A teaching cover letter is a written document that is usually submitted together with job application documents, summarizing the applicant’s qualifications and interest in the vacant post.
Below are various reasons why a cover letter is important:
- It compensates for a resume that cannot stand on its own: Your resume should be successful even if it isn’t accompanied by a cover letter, but if your resume isn’t as convincing as you thought it was, it can compensate.
- It demonstrates that you are serious about the opportunity: One of the most common concerns is that job candidates forget to send a cover letter. When you apply for a job by merely submitting your CV, the hiring manager may view this as a careless move on your side. The teaching industry requires devoted individuals.
- It allows you to emphasize your strengths: Your resume outlines the major accomplishments you achieved in your most recent employment. However, if you are limited to one page or two or have much relevant experience, you may be compelled to forgo certain details in favor of length. You can clarify and highlight a few significant experiences from your CV in your cover letter.
- It demonstrates your writing abilities: Resumes follow tight guidelines, including bullet points and short, choppy sentences. You can write more fluently if you use a cover letter. Because employers want to see that you can communicate effectively on paper, it gets you off to a good start.
- It lays the groundwork for the follow-up: Rather than leaving the next step up to the employer, use your letter to take charge of the follow-up procedure. In the final paragraph, provide a precise date and time when you will contact them. The follow-up avoids the waiting game, allowing you to proceed to an interview or another job vacancy.
Teaching Cover Letter Examples
Cover letter samples are very crucial in the process. The samples serve as a guide towards what your tailored letter should resemble, both in structure and the elements that should be included. However, it is wrong to use the samples and later submit them as your own. You should customize your letter using the examples and ensure that it fits your personal work experience and skills that are necessary for the teaching role.
Below are various examples:
First time teacher cover letter
Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)
Experienced elementary teacher cover letter
Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)
Summer school teacher cover letter
Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)
Assistant teacher cover letter
Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)
Special education teacher cover letter
Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)
School counselor cover letter
Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)
Library media specialist cover letter-
Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)
High school English teacher cover letter
Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)
Technology teacher cover letter
Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)
Music teacher cover letter
Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)
Drama teacher cover letter
Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)
Foreign language teacher cover letter
Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)
Sports coach cover letter
Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)
ESL teacher cover letter
Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)
Math teacher cover letter
Download: Microsoft Word (.docx)
How to Write a Teaching Cover Letter
Writing an effective cover letter is a vital step in the job search process. For this reason, you should spend some time crafting it to express your interest in the position. The following is a comprehensive guide on how to write one.
Step 1: Header
The header forms the topmost part of the cover letter. You should include the following:
Date and your personal details
Write your official name in full, followed by the job title for the post you are applying for. In this context, indicate that you are a teacher. Also, include valid contact details. This should include your physical/postal address, email address, LinkedIn, and telephone number (not necessarily all of them). Indicate your city below your address, followed by the date you wrote your cover letter.
Employer’s details
Write the full name of the hiring manager of the institution that you are aspiring to work at, if it is known. This should be followed by the position title of the addressee on the cover letter, the name of the school/college you desire to work at, and its address. The address should include the city, street address, and ZIP code. This helps the recipient truly know that it is addressed to their institution.
Step2: Introduction
This section serves as the opening.
It includes the following:
Salutation
Start your letter with a salutation and the addressee’s name if it is known. If you don’t have their name, you may use the phrase “Dear hiring manager.”
Briefly introduce yourself
In the first statement of your introduction, inform the hiring manager who you are (not by name, but by stating your personality and skills).
State why you are interested
Briefly express why you are interested in the post and what makes you competitive for the job.
Step 3: Body
This section gives more information about you and expresses why you are fit for the job. It would be best if you were keen to include the following:
List your key skills
It is critical to include a few essential hard and soft skills in your cover letter to win the teaching position you want. Highlighting such skills enables the hiring manager to swiftly determine whether you have acquired the skills required to educate the pupils/students.
EXAMPLE
Examples of skills include lesson planning, foreign language skills, smart boards, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and computer skills. Soft skills include communication skills, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, conflict management, organizational skills, and time management skills.
Quantify your achievements
You should make an effort to quantify your achievements in as many ways as you can. This will provide the recruiting manager with additional information about your triumphs and also show the kind of help you can offer their team if hired. It is important to consider highlighting the achievements that are closely interlinked with the job specifications and state teaching-related certifications that you have.
You may consider relating your accomplishments to the following:
- How many pupils did you have in your classes?
- How many awards have you received for exemplary performance in your career?
- How many coworkers have you assisted in training?
- What proportion of your pupils get high marks?
Describe your experience
Highlight your years of relevant experience along with the qualifications that make you the best candidate for the job. If you are new to the teaching career, it is recommended that you include details about your experience during your internship.
It is wise to include unrelated experiences, especially those that relate to working with children. This will help to improve your cover letter, especially if you are new to the industry.
Match it to job requirements
It would be wise only to include details that are purely related to the job requirements. This will grab the attention of the hiring manager and increase your chances of getting hired.
Below are several ways that can help you do this:
- Researching the school/college
Do in-depth research about the institution and include some facts about it. This will impress the hiring manager, as they will see that you truly know how the institution operates. Additionally, elaborate on how your skills and expertise will contribute to the success of the students and the whole institution at large. - Add relevant keywords
Obtain keywords from the job requirements and add them. This will ensure that your application is accepted by the applicant tracking system (ATS). - Express your enthusiasm for the job
This will increase your chances of securing the position because it shows that you are passionate about the job.
EXAMPLE
You may state that you are eager to help the school adopt some teaching methods that you feel are effective.
Step 4: Conclusion
Conclude your letter with a strong closing statement and include a call to action. Also, remember to thank the prospective employer/ hiring manager for their time and consideration. At this point, you may restate your qualifications and show your interest in proceeding to the interview stage. End by signing off; use phrases such as “Yours sincerely”, followed by a signature, and your name below the signature.
Teaching Position Cover Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
[City, State, Zip]
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [specific teaching position, e.g., “Fourth Grade Teacher”] at [School Name], as advertised on [where you found the job posting]. With a [mention your degree, e.g., “Bachelor’s in Elementary Education”] and [mention years of experience] years of experience in [mention the educational setting, e.g., “elementary education”], I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your team of dedicated educators.
Throughout my career, I have been committed to providing a nurturing environment that encourages and supports student learning. My teaching philosophy centers on [briefly mention your teaching philosophy, e.g., “fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a love for learning in all students”]. In my previous role as [Your Last Position] at [Your Last School], I [mention a significant achievement or project, e.g., “implemented a differentiated learning strategy that resulted in a 15% improvement in state test scores”].
I am particularly drawn to [School Name] because of [mention something specific about the school or its community, e.g., “your innovative approach to inclusive education and commitment to student well-being”]. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise in [mention a specific skill or area, e.g., “curriculum development and classroom management”] to your school and to collaborate with your team to enhance student outcomes.
I believe that my background in [mention a specific subject or educational area, e.g., “STEM education”] and my passion for [mention a broader educational goal or philosophy, e.g., “equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world”] make me a perfect fit for the [specific teaching position] at [School Name]. I am eager to contribute to the continued success and growth of your educational community.
Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to the academic and personal success of the students at [School Name]. I am available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached at [Your Phone Number] or via email at [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Teaching Cover Letter Samples
SAMPLE 01
Dear Dr. Ford,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the open Third Grade Teacher position at Lincoln Elementary School, as advertised on the district’s career website. With a Master’s in Education from New York University and over seven years of dedicated experience in elementary education, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the esteemed team of educators at Lincoln Elementary.
Throughout my teaching career, I have focused on creating engaging, student-centered learning environments that foster curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning. In my current position as a Second Grade Teacher at Parkside Elementary, I spearheaded the integration of technology in the classroom, introducing an interactive reading program that resulted in a 20% increase in reading comprehension scores across my class. This achievement underscores my commitment to leveraging innovative educational tools to enhance learning outcomes.
I am particularly drawn to Lincoln Elementary School because of your commitment to holistic education and the well-being of each student. Your school’s emphasis on integrating emotional and social learning into the curriculum resonates with my educational philosophy. I am eager to bring my expertise in differentiated learning and behavior management to your school, contributing to a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
My approach to teaching extends beyond academic achievement; I strive to cultivate a supportive atmosphere that encourages students to explore their interests and develop a sense of responsibility towards their learning. I am passionate about collaborating with fellow teachers, parents, and the broader school community to support each student’s unique path to success.
I am confident that my background and my passion for education would make me a valuable addition to the Lincoln Elementary School team. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to the continued excellence and growth of your educational community. Please feel free to contact me at 555-987-6543 or via email at samantha.green@email.com to schedule an interview.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of joining Lincoln Elementary School and making a meaningful impact in the lives of your students.
Sincerely,
Samantha Green
SAMPLE 02
Dear Ms. Martinez,
I am writing to express my interest in the High School English Teacher position at Westside High School, as advertised on the School District’s employment website. With a Master’s Degree in English Literature and a California Single Subject Teaching Credential, coupled with my five years of experience teaching 9th and 11th-grade students at Riverview High School, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the academic excellence for which Westside High School is renowned.
At Riverview High, I led the development and implementation of a new curriculum focused on diverse literary voices and critical thinking skills, which resulted in a 30% improvement in state test scores for my students. This achievement underscores my commitment to creating inclusive and engaging learning environments that cater to the varied needs of students and stimulate their intellectual curiosity and analytical skills.
What draws me particularly to Westside High School is your innovative approach to integrating technology into the curriculum and the strong emphasis on preparing students for both college and career readiness. I am eager to bring my expertise in digital learning tools and my passion for literature to your English department. I am particularly interested in contributing to your school’s literary magazine and drama club, areas where I believe I can further enrich the student experience outside the traditional classroom setting.
I am committed to fostering a positive and collaborative learning atmosphere that encourages student expression, critical discourse, and a deep appreciation for literature. My teaching philosophy is centered on the belief that every student has the potential to contribute uniquely to our world, and I dedicate myself to unlocking that potential through literature and creative expression.
I am enthusiastic about the possibility of joining the distinguished faculty at Westside High School and contributing to the continued success and growth of your students. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasm can match the needs of your school. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience and can be reached at (555) 321-9876 or via email at jordan.taylor@email.com.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to make a positive and meaningful impact at Westside High School.
Sincerely,
Jordan Taylor
Analysis
In both samples, the applicants effectively express their enthusiasm and qualifications for the teaching positions while aligning with the values and initiatives of the respective schools. They highlight their relevant experience, educational background, and achievements, showcasing their dedication to creating engaging and inclusive learning environments.
The first letter emphasizes the applicant’s success in integrating technology into the classroom to improve student outcomes, while also demonstrating a commitment to holistic education and social-emotional learning, in line with the school’s mission.
The second letter highlights the applicant’s success in developing and implementing a new curriculum to boost student achievement, as well as a willingness to contribute to extracurricular activities that enrich the student experience. The applicant also demonstrates alignment with the school’s focus on technology integration and college/career readiness.
Overall, both applicants effectively convey their passion for education and their desire to positively impact students’ lives while demonstrating an understanding of and alignment with the schools’ educational philosophies and goals.
Tips for Writing a Good Cover Letter
Below are some tips that may help you craft an outstanding cover letter:
Customize your cover letter
Begin your letter customization by searching for templates and samples, which should guide you through customizing.
Take your time
Take your time to read and understand the job requirements before starting the writing process. This will help you establish which skills are relevant to include in your cover letter. Also, ensure that you spend enough time proofreading it and correcting all the typing and grammar mistakes. A clear message might inspire the hiring manager to consider your application.
Keep it short and sweet
Hiring managers rarely have a lot of time to read the cover letters and other job application materials. For this reason, you should make sure that you write a short one that contains every necessary detail. Also, ensure that you use captivating words and phrases to convince the hiring manager that you qualify to proceed to the interview stage.
Emphasize why you are a great match
Insist on why you are the best fit for the job by highlighting your relevant skills. Also, restate the specific qualities included in the job requirements and emulate the language used in the description of the job requirements while ensuring professionalism. You may also state what contributions you will make when hired.
Individualize
Ensure that you write a different cover letter each time you are applying for a job. This is because each job post usually has different specifications.
Conclusion
Securing a teaching job may be challenging, especially if you are not in a position to write an outstanding cover letter. However, writing a good one might be simpler if you follow the guidelines given in this article.
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