A teaching cover letter is a document that helps the principal employ a teacher who inspires and elevates pupils on a topic and the critical life skills necessary to lead meaningful lives.
Of course, a resume will describe your prior job experience and qualifications, but a cover letter serves as a means of letting your potential employers get to know you personally.
Given that teaching aids in students’ learning and development, it may be a challenging yet gratifying occupation, and when applying for a teaching position, you need a teacher cover letter. These letters allow you to stand out from other candidates by highlighting your experience, education, and accomplishments so that the hiring manager can immediately see how well your qualifications and personality suit the job vacancy.
Is getting a teaching job a priority for you? Well, then, by now, you must realize how important such a letter for a teaching position is to getting you there. But don’t worry; this article covers the following points to help you write a winning letter for a teaching position:
- How to structure a cover letter for a teaching position
- What not to include in this letter
- A sample of a cover letter for a teaching position
- Tips for writing a winning teacher cover letter
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Teaching Position?
A cover letter layout is crucial since it regularly serves as the hiring manager’s first impression of you. In addition, a suitable format for a teaching position is crucial for a cover letter since it clarifies your resume, aids reader understanding, and can assist in highlighting your qualifications.
Your name, the hiring manager’s information, a greeting, three body paragraphs, and a closing are all required in an appropriate letter for a teaching position
1. Address your teaching cover letter
The opening begins with proper addressing. Addressing your cover letter appropriately helps make an excellent first impression of how you pay attention to detail.
Write your details
The letter starts with a bit about you. Then, at the top left corner, put the following information at the start of your cover letter:
- Your full name.
- Phone number with your area or country code (if you’re applying to a school in a different city, state, or country).
- A professional email address.
- Links to any social media platforms pertinent to you as a teacher.
Include date
Just below your personal information, you should include the date of application.
Write the details of the school/recipient
Do some research to find information about the addressee. Most times, the addressee is the superintendent or principal. Write down the name and follow up with the address of the college or institution you’re applying to.
EXAMPLE
Richard Gray
603-890-1264
grays.institute@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/richardgray
June 12, 2022
Sarah Swanson
Principal,
Imperial Baptist College,
1704 EASTWEST
FLEMING ISLAND, FL 32003-6402
USA
2. Start the cover letter
To get one foot through the classroom door, the start of a well-written cover letter would include the following:
Write a greeting/ salutation
It’s only polite to address your cover letter adequately to the school’s principal. Look for their name in the job description or on the school website. Try calling the school and requesting the principal’s name if you still have trouble finding it. When you get the name of the principal, make sure you write an appropriate greeting, such as, Dear Susan Swanson
If none of these tactics is successful, refrain from using a generic salutation like “To Whom It May Concern.” Instead, use a greeting specific to the school you’re applying to, such as “Dear Principal” or “Dear Superintendent.”
Write an introductory statement
Your cover letter’s introductory line should capture the principal’s attention, introduce yourself, state the teaching job position you are applying for, and tell them how you discovered the job offer.
The introductory statement is a chance for you to communicate your enthusiasm for the position and highlight the value you would bring to the school. In addition, your positive vibes provide the principal with crucial information about your personality and the qualities that might benefit the school.
EXAMPLE
Dear Richard Harrison,
I am humbled by the opportunity to contribute my ten years of qualified Mathematics teaching experience to the academic brilliance of Landmark College in the role of an Algebra teacher advertised on the Landmark College website.
tip
In the introductory paragraph, personalizing the paragraph with a mention of the school’s name indicates to the principal that this job applicant pays attention to detail and is enthusiastic about working with the school.
3. Write the middle paragraphs adequately
The middle paragraph of your cover letter lets you further describe your qualifications and successes to impress the principal. As you compose this section of your letter, use the skills, experience, and necessary qualifications given in the job description as inspiration.
Explain why you are perfect for them
Any principal reading a teacher’s cover letter job application will scrutinize why a candidate is perfect for this job. Your description of why that job is for you must portray an honest account of your skills and qualifications. The cover letter is an opportunity to tell the story of skills, qualifications, accomplishments, and strengths your resume holds. In this way, you will be able to convince the reader that you are perfect for this job opportunity.
Why are they perfect for you?
Another way to have a principal highly interested in you is to describe how you think the job role will help you. Then, you can expand on how the job position will further train you and aid you in growing, as this reflects a willingness to learn and grow on the school board.
EXAMPLE
Teaching anyone is an opportunity to inspire and impact their knowledge. Working with Citadel College puts me on the front lines of utilizing my skills in art teaching, communication, time management, and patience to further give meaning to the students’ lives.
A massive contribution to my success at Hillcrest High was the various teacher training workshops where I earned my Standard Professional 1 (SP1) Professional Educator’s License and Standard Professional 2 (SP2) Professional Educator License. In addition, with inspiration and patience, I helped my students at Hillcrest High win the North Carolina State art competition. This success was possible through personalized, fun teaching-learning activities with feedback loops for students and colleagues to convey complaints and reinforce good attributes. I’m confident I can apply such learning models to Citadel College to champion new art projects and raise our future Picassos.
tip
Using keywords helps tailor your resume and cover letter to appear concentric. Also, ensure you use the best font type, similar color codes, and formatting to improve readability.
4. Add a compelling closing
End on a high note. The closure of your letter for teaching must show gratitude, reinforce your interest in the job, and be a call to action for the hiring principal. Then, after crafting a leading closing paragraph, you can sign off with your name and details.
EXAMPLE
Working with Citadel’s brilliant young minds would be an incredible experience I’d love to have, so feel free to call anytime for a virtual or offline interview, as I look forward to discussing innovative educational methods with you. Thank you for taking the time to go through my letter.
Best regards
Richard Gray
tip
A P.S. (postscript) can come in handy when trying to swing the odds of getting the job in your favor. Using the P.S. to indicate an attached document demonstrates your ability to convey information clearly, reinforcing your ability to pass on information to students.
Cover Letter Template for a Teaching Position
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name or School Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Application for [Specific Teaching Position] – [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name or School Principal’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [specific teaching position, e.g., 5th-grade teacher, High School English Teacher] at [School Name], as advertised on [where you found the job listing]. With a [degree in education or specific subject area, e.g., Bachelor of Science in Education, Master’s in English Literature], and [number] years of teaching experience, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your academic team and foster a positive learning environment for your students.
Throughout my teaching career at [Previous School/Institution], I have developed a comprehensive skill set that includes [mention key teaching skills, e.g., curriculum development, classroom management, student engagement techniques]. I pride myself on my ability to [mention a teaching achievement or methodology, e.g., adapt curriculum to diverse learning styles, integrate technology into lesson plans]. In [year or specific situation], my approach led to [mention a specific outcome, e.g., a 20% improvement in state test scores, successful integration of a new learning management system].
I am particularly drawn to [School Name] because of [mention something you admire about the school, such as its educational philosophy, commitment to inclusivity, extracurricular programs, etc.]. I share your school’s commitment to [mention a shared value or goal, e.g., high academic standards, fostering a sense of community, holistic education], and I am eager to bring my expertise in [mention specific skills or areas] to contribute to the continued success and growth of your students and school community.
In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I have [mention any extracurricular involvement, e.g., coached sports, led student clubs, coordinated community service projects], which underscores my dedication to enriching students’ school experience beyond the classroom. I believe in creating a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages students’ personal and academic growth.
I am excited about the prospect of joining [School Name] and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my education, experience, and passion for teaching can support your academic objectives. Enclosed is my resume for your review. I am looking forward to the possibility of contributing to your team and making a positive impact in the lives of your students.
Thank you for considering my application. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address]. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample of Cover Letter for Teaching Position
Subject: Application for High School English Teacher Position – Alexandra Freeman
Dear Mr. Wallace,
I am writing to express my keen interest in the High School English Teacher position at Westview High School, as advertised on the New Jersey Department of Education Job Portal. With a Master’s Degree in English Literature from Columbia University and over five years of teaching experience at the secondary level, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your English department and enrich the academic lives of your students.
During my tenure at Jefferson High School, I spearheaded the redesign of the 10th-grade English curriculum to incorporate a more diverse range of literary voices and mediums, resulting in a 30% increase in student engagement as measured by class participation and performance. My commitment to fostering a love for literature is matched by my dedication to developing critical thinking and analytical skills in my students. I have consistently implemented innovative teaching methods, including digital storytelling and project-based learning, to enhance learning outcomes and student interest in literary analysis and creative writing.
I am particularly drawn to Westview High School because of its reputation for encouraging academic excellence and its commitment to preparing students for college and career success. I admire your school’s initiative to integrate technology in the classroom, and I am eager to bring my experience in leveraging digital resources to create an engaging and inclusive learning environment.
In addition to my classroom duties, I have been actively involved in extracurricular activities, including serving as the faculty advisor for the student-run literary magazine at Jefferson High School. This role has allowed me to nurture students’ creative talents and foster a community of young writers. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of bringing similar initiatives to Westview High School to support students’ holistic development.
I am excited about the opportunity to meet with you and discuss how my background, skills, and passions align with the needs of Westview High School. Enclosed with this letter is my resume, which provides further detail about my professional achievements. I am looking forward to the possibility of joining your team and making a positive impact on your students’ educational journey.
Thank you for considering my application. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at (555) 987-6543 or via email at alexandra.freeman@email.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Alexandra Freeman
Analysis
The letter effectively conveys the candidate’s interest in the High School English Teacher position at Westview High School. It begins by stating the candidate’s qualifications, including a Master’s Degree in English Literature and over five years of teaching experience, establishing their suitability for the role. Specific achievements, such as redesigning the curriculum to increase student engagement, demonstrate the candidate’s effectiveness as an educator. By expressing admiration for Westview High School’s commitment to academic excellence and technology integration, the candidate aligns themselves with the school’s values. Mention of innovative teaching methods like digital storytelling and project-based learning further showcases the candidate’s readiness to adapt to evolving educational practices. Additionally, highlighting involvement in extracurricular activities, such as advising a student literary magazine, underscores the candidate’s commitment to holistic education. The letter closes with a proactive invitation for an interview, indicating the candidate’s eagerness to discuss their qualifications further. Overall, the letter presents the candidate as a qualified and enthusiastic applicant, likely making them a strong contender for the position.
Free Templates
Following are the free templates:
Tips for Writing Teaching Cover Letters
After such an extensive guide on the structure of a letter for a teaching position, let’s look at some tips that will trim off the excesses and keep your letter brief, which will give you an edge over other job applicants.
These tips include the following:
Customize your letter
Every job listing in a particular school is different, and a way to increase your job acceptance rate is to mold your cover letter for teaching to fit the specific school and job listing. A way of doing this is to research the school and describe why you think you are the right fit for that school.
Keep the letter brief
Nothing sparks interest like a short, simple story. Write your cover letter like you are making an elevator pitch for a great idea. This approach reminds you to write salient points about yourself that will capture the hiring manager’s attention in 30 seconds. Also, instead of repeating everything on your resume, use the cover letter to detail why you are a great candidate in one or two paragraphs.
Read job description
Sounds obvious, right? But most applicants fail to understand that a job description is like a flashlight into their skill arsenal. Reading the job description and overlapping the required skills with your skills is the best way to say I am the best person to hire boldly. If the job requests certain qualities or uses a specific tone or language, repeat them in your cover letter.
Individualize your cover letter
Before applying to a school job listing, you should research the school and its culture, as this will help tailor each cover letter to fit the school, school area, and job. This approach helps you address their expectations while leveraging your achievements to show why you are the best candidate for the job.
Be honest
Honesty is the best virtue that couldn’t be said any better. No matter how overboard you’d like to go with a description of your skill set in your letter for teaching, keep it simple and accurate, as only time will tell if you are dishonest.
Emphasize your versatility
Education is a dynamic area, and schools are always willing to hire candidates with versatility and adaptability. Therefore, in your cover letter, you must reinforce or show glimpses of how versatile you are based on your past employment opportunities.
Keep the letter brief
The brevity of your letter cannot be overemphasized. Yes, there’s always that temptation to go overboard with descriptions of who you are and what you have achieved. However, it is essential to remember that you can only capture the attention span of the principal, as you are not the only one applying.
Proofread and edit
There is nothing like poorly edited content or a cover letter containing grammatical errors that puts off a reader. Be sure to run your letter through a grammar checker, as plenty of them are online.
Key Takeaways
- An excellent cover letter will draw attention to your relevant experience and prior accomplishments and connect them with the position you’re applying for.
- Properly addressing your cover letter sets the stage for how the hiring principal perceives your letter. Be sure to correctly write your contact details, date, and principal’s details.
- Start your cover letter with a polite or formal greeting by mentioning the hiring principal’s name. This greeting shows the reader that you pay attention to tiny details.
- The tone and vibe of your letter tell the principal vital details about your character and the types of qualities that can help the institution.
- Describing why the school needs you can be made simple by overlapping the required job skills with your skills and highlighting achievements that the school is looking for in your letter.
- Use the right font size, font color, and spacing, as a well-formatted cover letter is more accessible to read.
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