Graduate / Mathematics education - Statement of purpose for grad school [6]

I am trying to apply for a scholarship and this is my SOP, I hope you could help me improve this. Thanks in advance!

back to school

After almost two years of teaching and tutoring, I decided to go back to school as a student to pursue a Master's degree in Mathematics Education.

I have worked as a teacher and as a tutor in private institutions before taking up my current position as a junior high school Mathematics teacher under the Department of Education. I have loved every minute of my work. It does not only include teaching mathematical concepts to students but also motivating them to learn the subject matter and help them apply it to their lives. In my course of work, the biggest challenge is motivating the students, not only to understand the lessons but also to see the importance of Mathematics in their lives and its impact to our country. I have realized that I am still lacking in skills and knowledge in effectively teaching the subject matter so I decided to pursue graduate studies. My colleagues also think that I am ready for this phase of my life.

As a child, I have always loved teaching but my love for Mathematics came during my junior high school days. In my XXX year, I have the opportunity to be one of Mrs. XXX' students. She is very strict but very good in delivering her lessons. I have always thought that Mathematics is a difficult subject but she was able to teach it effortlessly. She made sure that we understand the practical uses of Math through projects and assignments. Her passion and enthusiasm with her work was shown through her teaching. I have loved Mathematics since then and I wanted to be able to teach Math effectively and effortlessly like her. I wanted to be another Mrs. XXX.

In my undergraduate level, I have taken up Bachelor of XXX and my final thesis was about how to teach Mathematics effectively through the peer tutoring strategy. I found that most students' difficulties in Math were from ineffective techniques used by the teachers. For the past few years, teachers in the XXX are using Strategic Intervention Materials (SIM) to help low-achieving students understand the lesson and to help the teachers deliver the lessons effectively. This is very challenging to the teachers as the materials are not easy to make and takes time to create. And it is not actually as effective as we were expecting. I think that we need to implement new methods and techniques to effectively teach the subject matter.

It took me two years before deciding to take up a graduate degree because: first, I have to take my Licensure Examination to be a professional teacher which I fortunately passed a few months after graduation; and second, I want to see and observe the current situation of the XXX in Mathematics education. The two-year gap gave me a chance to observe the country's education system through teaching in private and public schools, and in tutorial centres. During these jobs, I was able to compare the strategies used in different institutions. I was also able to see that our country needs help in increasing the quality of education especially in Mathematics and Sciences.

The XXX lag behind in terms of Mathematics education. On the contrary, Korea is one of the best countries in the subject area and XXX University is one of the top schools in teaching education. I believe that I would be able to hone my skills in your university and will be able to acquire new learning and strategies in teaching Mathematics. I am excited to interact and be taught by your professors. I am looking forward to learn mathematical and leadership skills which I will be able to apply in improving the education system, not only in my country but also in other countries. I am also looking forward to join your Math club and be able to improve my skills and at same time be able to share my knowledge to other students. I believe that I will be able to contribute and learn to the challenging environment of your university.