Writing a supporting statement in Education
More often than not when applying for jobs in education, you will be required to include a supporting statement in addition to the standard application form. A supporting statement can make or break an application so what is it exactly and what do you need to include to create a standout application?
What is a supporting statement?
A supporting statement provides evidence and examples of how you meet the persons specification for a role. It also gives you the opportunity to showcase relevant skills. Within education, it allows you to demonstrate how you meet teachers’ standards and the impact you have on the children and the wider school environment.
Why is a supporting statement important?
The education system in the UK is still reeling from the effects of COVID. The need to employ teachers who can provide quality first teaching is of the utmost importance. Your supporting statement is you as a teacher on two pages of A4. You need to be able to demonstrate that you have the teaching skills necessary to provide quality first teaching in a time where it is imperative for the future success of children and young people.
How long should a supporting statement be?
The length of a supporting statement varies between different roles and employers. Sometimes, a maximum wordcount is given ranging from 600 to 1000 words. If no word count is given, try to be concise as possible and not go over two sides of A4.
How is a supporting statement organised?
A supporting statement is usually organised in paragraphs. Each paragraph demonstrates your ability to meet a key aspect of the job role you are applying for. Paragraphs need to be well developed and clearly show the reader how your experiences meet the essential criteria for the post. The first paragraph needs to summarise who you are as an educator and why you are the right person for the role. You need to make a confident and positive first impression- do not be afraid to blow your own trumpet!
Within the following paragraphs, focus on the key skills of teaching underpinning your experiences and successes with Teachers’ Standards. Ensure that each paragraph is focussed around a key area such as:
- Assessment
- Behaviour
- Teaching and Learning
- SEND
Don’t be afraid to promote your successes
Nobody likes to boast or brag about how good they are. However, if you have achieved some outstanding outcomes, don’t be afraid to shout about it! Employers want to know how good you are. Use an example of numeric data to demonstrate start and end points to demonstrate progress within your application. It is also beneficial to refer to feedback given from lesson observations. This adds another level of validation as to your work ethic and achievements which ultimately will make you suitable for a role. If you have had subject responsibility, and it has been highlighted in an external report such as OFSTED, choose excerpts where it is clear that you have directly impacted on the outcome and use to highlight the key skills required for a role.
Final thoughts
The job market for teachers is cutthroat in some areas of the country. It is crucial that your supporting statement is on point and reflects you as a teacher, relates directly to core skills within Teachers’ Standards and the demonstrates the impact you have had on children and young people. Taking the time to create a word-perfect supporting statement is not only necessary but imperative to achieving your dream job.
If you have any questions please get in touch and make sure you have connected with me on LinkedIn and Facebook.
0 Comments