How to Craft Your Essay for the Jon A. Schlueter Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

Gather material for your essay by exploring the following four buckets:

• Background: Reflect on experiences that shaped your desire to become an educator. Consider your upbringing, influential mentors, or pivotal moments.
• Achievements: List academic and extracurricular accomplishments relevant to teaching. Include metrics, leadership roles, and community service that demonstrate your commitment to education.
• The Gap: Identify areas where further study will enhance your skills as an educator. Be specific about what you hope to learn and how it aligns with your career goals.
• Personality: Infuse your essay with personal anecdotes that reveal your values and character. Specific stories can help the committee connect with you on a human level.

Creating an Outline

Develop a structured outline based on your brainstorming. Each section should focus on one main idea:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment or scene that hooks the reader. Avoid generic statements.
2. Background: Discuss your formative experiences and how they led you to pursue teaching.
3. Achievements: Highlight key accomplishments and what they reveal about your potential as an educator.
4. The Gap: Explain your educational aspirations and how the scholarship will help you bridge the gap.
5. Personality: Share a personal story that illustrates your passion for teaching and community.
6. Conclusion: Reflect on your journey and express your commitment to making a positive impact in education.

Drafting Voice and Style

Write in an active voice, focusing on your actions and insights. Use specific details, such as timeframes and measurable outcomes, to ground your narrative. Ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a logical flow.

Revision & “So What?”

After drafting, revisit your essay with a critical eye. Ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. Ensure that you are not only sharing experiences but also reflecting on their significance and how they shape your future goals. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your message.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Be mindful of the following common mistakes:

• Avoid clichés and generic phrases that dilute your message.
• Steer clear of passive voice; always highlight your role in achievements.
• Do not fabricate details or exaggerate experiences; authenticity is key.