Teacher Recruitment and Quality

V. Essay
Instructions: Reflecting on your current or past teaching experience(s) [including student
teaching], your professional experience(s), educational background and pedagogy, construct an
original response to the scenario and three required questions below. We ask that you concisely
respond in three separate paragraphs ranging, in total, between 400-700 words.
Scenario: You have recently been hired to teach at a New York City public school. Prior to your first
day of school, you receive some background on your new class. Reviewing the information you see
that roughly 30% of your expected students are currently performing below grade level.

A. What steps will you take during the first few days/weeks of school to orient yourself to the
needs and context of your students and to familiarize yourself to the school community (e. g.
co-workers, administration/principal, parents, etc.)

B. Describe your end of academic year goals for your students. What do you hope they will be
able to achieve? How will you know if you are successful? How might you adjust your goals
and strategies to meet the needs of learners below grade level or learners with other special
academic needs?

C. What specific strategies or next steps would you pursue if your instructional efforts are not
yielding your expected results by the first-half of the school year?

Ti s for Written Prom t Success

Remember that the online teacher application Essay writing prompts can change year to
year. Be sure to consider and respond to the current year’s questions if you applied in the
past.

Original essay responses are preferred; however, if you do use text from other sources to
support your points, providing appropriate citations is mandatory.

We recommend composing and editing your essay response in Microsoft Word or a
comparable word processing program. Be mindful of your grammar, punctuation, spelling
and word count.

It is a good practice to read your response aloud as you refine your work. Save a copy of
your finalized essay response for your records.

Copy and paste your completed response in your online teacher application, save, and
submit your work. Please note, once you submit your application you will not have another
opportunity to make additional revisions.

Guide to Online Teacher Application New York City Department of Education
Page 9 Office of Teacher Recruitment and Quality