How to Craft Your Essay for the Dr. E. Ann McGee Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Organize your thoughts into four material buckets: Background, Achievements, The Gap, and Personality.

• Background: Reflect on your experiences that have shaped your desire to pursue a career in teaching. Consider significant moments, mentors, or challenges that influenced your path.
• Achievements: List your accomplishments relevant to education, such as tutoring, volunteering, or any leadership roles. Use metrics where possible, like the number of students helped or programs initiated.
• The Gap: Identify areas where further study will enhance your skills. What knowledge or experience do you lack that this scholarship could help you acquire?
• Personality: Share personal anecdotes that reveal your values, motivations, and character. Consider what makes you unique as a future educator.

Creating an Outline

Based on your brainstorming, create a structured outline. Each section should focus on one main idea, ensuring a logical flow. Start with a compelling introduction that draws the reader in, perhaps with a specific moment that highlights your passion for teaching. Follow with sections dedicated to each of the four buckets, ensuring you connect your experiences to your future goals in education.

Drafting Voice and Style

When drafting your essay, use an active voice and specific language. Avoid generalizations and clichés. Instead of stating your passion, demonstrate it through examples. Each paragraph should build on the last, leading to a strong conclusion that reiterates your commitment to making a difference in education.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and revise. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that every part of your essay reflects not just what you have done, but why it matters. Consider how your experiences will inform your future contributions to the field of education.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of common pitfalls. Avoid vague statements and generic expressions of passion. Do not rely on passive voice or bureaucratic language. Ensure that all details are accurate and relevant to the scholarship's focus. Lastly, steer clear of clichés that may dilute your message.