Application essay for prospective teaching students in QLD

Image: The best teachers are those who have academic capability and the right personal characteristics.

From August 2017, prospective teaching students will be required to submit a 1000-word essay on why they want to teach before being accepted into Queensland universities.

As well as meeting academic requirements, applicants will have to write 500 words about their motivation and suitability to teach and another 500 words about their learning or leadership activities that demonstrate a commitment to learning. In this section they are encouraged to describe examples from school or work or personal experience.

Developed by the Queensland Council of Deans in collaboration with the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre, the new requirement aims to select candidates with personal qualities that predispose them to become better teachers.

Attributes such as motivation to help others learn, organisation skills and being conscientious are all attributes that will be favourably looked upon.

Griffith University Dean of Education and Professional Studies and Chair of the Queensland Council of Deans Prof Donna Pendergast says the test is a more robust way of selecting those most suited to the demands of teaching.

“Effective teachers possess both academic and non-academic capabilities,’’ she said.

“Research shows the best teachers are those who have academic capability, literacy and numeracy skills and personal characteristics such as a motivation to teach, self-efficacy, willingness to learn and communication skills.

“A teacher who does not possess these non-academic capabilities may be more likely to leave the profession.”

QTAC will release the full details of the essay requirements prior to accepting essays online or via post from August.