What is a good answer to why would you like to become a teacher on a college application?

AnswerSome good answers to this question are:

A.) Talk about a really great teacher you had, explain why you admired them and say you want to provide that same experience to other kids.

B.) Write about any teaching experiences you have, such as tutoring or helping older relatives get to grips with the internet or something. Describe the satisfaction you got from helping people understand something new.

C.) Explain that your ideal job would provide security but still allow you to exercise creativity and meet new people on a regular basis. Say that teaching would be a great way for you to achieve this and then give an example of a classroom exercise or a method of motivating students that you've come up with. This will emphasise your eagerness and creativity.

D.) If you'll be training to teach a specific subject you should also talk about your passion for your subject and how much pleasure it gives you to share that passion with others. For example one of my friends is a trainee Geography teacher and his application essay was all about how Geography is the only subject that includes English, Math, Science and Computing making it the most important subject in the curriculum for a comprehensive education.

Some things you should try not to say are 'I just really like working with young people' (because everybody says that and the admissions people tend to discount it) 'I'm looking for a job which will give me time off during the summer to look after my own kids' (you can mention this in interviews if they ask, but never mention it straight off, even if it was your biggest reason for going into teaching. Ditto any financial incentives.) You should also stay away from topics like the funding of public schools, even if you feel passionately on the subject, because you don't know the politics of the person reading your application. Save it for the interview, when you can gauge reactions.

AnswerBe honest as to why you want to be a teacher. The worst thing for a kid to have is a teacher who doesn't really want to be there. So if you truly want to be a teacher, tell the college why. It may be because of a certain teacher you had or an event that made you decide. What ever it is be truthful and sincere and it will reflect in your essay.