In this statement, please describe any relevant experience to teaching writing composition. The Writing Program does consider GTA applicants with little or no formal teaching experience. However, in your GTA Statement, you should translate your previous experience into practical teaching knowledge.  Please demonstrate your commitment and interest in teaching composition as specifically and concretely as possible. Clarify what you can bring to the classroom and to the composition program. Creative writing students generally do well in the selection process but only when they emphasize their enthusiasm and ability to teach.

I want to teach. I believe that writing should be available to everyone as a form of communication, expression of creativity, and as a self-care practice. My education at NAU will assist me in reaching my goals, and having a GTA position will help me experience my desires.

For two years I tutored at the Evergreen State College’s Writing Center. During my time there, I worked closely with a freshman only program, facilitating their writing workshops and supporting students with assigned writing projects. The majority of my time was spent helping them work on their exegetical essays. Together, we found a balance of relying on the text while supporting their argument with real life and personal examples.

Helping students with their writing every week, watching their syntax and prose transform over the months inspired me to try their techniques with my own writing, while slowly falling in love with teaching. Working with these students, as they struggled with tough passages, received feedback from me and their peers, and witnessed themselves end with a piece of writing they can be proud of, made me realize that I want to teach. Having the opportunity to work with students on their writing is life changing, and I want to give to students what they give to me: a challenge, hope, devotion, and a home. Becoming a teaching assistant would further support my pursuit of working with minds to mold a beautiful piece of writing, while inspiring continued work on my own writing.
The GTA position would help support my funding for graduate school, as well as enhance my studies. I love learning from other people, and having the opportunity to teach Composition 130 would give me the chance to perfect my knowledge on the subject and apply it to my own writing.