Example Admissions Essay (Doctor of Arts program)

Doctor of Arts - Admissions Essay

When it comes time to analyze the differences between a teacher who is considered mediocre and a teacher who can be considered a strong asset, an in-depth look at the individual's experiences and ambitions needs to be evaluated. A good teacher cares about his/her students, but an outstanding teacher makes it his/her top priority to provide students with classroom experiences, memories, and an education that will last a lifetime. With that said, I am confident that if my numerous years of experience as a teacher are combined with the invaluable education the University of North Carolina provides, I will become an outstanding educator responsible for leaving a positive impression on students that will last a lifetime.

First, the plethora of ambitions I possess in regards to the passion I have for this career is directly related to my educational and professional experiences. In regards to education, I hold a graduate GPA of 3.65 in History and 3.55 in Library Science. The educational experiences I have are associated with more than just being a student. I firmly believe my strong background in teaching undergraduate history courses (Western Civilization, American and World History) has provided me with the knowledge and motivation required in my pursuit of admittance into the Doctor of Arts program.

Moreover, the satisfaction I have gained through teaching students serves as some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. After my first day as a teacher in a classroom, I became certain that the fire I have burning in my heart for teaching is undying. The fulfillment I have been fortunate enough to receive from seeing a smile on a student's face when he/she has learned something new fuels my drive for teaching. I hold a B.A. in History, which has assisted me in my efforts to share my history knowledge with students. Likewise, my M.A. in History, M.S. in Library and Information Science, and B.A. in Philosophy have rounded out my educational background and have provided me with areas of expertise.

Furthermore, being accepted into the University of North Carolina's Doctor of Arts program has been a personal goal of mine for a number of years. The seven years of teaching experience at the university level, as well as two years experience at the community college level, would greatly complement the education I hope to receive at the University of North Carolina. I have a strong understanding of what components are vital to becoming an outstanding teacher and I feel the Doctor of Arts program would greatly enhance me professionally.

Additionally, many years ago I made an important commitment to helping students. In 2002, I volunteered as a tutor for American corp. My time with American Corp marked the beginning of the journey to success I hope to reach. After I volunteered at American Corp, I became a library instructor and made progress toward taking my passion for teaching and turning it into a satisfying career. With that said, the next step in my journey is the pursuit of something even greater - eventually teaching at a four-year college.

Above all, I firmly believe the distinguished education the University of North Carolina can provide me with will be responsible for the many successes I aspire to achieve. It is not every day one is able to find a calling he is certain about. Years ago, I was met with the realization that teaching is my calling. The many years I have been a student in the classroom, as well as my years of teaching, have prepared me for my future as an educator. It is my hope that with the help of this great university, I will become an outstanding teacher that students will not forget.