level. I have never had the desire to do anything else with my life other than become an educator. From the time I could hold a pencil, I was playing school with my siblings and cousins. As I grew into my teenage years, I became a babysitter and enjoyed playing learning games with my young charges as well as reading to them. I have the patience, the discipline, the energy, and the commitment needed to become an effective teacher.
Babysitting young children led me to develop an affinity for teaching at the elementary level. Almost every Friday and Saturday night during my teen years I have spent babysitting. I even spent last summer taking care of six-year-old twin girls while their parents worked during the day. I developed rudimentary lessons steeped in kindergarten Common Core standards that incorporated Letterland, sight words, and basic math skills. In addition, we went on daily nature walks and discussed the different plants, trees and rocks we encountered. Each Friday, the girls wanted to take a “test” on what we had studied that week. It was extremely gratifying to watch them grow. I take pride in the fact that I helped grow those girls last summer.

I think that my strengths for becoming an effective teacher lie in the fact that I am not afraid to work diligently and alongside my colleagues to develop lesson plans that reach a diverse population of students. I am willing to take risks and learn from both my mistakes and objective, constructive criticism from my peers and observers.

I have researched many colleges to find the one best suited for my needs, and I have found that Vanderbilt offers its education majors the most opportunity for growth and learning. I especially like the fact that I may earn another degree along with my degree in education to afford me more opportunities. Another factor in my decision to apply to Vanderbilt is the placement in the classroom earlier than any other university I have researched.

Thank you for taking time to consider my application for matriculation to Vanderbilt University.

Sincerely,

Your Name