State upfront your intention to apply to the program of your choice ("I would like to apply for the graduate degree program in English at Southern Illinois University."). Check the school's graduate catalog or Web page of the program you're applying for to confirm the exact title of the program. Also, note the semester and year in which you want to begin your studies.
State your academic goals and reasons for applying to this particular program. Demonstrate that you have researched the university and its graduate programs. Give all of the reasons why you have chosen this school and program over any other. Cite specific attributes that make you feel that this particular program would be a good match with your goals and further your career as a teacher. Mention any professors with similar research interests with whom you would like to study.
Give evidence as to why you qualify for the program. State your degree, any honors and grade point average. Give an overview of your teaching experience, areas of specialty within your field, key accomplishments and published articles, if any. Cite examples of your creativity, ability to accomplish long-term projects and ability to collaborate well with both fellow teaching professionals and students.
Tell your personal story and express your passion for teaching. Write about the people and experiences that motivated you to become a teacher in the first place. Describe the key highlights of your teaching career to date. Write about your vision of what the future of your teaching career will look like and how it will further fuel your passion for teaching.