teachgirl22

Hi! Thanks for your replies. No, I'm not enrolled in the EdLD. I originally (years ago) was very interested in that, but I think I've moved on from it. I am not planning on applying this year. I am waiting for the following year, so want to be prepared now to make my application its strongest. I have not taken the GRE yet, but I am struggling on practice tests, so I am planning on investing lots of studying time and maybe even a course to get prepared to do well with that. My research interests aren't completely narrowed down yet, but I am particularly interested in studying the differences in quality of curriculum used to teach language/literacy in low income vs. higher income schools, with a focus on how ELL students are instructed. My feelings (from 6 years in urban education) are that so frequently, low income children are taught with dumbed down, basic skills curriculums, so I'd like to explore this general topic. I should have a more specific focus by the time I actually apply. I am not completely sure about my ultimate goals professionally. I could see myself teaching and researching at a university, and can also see myself more out in the field. I realize these are things I need to figure out before writing a killer SOP! Thanks so much for feedback, I'd love to hear any other advice you may have!

I have been researching Ed.D programs. Due to geographic preference and the alignment of my research interests with professors, I have narrowed my top two choices to Stanford and Harvard. Although I will apply to more "safety" schools, I understand that I am choosing some extremely competitive schools and am wondering about how competitive my application will be in their pile. My basic info is: -Teach For America alum -6 years of elementary classroom teaching experience (3 years in a low-income neighborhood school, 3 years in a low-income high-performing charter school) -B.A. in social science from small, liberal arts school with a 3.6 GPA -M.A. in Urban Education from state university with a 4.0 GPA -I will have excellent recommendations from my school's admin, however haven't stayed in touch with any grad school professors and am not sure I'll be able to get a good recommendation from there -I have mentored new teachers and led professional development for new teachers through TFA -I have engaged in extensive, high-quality professional development at my school with some somewhat well known "experts" in education who do PD/consult for my school, particularly on topics that align with my research interests -I am working on an action research project with a colleague, studying a topic that aligns with my research interests (although this research will not be published or anything, it is basically for our own curiosities and our administration) -I do not have GRE scores yet I'd love to hear thoughts on my competitiveness, as well as any advice on how to strengthen my application to be the best possible candidate. Thank you so much!

I am hoping to gain admission into a highly selective Ed.D program within the next few years. My background is... 3.6 gpa in undergrad- social science 4.0 gpa in masters- urban education Teach For America alum 5 years successful teaching experience in low income schools I have taken a practice GRE with very low scores- in the 400s... Yikes. So my plan is to apply the 2013-2014 year and spend this next year studying to raise my GRE score and also ideally gaining some research experience over the summer. However, how can I go about getting research experience? I can do it on a volunteer basis over the summer... Should I directly reach out to local professors doing research in areas aligned to my interests? When should I reach out to them? What should I write in my emails? Help help help! Thanks in advance.

I have 4 years of classroom teaching experience and my masters degree. In general, do I have enough experience to be admitted into an Ed.d program, particularly one at a competitive school? I got a 4.0 in my masters, but have little to no research experience other than that. Help! I want to know if I'm wasting my time on these apps.

How do I get research experience? I have already completed undergrad and my masters. Help!

I am looking into EdD programs. It would be my dream to go to Stanford or Harvard. I am wondering in general, what my chances are. I haven't yet taken the GRE so I have no idea where I might end up there. I also need to significantly narrow my specific interests in programs so I can write a compelling LOI/SOP. However, in terms of my other stats- what are your thoughts on an acceptance into a highly competitive EdD program? GRE Score: Have not taken yet GPA: Undergrad- 3.6, Grad- 4.0 Work Experience: 5 years as an elementary classroom teacher. 2 years as a TFA corps member at a low-performing traditional public school, 3 years at a high-performing public charter school. I also have done a lot of "extra" work for TFA to support current corps members. Undergrad Institution(Public, Private, Ivy, etc..): Private (not super competitive, but reasonably competitive) Research Experience: none beyond a few research papers done in grad school Applying for PhD or Masters: Ph.D Program: Something in Literacy/Language, Teacher Preparation, or Ed. Policy (?) What Schools Are You Applying To: Harvard, Stanford

I am going to apply for the Harvard Ed.Ld. program (doctorate in educational leadership) for the term beginning fall of 2011. I am wondering if any others applied last year and were accepted, or are applying for next year like me. Frankly I have no idea what they are looking for in terms of experiences/backgrounds of candidates and am not sure I will be a great candidate. I am an alum of Teach For America- not sure if this will be looked upon favorably or not! I am in my 3rd year of teaching in an inner city elementary school. Due to the craziness of teaching, I do not have a ton of experience outside of my school- although I have taken on leadership roles in the school (parental involvement, leadership team, grade level chair, etc.) I don't think this is so impressive to people looking for future policy makers though! I also am fully bilingual (English/Spanish.) I do have a 4.0 in my masters in urban education. Any idea if they are interested in someone as inexperienced as me? Any other applicants want to share their backgrounds? Thanks! Good luck everyone!