Teachers are arguably one of the most important members of society. They impact us with the necessary knowledge we need to be successful in life. Also, the teachers provide a source of motivation and inspiration to do well in various facets of life. But what does it take to be a teacher? Well, once trained, teachers do go through the normal hiring process, just like any other profession. Therefore, if you are planning to apply for a job as a teacher, it’s essential that you write an outstanding teacher cover letter.
Why Having a Good Cover Letter is Beneficial?
A well-written cover letter is an indispensable part of your job search. It tells the potential employer why you are the best person for the job by summarizing the benefits of working with you and how their organization stands to benefit from your employment. A teacher cover letter also allows you to convince the employer that you possess the skills and experience needed for the job. A well-written cover letter can set you apart from other candidates applying to the same position and increase the chances of being selected to proceed with the hiring process.
What to Include in a Teacher Cover Letter?
A teacher cover letter should be written in a way that reiterates your professional and academic qualifications. That being said, the following are some important components that shouldn’t miss in your cover letter:
Academic qualifications
When applying for a first-time teacher, it is recommended that you put significant emphasis on your academic qualifications rather than your teaching experience. Your academic qualification should be attached to your certificates and any other related awards.
Teaching experience
Experience plays a vital role during the application process. They help convince your recipient that you are indeed fit for the job. Therefore, you can include the number of years you’ve taught as well as your area of specialty.
Skills to add
When writing your cover letter, there are two types of skills that you should focus on to help your application stand out, thus increasing your chances of getting the job: these skills are; hard skills and soft skills.
Hard skills
Hard skills are concrete and measurable abilities that pertain directly to the job you are applying for. They include things like:
- Lesson planning
- Mathematics
- Musical instruments
- Computer skills
- Microsoft office
- Foreign language skills
- Curriculum knowledge
- Peer relationships
- SMART boards
- Teaching certifications
Soft skills
Soft skills are qualities like interpersonal, listening, teaching, and communication that are hard to define but are essential in helping you succeed in the classroom. They include things like:
- Observation
- Curiosity
- Self-management
- Optimism
- Positive reinforcement
- Adaptability
- Goal setting
- Imagination
- Humor
- Persuasion
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Active listening
- Organizational skills
- Open-mindedness
- Leadership skills
- Conflict management
- Inspiration
- Decision making
- Experimentation
- Empathy
Any related work outside the classroom
If at all you have worked in any other place other than teaching, feel free to highlight it in your letter. This will help supplement your limited teaching experience if you are a first-time teacher.
Tips to Observe When Writing a Teacher Cover Letter
When writing your teacher cover letter, you want to be creative, yet make sure you communicate the skills and abilities that will help you succeed in the job. The following are tips that can be used to help in writing an excellent teacher cover letter:
Make your introduction brief, catchy, and personalized
Writing a concise, catchy, and personalized introduction helps attract the reader’s attention in the first place. Usually, if the reader fined your introduction too long, irrelevant, or boring, the chances are that your reader will dispose of your letter and move to the next one. In order to avoid such instances, ensure you write a brief and catchy intro. Also, make sure your letter is addressing someone specific. If you don’t know the hiring manager, you need to do a little digging online to see the person on the receiving end.
Emphasize your passion
Remember that your cover letter is your chance to sell yourself to the employer, so you need to highlight your skills and expertise. When writing it, focus on highlighting your passion for teaching. Show the employer that you can contribute a lot by achieving the school’s goals.
Use an official language
Be mindful of the type of language and tone you are using when writing the cover letter. As a golden rule, you should refrain from going too casual. Even if you are submitting the letters digitally, you should still address your letter with an official language. For instance, instead of saying ‘Hi Mrs. Kimberly,’ you can simply say ‘Hello Mrs. Kimberly.’ If you intend to send your letter electronically, make sure you type it using standard fonts (preferably new times roman).
Quantify your achievements
By using numbers to quantify your achievements, you will be able to convince your probable employer that you are an ideal person for the job. In addition, showing that you have worked hard and have been successful as a teacher will also positively impact your application.
Be specific
When writing your teaching cover letter, you need to avoid generalization. Instead, be specific about the position in which you are applying. Remember that there may be various teaching openings with distinct teaching roles. One advantage of being specific with your letter is that it helps you land on the right hands. For instance, if you are applying for a high school mathematics teacher, make sure you include exactly that—otherwise, your cover letter risk landing in an irrelevant category.
Research the school
Before writing your cover letter, make sure to research the specific school you are applying for. Through your research, you will have an idea of the school’s central issues and how you can contribute to them. In addition, it would help to understand what its mission is. This will help you highlight how you can contribute to its central goals and mission.
Use job postings to find keywords
Showing your potential employer that you have gone through the job posting and understand what the job requires will significantly increase your credibility. Job postings are a good resource because they have specific requirements that you can use as part of your cover letter. Go through the job posting and identify specific keywords that you can use in your letter. Doing so will show the employer that you are serious about the position and understand what the job requires.
Individualize
A key element of writing an effective cover letter is to make it as specific as possible. It would be best to show that you understand what they are looking for and that you have the skills to meet those expectations. In addition, individualizing your cover letter will show the employer that you are knowledgeable about their needs and that you can contribute to helping them achieve their established goals.
Proofread your work
Once you are done with the writing, don’t be lured into rushing. Take your time and go through your work once again to check for grammar errors or any other typos. Alternatively, you can give a trusted friend to have a look and make the necessary corrections. Generally, teachers are often known to have the highest standards of grammar and other written communications, regardless of your area of specialization. Therefore, try as much as possible to correct possible errors in your cover letter before submitting it.
A strong finish
Always ensure that you have a strong finish. A strong finish is that that provides room for follow-ups. In a conversational way, let your reader be moved and want to hear more from you.
Different Teacher Cover Letters with Examples
The type of cover letter you will write usually depends on the teaching position you are applying for, the length of your teaching experience, and the organization hiring you. Below are a few samples of cover letter examples, depending on the job you are seeking:
First-time teacher:
Suppose you are applying for a first-time teaching position. In that case, you can write a general teacher cover letter explaining why you are so interested in the position and describing your qualifications. Also, indicate if you have any unique experiences or skills. For example, let the school know if you worked as a substitute teacher. This can show that you are flexible and easy to work with. Make sure to mention how this experience will help you be an asset to the organization.
Sample:
Dear Ms. Rachael,
Thank you for the opportunity of the 4th Grade position at Weston Public School District. I am enthusiastic about working with highly skilled and committed staff in an outstanding school environment. I have had a strong interest in teaching ever since I was a student myself, working as a peer tutor when I was still in middle school and volunteering at my local animal shelter while attending high school.
My varied experiences as an employee and volunteer at several sites have given me insight into the value of learning from a young age, working effectively with others, and ensuring that students have the skills necessary for success. I feel these are three critical qualities for teachers in today’s world, where student success is essential at school and in their lives after school.
I know that teaching challenges people to grow beyond their expectations by developing their professional skills and striving to improve themselves professionally. I feel my teaching philosophy is based on the U. S. Constitution, which states that all men are created equal and that their Creator endows them with certain unalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
I understand that teaching involves more than just presenting information; it also involves how to learn and to have a passion for lifelong learning. Furthermore, I know that teaching is a noble profession in which a teacher gives more than what has been given to them on the first day of school. I feel this noble attitude is most important in ensuring that all students are prepared to reach their full potential.
I am excited to meet you in person at your convenience to discuss the position further. Please contact me directly at 555-555-5555 should you have any questions regarding my background and why I would be an excellent fit for your school.
Sincerely,
Beth Cosentino
Experienced elementary teacher
If you are applying for an elementary teaching position and have a few years of experience, write a letter that shows your enthusiasm for the position and reasons for wanting to teach at that particular school. In your letter, demonstrate why you are the right person for the job. Use specific examples to support your claim. Ensure to include any skills you have that are important to the type of position you are applying for.
Below is a sample teacher cover letter for an experienced elementary teacher:
Dear Mr. Michael,
I am highly interested in applying for the open position of 3rd Grade Teacher at Lakota Elementary School. I’ve been teaching elementary school English at Saints Peter for four years, a private Catholic school in Louisville, Kentucky. I am excited about this opportunity to do what I love by teaching students how to read and write engagingly, giving them the skills they need for future success.
While in my first two years of teaching, I focused on teaching students the basics of reading and writing with some limited time spent on composition and creative writing. As we moved into the third year, I shifted my focus to creative writing, a rewarding experience for the students and myself. The students have learned the value of poetry and how writing poetry can be fun and enriching at the same time.
I think that you will agree that understanding your school’s curriculum is a critical component for any new teacher. I love to learn, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my teaching practice. I am currently enrolled in a graduate-level teaching methods course to learn how to use technology better, develop differentiated instruction and create culturally relevant lessons.
I believe that a teacher is most effective when committed to learning more. Therefore, one of my goals is to be an influential and passionate learner. I want to take the skills I learned in elementary school and transfer them to this new position.
I am flexible and open to scheduling a meeting at your earliest convenience. Please feel free to contact me at 222-333-888 with any questions or concerns you may have about my background or professionalism.
Sincerely,
Alex Scott
Summer school teacher
When applying for a job as a summer school teacher, your cover letter should show the employer how you can contribute to the summer program. In addition, the cover letter should clearly state your interest in working for them and why you will be an asset to their organization. You might also need to include evidence that shows you are qualified for the position with relevant skills or experience.
Here is an example of a teacher cover letter for a summer school English teacher:
Dear Mr. Whaley,
I am interested in applying for the position of Summer School Teacher at Lakeshore Junior High School. I have been working as a temporary teacher in Louisville, Kentucky, for the past year and a half. I am excited about this opportunity to work with students during the summer months.
I have some experience teaching English at multiple levels, from middle school to high school. I have always liked helping children learn new concepts through hands-on activities and providing an engaging learning environment. I feel that a teacher is responsible to the students to see them succeed and the best way to help children learn is through fun projects.
I believe that teachers should always be looking for ways to help children understand and build on their strengths. Therefore, I think this is an excellent chance for me to use my passion for teaching and show my abilities in a meaningful way by developing individualized summer schedules for each of your students. This will ensure that all students have a productive summer with the necessary skills to succeed in their classes during the upcoming school year.
I look forward to meeting with you to discuss the position and hope that my background and qualifications meet your needs. Please feel free to contact me at 777-9990-282 with any questions or concerns you may have.
Sincerely,
John Harris
Assistant teacher
Working as an assistant teacher is a great way to get experience in a school setting and develop your skills. In addition, you will have the opportunity to learn from experienced teachers and understand the daily challenges of teaching and management.
In writing your cover letter, you should emphasize all areas you can contribute during your training period and show that you are willing to help. It would be best if you also took advantage of this position as a way to grow personally by learning new skills and building relationships with fellow teachers.
Here is a sample cover letter for an assistant teacher that you can use as a guide when you are writing your cover letter:
Dear Mr. Tyler,
I am very interested in applying for the open position of Assistant Teacher at Jefferson Middle School. I have a solid background in Early Childhood Education and have worked at Lincoln Elementary School for two years as an assistant teacher. However, I want to transition to another school to gain experience in teaching different grade levels, and I think that Jefferson Middle School is a great place to train and prepare for a more permanent position.
I have had several training opportunities, including student teaching, which was used to help prepare me as an elementary school teacher. I have enjoyed working with students and developing learning plans to help children become more comfortable with the school environment. However, I firmly believe that teachers must be involved in classroom management, including discipline, attendance, personal responsibility, and project-based learning.
I look forward to meeting with you to discuss the position further. Please feel free to contact me at 555-999-000-888 with any questions or concerns you may have about my background or professionalism.
Sincerely,
Mary McKenzie
Special education teacher
Special education teachers usually work with students who have a variety of learning disabilities and emotional issues. Therefore, when you are applying to be a special education teacher, your cover letter should show the employer how you can contribute to the school and the students. In addition, you can show that your skills would be beneficial in working with these students. One way to highlight your skills is by including specific references from previous employers. The letter should also clearly state why you are interested in working for this school and what you hope to gain from experience.
Here is an example of a teacher cover letter for a special education teacher:
Dear Ms. Simons,
I am excited to formally apply for your school’s special education teacher position. I have worked in unique education systems for several years. As a result, I have always felt comfortable working with children and young adults with learning disabilities, ADD, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and emotional issues. In addition, I have positive relationships with many parents that allow me to be aware of their child’s needs and provide them with highly effective services.
My past experiences in special education include working as a teacher at a pre-school and as an assistant teacher in special education at my high school. My work has always been successful as they have all displayed significant improvement in their skills, knowledge, and abilities. Also, I have received excellent feedback from parents, who are very pleased with my results.
I am currently an adjunct professor at the university, teaching a “Special Education” course to graduate students. I teach two sections of the course and have always enjoyed interacting with students who struggle with learning disabilities and emotional issues. In addition, I love working one-on-one with students individually, as I know how helpful it is to obtain constructive feedback.
I sincerely hope that you will consider my application. If you would like to discuss my interest further, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at 555-777-5555 or send me an email at [email protected]
Thank you for your time, and I hope to hear from you soon!
Sincerely,
Tony Dong
Sample Letters and Examples
Teacher Cover Letter Sample
[Applicants Name]
[Applicants Address]
[Applicants Contacts]
[Date of Application]
[Recipients Name]
[Recipients Address]
Dear Mr., Mrs., Ms. [Recipients Surname]
Having learned that you are looking for a physics teacher, I am pleased to apply for the very post. I have teaching experience in 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade. My teaching experience, together with academic qualifications, makes me believe that I am the best candidate for your school.
I possess a master’s degree in education from XXX University College. Currently, I work as an enthusiastic 4th-grade physics teacher at Greenwoods Group of Schools. In this role, I am charged with the responsibility of teaching over 30 students in an inclusion classroom. Besides, I prepare my students for competitive state tests every semester. Also, I provide them with leadership and problem-solving skills, which are necessary for today’s living.
As a teacher, I am strongly committed to empowering my students to acquire new skills within their respective areas of specialization. Better yet, I am a certified teacher with various endorsements such as physics, mathematics, and technology education. Besides teaching, I also undertake further studies during part-time so as to achieve additional endorsements in space science.
Besides teaching, I also have experience in public health, a position a successfully served as a volunteer program at XXX NON-governmental organization. It’s, therefore, my pleasure to combine all my range of experience to make a positive contribution to your learning institution. Other soft skills that I demonstrate include patience, compassion, intelligence, and enthusiasm. I am highly optimistic about your feedback at your earliest convenience. Also, I welcome an interview so that I can further express my qualifications.
Sincerely,
[Applicants Name]
[Applicants signature]
Conclusion
Writing an excellent teacher cover letter is a simple way to stand out from your competition and ensure that you will be seriously considered for a teaching job. To write an outstanding teacher cover letter, you need to show the employer what makes you the ideal candidate. Remember to focus on your qualifications and why you would be an asset to their school or educational program. You can also provide tips on how you have delivered effective instruction in the past or highlight your experience with special students. Also, it would be best to let the employer know why you are interested in working at their school and what you hope to gain from experience. Include any ideas you have on improving the school community or increasing student achievement. You can also make your cover letter unique by including personal experiences that relate to your commitment and passion for teaching.