SOP of Master of Education and Leadership.

 

                                                                                                                                                           

             Statement of Purpose

Introduction

I am XXXXX, a permanent resident of XXXXX and mydate of birth is XXXXX. Regarding my family members, XXXXX and XXXXX are my parents. Similarly, Ms. XXXXX and XXXXX are my siblings. My wife is XXXXX and we have a daughter XXXXX.

By profession my father is a teacher who started his teaching career from XXXXX. In the later days he joined Shreekul Vidyalaya and is working as lower secondary as well as secondary level teacher. He has been teaching for around 22 years. He laid the foundation of education in later generation of my family. He provided ample opportunity for the education to all his children and could lead their education up to masters level with his hard work and dedication. He kindled the light of education and knowledge and inspired me for the lifelong learning. He dedicated his whole life in educating children, installing the moral values and cultural practices. He taught every child to work hard ceaselessly for the sake of lifelong learning and knowledge. With these ethics he became my role model, mentor and life changer who not only supported me economically but also emotionally, morally.Despite ofall the hardships, he didn’t lose his heart and joined other institutions and continued his profession. I'm keenly impressed with his life history that inspired me to assimilate teaching profession as my career.Likewise, my mother is a housewife and in her spare time she gets busy in her partnership business of flour mill. In the same token my brother works as XXXXX and my sister is Assistant Manager in XXXXX.

Academic Background

My academic journey at Primary school commenced accompanying my father at the same school where he taught. I have completed my schooling from XXXXX, one of the reputed school of my locality securing 62.28 per cent in School Leaving Examination in 2000 A.D. My Father advised me to study English Language and literature which has got great scope in teaching and other professions. My inclination to learn English led me pursue my higher education in Humanities and social sciences, English as core subject. I completed my Proficiency Certificate Level  in 2002 A.D in second division(53.80 %). Then I completed my Bachelor's Degree in 2005 securing 41. 57 %. During my Bachelor study i.e in 2004 I had taught English to community school children in support of Loo Niva Nepal , a non-profitable government organization. After the completion of Bachelor's Degree from Patan Multiple Campus, I joined Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus, Exhibition Road , Kathmandu and completed Master's Degree in English in 2008 A.D securing 61.20 %. Hereby my master's degree was supposed to be completed in 2007 A.D but only the academic year ended in that year, result was published too late. At the mean time my thesis work submission and approval got delayed due to political turmoil of the country and my busy schedule at work. As I had started teaching at schools full time since 2005, it was so hard for me to manage time for my study and dissertation, on the top of that the transportation system added to my plight to the way back to home and work.

My Profession As a Teacher

''If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people.”      

-  Chinese Proverb

"A Teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."

                                                                                                  - Henry Brooks Adams

The proverb and quotation best suit for teacher left great imprint in deep inside my mind since I was student and at early stage of my teaching career. My journey of kindling the light of education formally began in 2005 A.D. from XXXXX for 5 years until 29th December 2010. I was assigned to teach English literature and language in lower secondary level. The job was really challenging as most of the students were from ethnic poor family background and where there was complete interference of first language. On5th January 2011A.D I was appointed as lecturer of English at XXXXX. I was responsible to teach English based on the curriculum board of  higher secondary education boardupto 12th grade students . Likewise I had to supervise the academic activities of the students as an Academic Incharge of the school. I worked with XXXXX till October 2012 as I got the opportunity to work in a government school as secondary English Teacher at XXXXX. I have been teaching here since 16th October 2012. I receive salary as per the rule of Nepal Government at my account No. XXXXX of XXXXX. Earlier I had a temporary teaching license which was issued in May 2011and I got permanent Teaching License of Secondary level on 6th February 2013.My role as an English teacher got even tougher at XXXXX  as the school is a community(Government) school where almost all of the students are from extremely impoverished family background. Students' learning achievement was very deplorable so I had to work really hard and bring in innovative ideas to improve the condition. In addition to teaching , I was assigned to conduct , monitor and formulate the regulation of examination from kindergarten to 12th Standard. Currently I have been teaching English at XXXXX for bachelor's level in morning shift. I have been general member of  NELTA (Nepal English language Teachers' Association), a non- profitable , non- political organization since 2005 and life member since 2008. In course of my teaching career, I have attended national, international conferences organized by NELTA and other institutions. I took IELTS Test on 21 September 2017 and got band score 6.0 in Reading and Writing ; 6.5 band score in listening and speaking with overall band score 6.5. I have applied for Double Masters degree as I hold 3 years Bachelor's Degree which is not equivalent to Bachelor Degree of Australia because of NOOSR(National Office for Overseas Skills Recognition) Policy. Thus, I have no other options of double master degree.

Australia as a Destination Than Other Countries

Choosing a university is another crucial and very important decision. In the process of applying for abroad study, I have gone through different resources available from national and international Education providers. Studying in Norway, Finland, language is barrier for international students. The education policy for international students in the UK and the USA is not so student friendly and secure. The policy changes over night that is quite unwelcoming for the international students. In some countries education and living is very expensive that international students can’t afford it. There are numerous reasons to choose Australia as my study destination:

·         EasyCommunication Unlike the countries such as Japan,Finland, Norway, language would not be the constraint for the communication. Australia is an English-speaking country which is an added benefit for international students. In most of the cases medium of communication and instruction plays crucial role to have the work done.

·         Diversity, Multi cultural, Multi lingual Environment

Australia is home of different ethnic groups, races with different culture and language so diverse society can be found, it will make me feel better as in my own home town secured lifestyle, suitable climate, good hospitality of Australians attracts students from various countries. On the other hand, the social composition there is quite diverse as it is in my home town. We can get the experiences and varieties of cultures throughout the whole globe. The pleasing costal climate that is quite similar to my country with reverse season cycle added point to choose Australia as my study destination.

·         Educational Hub

In this present era, Australia has become greatest educational hub for the international students.Australia has diverse economic status and is sixth largest country in the world that  has achieved the distinction of being home of universities in the top 100 of the prestigious QS Ranking universities in the globe which offer wide range of courses.The courses offer flexible options to the international students with ample opportunities of practical bases of teaching principles. The island continent has grown to become the dream destination of many students as Australia promotes innovation, creativity and independent thinking throughout its universities that offers array of diverse courses for those interested than other countries like Nepal, India, Canada and many more. A strong research - intensive academic culture at these institutions are key factors attracting numerous overseas students to study in Australia. The Australian universities hold the top five positions in a number of discipline including nursing, sports related discipline and number of engineering, medicine and pharmacy courses. Australia is a popular destination where more than 400, 000 international students are receiving education. With the booming economy, work benefit for new graduate, diverse culture and high quality education system, it is winning the heart of the overseas students. I found the reference that 19 Australian universities were ranked among the top 400 universities in world university ranking.

·         TEQSA:

Australia has the national regularity and a quality agency for higher education- the Tertiary Education Quality and Standard Agency (TEQSA) that ensures national and international students' security of investment in education and quality of the degree they are awarded.

·         The ESOS Framework

There is a statutory provision of education services to overseas students and has made the registration requirements for the education providers that offer different courses to the international students. I felt great relief that the Australian Government is concerned about the right of international students. ESOS Act was implemented by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training in order to protect the rights of  international students studying in Australia. This act emphasizes on right to receive accurate information regarding the courses, fee structure, modes of study and written agreement related with course before and during enrolment. It sets minimum standards and provides tuition and financial assurances. This act also involves major responsibility of both institution and international students for academic integrity and misconduct.

·         Work Permit

As per the Student visa conditions No. 8105, International students are permitteed to work 40 hours a fortnight during course session and more than 40 hours during recognised vacation periods . After the completion of the course students can work and gain practical skills  which will be great experience after the return in my own country.

·         Globally Recognized Degree

The Australian graduates are highly preferred in national and international job market. Australian University Degree is recognized by most of the education provider with high reputation. Henceforth once I get the degree, it will certainly enhance and broadens my horizon to contribute my further career. Even Australian graduates are doing well in my country and every nook and corner of the world.

Besides, it is needless to say about the personal security in such rule governed country. My desire to pursue international degree and practical acquaintances in the field of teaching led me to search and research an appropriate destination. I have got a clear insight that Australia will be my apt destination.

I am seriously inclined to receive an international degree nevertheless I intended to continue my further study in Nepalese Universities but very limited quota system, traditional teaching -learning methodologies, focus on lectures, insufficient guidance in researches,Internal disturbances at the universities led me choose Australia as my study destination.

My Aspiration for Master of Educational Leadership and Management

I have dedicated more than a decade of my life in teaching and education profession.  It is impossible for me to switch my profession therefore I am pretty sure to stick with this profession. I am so much passionate to seek novelty, innovate creative ideas in teaching and running the academic institution in a unique way. I have to update my decade long knowledge and skill. Educational scenario and context is changing rapidly with the booming of technology whereas the present teachers and education providers are still stick with the traditional pedagogy , approaches  which is limiting the potentiality of young learners and killing their creativity. During my teaching tenure, I have seen such cases of injustice to the learners from their education providers; curriculum is delivered in totally outdated methods.

The rationale behind choosing Masters of Educational Leadership and Management at XXXXX University is the range of exposures it offers the candidate to enhance their professionalism in the field of education and leadership. As the course suits my present profession and background as well as my interest in educational leadership which XXXXX has made it in a compact single course. In addition to teaching, my area of interest is to go for the administrative and managerial dimension of the education and promotion of the institution. Leadership, the part of the course would enable me to address my interest and install such skills for my further career in the field of teaching and leadership. I really intent to gain the skill in staff management,support, development, institutional change that will be an asset in future as I intend to run my own educational institution. I wish to learn the innovative theories and practices in the discipline of the leadership in well-developed part of the globe like Australia and transform that skill , practices and knowledge in my own home context. As I went through the core content of this course, the course will be fruitful for solving the complex problem in the field of education in my country.

Reasons for choosing XXXXX

XXXXXUniversity is a reputed university in globe located in Melbourne, Victoria that was named after XXXXX, the first Superintendent of the Port Phillip District from 1839 to 1850 and the first Lieutenant - Governor of New Colony of Victoria from 1851 to 1854. XXXXX foundation campus is located in Melbourne, within the suburb of Bundoora. It is the largest metropolitan campus of Australia.

As per my research on universities of Australia, XXXXX is the 22nd ranking university inAustralia and 351 - 400 ranking in QS Ranking. Similarly, The Higher Education (THE)ranks XXXXXas 12th in Australia for teaching, 11th for research and 13th for industry income. Likewise, it is easily accessible from the centre of the Melbourne which makes students accommodate to their affordable locations.

Another reason behind choosing XXXXX is its affordable tuition fees in my selected course. It has got the competitive fee structure in comparison to other universities. The annual tuition fee for the international students in XXXXX University is $29200 per year. Deakin University also offers the course Master of Education (leadership) however the course duration is only for 1.5 year with the annual fee of $27000.University of Wollongong also offers similar course however the course does not meet my expectations whereas the course offered at XXXXXis flexible with the amalgamation of leadership principles and has made the course a compact pack for me.

In addition to the excellence in pedagogical aspect and delivery method, XXXXXis equipped with amenities such as indoor stadium, swimming pools, gyms, shops, banks, restaurants, and fully facilitated library. The university conducts support programmed to international students like skill development, financial assistance, global partnership amongst more than 150 institutions in 40 different countries, encourages students to take part in overseas programmed as part of their study.

Comparative study of course content of XXXXX and other Universities

As I set my goal to go for the course of Master of Educational Leadership and Management , I went through the web sites , handbooks, brochures of different universities to venture the course content and match with my necessity, interest and present demand of my home context. Here are some universities that they offer in their course content:

Master of Educational Leadership and Management at XXXXX

COURSE STRUCTURE

The Master of Educational Leadership and Management first year requires the completion of  120 credit points  in two semesters from EDU Level 4 or level 5 subjects. Similarly, second year also has got the weight age of 120 credit points in two semesters. First semester of second year has Research Methods in Education for 30 credit points(cps) along with two optional subjects; 15 credit points for each optional subject. Students are supposed to choose second optional subject from subject list B. Likewise second semester has got a core choice subject maximum of 30 credit points and two optional subjects from subject list B. 

Subject List A

-          EDU5IEP(S2) International Education Policy and Management (30 credit points)

-          EDU5LTB(S1) Leadership and Team Building

-          EDU5MOC(WK) Managing Organisational Change

 Elective Subjects List B

-          EDU5LDI(WK1) Leadership , Diversity and Inclusion

-          EDU5BSP(S1) Building Strategic

-          EDU4CDD(WK2) Curriculum Development and Design

-          EDU5GE (S2) Gender and Education

-          EDU5PP(WK3) Pedagogical Principles and Practice

-          EDU5PCL(S2) Critical Perspectives in Curriculum Leadership

-          EDU5MTA (S1) Minor Thesis A# (30 cps)

-          EDU5MTB(S2) Minor Thesis B#(30 cps)

-          EDU5MTH( S1 S2) Minor Thesis (60 cps)

Master of Education in Leadership and Management at Kathmandu University

Kathmandu University, School of Education offers Masters of Education in Leadership and Management with 2 years course of 60 credit points . The Course is specially designed to the working professionals , teachers , educationists who hold some leadership position in any academic institution. The course adopts semester based evaluation and follows the letter grading system . The course costs NRS. 140,000 per year.

Course Structure

Core Course

·         Theory and Practice in Education

·         Research Methodology

Specialization Subjects (any four subjects)

·         Prospective in Educational Management and Leadership

·         Trends in  Educational Management and Leadership

·         Education Policy and Planning

·         Strategic Planning in Education

·         Organisational Theory and Behaviour

·         Instructional Leadership

Elective courses (any two subjects)

·         School Community Partnership

·         Programme Development in School

·         School Governance

·         Integrity in Education Management and Leadership

               Practical Course Contents

·   Practicum

·   Research Project

The course content that the Kathmandu University offer just covers the content of leadership and management, it fails to address the various aspects of education and diversity. Similarly, it can't cover the classroom procedures, pedagogical aspect, curriculum and policy level even though the cost of the course is reasonable.

Master of Education in Leadership and Management at Deakin University

Deakin University , one of the reputed universities in Melbourne , Victoria also offers the same course of 1.5 years course in 27,000 AUS dollars. The students have to complete 12 credit points.

The course content has been able to cover few issues primarily focused on research work. Even though the core concentration  of the course is leadership and management , there are very few options to choose related to it. On top of that the course is a bit short in duration that the deep study on the cross cutting issues might not be possible. 

Master of Education Advanced (Leadership and Management) at Wollongong University

COURSE STRUCTURE

Wollongong University also offers Leadership and Management degree in Master of Education Advanced for 2 years. The annual fee structure of the course is AUS dollars 24,576 for the year 2018.The Master of Education Advanced requires the completion of minimum of 96 credit points where 72 credit point ids allocated for selected specialization and 24 credit points for additional focus area. The course consists of two areas of specializations: TESOL and Educational Leadership. In the former specialization the students are supposed to choose any one of focus area between Educational Leadership and Information and communication Technology in Education and Training. Similarly, in the latter specialization students have to select one of the focus areas among Higher Education, TEZEL and Information and Communication Technology in Education and Training.

Even if the course offers two major area of specialization such as TESOL and educational Leadership, it fails to address the multiple issues of present education such as diversity,inclusion, gender study and so on.

Unlike other universities, XXXXXhas offered a wholesome course content that has satisfied my interest and my present and future professional needs. It provides sufficient exposure on research work,curriculum, diversity, organizational changes, leadership issues, pedagogical aspects, educational policy of the globe.This multi-dimensional course content fascinated me to join XXXXXand this course.

Course  outcome and My Career Plan after XXXXX Degree

It would a great privilege for me to be a XXXXXgraduate. I have envisioned an illuminating future at my homeland after I gain all the expertise with the international branding. Teaching and Educational leadership has got great scope in the developing countries like my own. What this sector requires is the innovative and noble technique to lead the academic institution ahead. Completion of my desired course would enable me to acquire all those skills and international trend in the field of language teaching especially dealing with current educational subject matter and Educational leadership. So far, I have got the general theoretical concept about my profession but this course would enable me to combine the theoreticaland scientifically proven practices from East and West.

After the completion of my course from Australia, I will return back to my native land, Nepal with the international insight both 'teach 'and 'lead'. In course of more than a decade teaching career I have realized the loopholes and complications of education both in policy and implementation level. I will repair those weaknesses of our teaching learning trend as my study would be concentrated on that. After my return, my primary focus is to be associated with a reputed University of my country and conduct innovative researches and manage on going shortcomings in the field of our education sector. My concern would be in the level of policy making, reformation of curriculum and addressing the ongoing educational issues. Plenty of the reputed universities and academic institution are seeking qualified teaching faculty thus I can associate myself with those institution by virtue of my qualification, experience and international degree.   My long term career goal would be on establishing my own academic institution which has been my passion and lifelong dream. My institution would be my platform where I can practice my skills and experiences. There I can transform western trend of education in Eastern flavor. I have experienced great gap between two classes of people so called rich and poor in terms of acquiring education. I would try my best to bridge the gap in terms of instruction, methodology, teaching aids, shaping the learners' concept and attitude.

In addition to my career plan, the course has got great prospect as Educational Policy maker,planner,recruit officer, leadership innovator, educationist, curriculum designer, expert in inclusive education department, independent researcher,counselor,consultant, Educational Manager in different NGOs and INGOs, Donor agencies, member of education department of different Universities in my hometown which pays very attractive remuneration of not less than Nrs.85000 per month and other amenities.

My Incentive of Returning to My Home

The proposed course at XXXXXwould create numerous employment opportunities for me back in Nepal. Having worked as lecturer for decade I have analyzed the loop holes in the present education policy, delivery method and the outcomes of education. This degree would enable me to introduce the new trends in the education sector where I can work on the existing loop holes and reform the current education system of Nepal. Being a lecturer, I have identified the weaknesses in the real class room and the proposed degree would help me wipe out those educational disturbances and lead the education system and class room delivery in an innovative way. This would be possible only if I received an international degree with international exposure on leadership and educational management.

 My genuine motive of this student visa is to get an accredited Australian degree, experiences and skills for my professional career. My beloved parents and daughter are waiting for the return. I can't deprive my daughter from her fatherhood for a long time; as there is matter of emotional attachment with the family. In addition to that the property, land and house in Lalitpur which is worth NRS. 34,792,246.17 and I would inherit it upon my return. I do have clear understanding that I would be there on student visa on temporary basis. On top of that I have great passion to set up my own academic institution and set my wife in her own profession thus my return to my hometown is inevitable.

Conclusion

With the genuine study intention, I have applied this student visa for the temporary stay in Australia. The submitted testimonials are for the assessment and visa outcome needs and they are genuine to support my portfolio. I, hereby implore for the consideration of getting the opportunity to change the course of my life as well as changing the scenario of education of which I would be the transformer.

Thanking You,

 

 

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