🦋 One main tip for writing a successful grant application 🦋

Yesterday, I consulted a fellow teacher on writing an application for a big prestigious grant. 

Here are some bits of the application essay. Do you think they are good ones?

📝 "It's about recognizing that each student is unique, with their own dreams, aspirations, and challenges. As an educator, my goal is not merely to impart knowledge but to inspire and empower students to reach their full potential. I believe that every moment in the classroom is an opportunity to instill confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning."

📝 "My motivation as a language educator, as a leader to my students goes beyond language proficiency; it extends to nurturing global citizens who are culturally aware and empathetic. Language learning is a gateway to understanding and appreciating the rich tapestry of human cultures. It is through language that we build bridges of communication, understanding, and friendship."

These pieces are certainly beautiful, but, in essence, they are completely empty. They make me want to roll my eyes and blow raspberries. Don't write things like that. 

If there was one main tip I could give to applicants, it would be: Be your unique, personal, awesome self in your application. Don't hide your personality behind cliches and vague phrasing. Stand out. More importantly, do so in your writing because writing is your foot in the door. 

The parts above are published with the permission of the applicant. In our one-to-one, we got rid of this emptiness and found the applicant's unique features instead. 🦋