Instructions:

Critique the statement of purpose while responding in first person. Address any grammatical and punctuation errors.

Statement of Purpose:

JOSEPH KAYCEE QUAO

TEACHERS COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

Abby O'Neill Fellowship Personal Statement

As a dedicated individual passionate about mentoring and working with children to promote the importance of proper education for their development, I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of teaching. During my involvement in my reading and numeracy intervention program for kids in Mamprobi- an underserved area in Ghana where I grew up, I had the opportunity to work closely with children, supporting their literacy development and growth. During this experience, I encountered two students who seemed hesitant to participate in class discussions.

Through careful observation, I discovered that these students struggled with pronouncing certain words and spelling, which affected their confidence in participating. Determined to help them, I dedicated several sessions to working with them, focusing on phonics and syllables to improve their pronunciation and spelling skills. Working with these students on phonics, I noticed specific signslike struggles with blending sounds and frequent letter reversalsthat hinted at learning differences, possibly dyslexia. This realization strengthened my commitment to supporting each child's unique needs and fueled my desire to understand the diverse challenges my students face. My research and understanding of their challenges deepened my commitment to supporting these students and others facing similar difficulties.

A crucial aspect of my role as a mentor and educator was to ensure that their parents understood their children's needs and learning disabilities. I empathetically explained my personal journey as a slow learner due to a stuttering disorder, reassuring them that with the proper support and guidance, their children could overcome obstacles and excel academically. I witnessed remarkable progress in their academic performance and newfound self-confidence by building a solid rapport with the students and instilling positive affirmations.

Seeing the transformation in these students ignited my passion for teaching and the profound impact educators can have on their students' lives. I recognized the significance of fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment to empower all learners. Consequently, I became dedicated to prioritising the success of my students and advocating for their individual needs. This experience reinforced my belief that every child deserves an inclusive environment where they feel valued and capable. It drives my commitment to fostering a supportive atmosphere across all subjects I teach

Teachers College, Columbia University, is renowned for its commitment to excellence in education and its focus on nurturing future educational leaders. Pursuing the Elementary Inclusive Education Master's program would provide me with the necessary skills and knowledge to become an effective educator catering to all students' diverse needs.

My desire to serve and give back to the New York City community drives me to commit to teaching in urban public schools after completing my Master's degree. I firmly believe that teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of every nation, and I am determined to help students unlock their talents, potential, and skills to become future leaders.

As I embark on my journey to become an educator from Ghana, I recognize the significance of financial support to achieve my academic goals. The Abby M. O'Neill Fellowship would serve as a crucial pillar in supporting my vision to become an outstanding educator who ignites positive change in the lives of children and communities.

My commitment to teaching and my purpose for pursuing the Elementary Inclusive Education Master's program are rooted in a genuine desire to support the academic growth and emotional development of young learners. With the generous support of Abby M. O'Neill Fellowship, I plan to enroll at Teachers College, Columbia University, where I will equip myself with the tools to become an inspirational educator. My goal is to empower students to be future leaders who make a difference in their communities and beyond. I also intend to take the knowledge and passion I gain back to Ghana, where I hope to establish a foundation that ensures every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education and a nurturing environment for growth.