≡ Menu

Teaching Cover Letters: Focus It to Meet the School’s Requirements

teaching cover letters focus yours to meet the school's requirements

When conducting a job search, keep in mind many formats and types of teaching cover letters. The reason the word ‘letters” is plural is that you will have a few different types. Tailoring your application letters to meet the different positions and school districts is critical to landing a job interview.

Whether you are writing a teacher cover letter, assistant principal cover letter, or any other educators’ letter, you need to choose a format that is easy to read and fits your personality.

Ensure the teaching cover letters you write complement the resume you are submitting. These documents introduce you in your absence. Prospective schools are looking for professionalism and not a generalized cover letter template.

As I am sure you know, top tips are abundant for writing cover letters. The key is to start implementing the correct ones to make your letter stronger.

If you use a standard form that many teachers use, the reader may take it as an indication you are lazy or look for shortcuts to get things done. It needs to be unique to you and what you can offer the school district.

Use the writing strategies below a the ones at this link teaching application letter writing tips to create a powerful letter. 

Target your cover letter to meet the school district’s needs and what they are looking for in a candidate to fill the teaching position available. It should contain details about you, and this information should be current and fresh. It’s doubtful you will grab the reader’s attention by using a generic format you downloaded or copy and pasted from the internet.

Showing your personality and passion in your letter of introduction is paramount. The reader wants to know you are authentic.

6 Tips to Write Different Teaching Cover Letters

Tip 1: Your application letter should introduce your teacher resume:

Cover letters need to say more than “here is my resume.” It’s your chance to convince the principal that you’re the best person for the job; sell yourself. Introduce yourself. Tell them a little about why you want to teach at their school.

Tip 2: Teaching cover letters need to get the reader’s attention:

Grab the attention of the reader immediately or risk losing it for good. Make it clear right from the outset about which job you’re applying for and why you have the necessary expertise to fill the post. Communicate your experience, relevant achievements, and skills, but keep it short and to the point.

 Tip 3: Research the school so you can make a connection:

Please find out the name of the school principal and address the letter directly to them. Keep in mind the teaching position’s specifics and give concrete examples of how you’ve excelled in these areas.

Research as much as you can about the school where you wish to apply to communicate how you share their vision. Many principals will want to meet you in person if they feel you would fit into the school community through your application letter for a teaching position. Show you understand the vision of the school and explain how you can contribute.

Tip 4: Communicate the passion you have for the work:

Be passionate; it’s infectious. Express to the school principal your enthusiasm for the school and the teaching or other education position. Talk about how satisfying and rewarding you find this type of work. Talk about how you love a challenge. Discuss being driven to succeed, but whatever you choose to say, say it with passion, the passion you feel about teaching.

Tip 5: Teaching cover letters should show creativity:

School principals are looking for innovative employees and can solve problems and approach things in a new and creative way. Include your involvement with innovative projects by sharing examples.

Tip 6: Check and recheck it:

This one might sound a little strange, but if time allows, finish writing your cover letter and put it away; don’t read it for a day or two. Then take it back out and read it with fresh eyes. You may read it over and think that it’s okay, but if you were too deep deeper, there may be one or two parts that could use improvement. Read it out loud. Does it flow well, or did you stumble when reading?

If you read it and think, “Good grief, what was I talking about?” throw it away and start over. Have someone proofread it for you.

Your cover letter is the document a school principal or hiring authority will read just before moving on to your resume. It is your chance to communicate why they should take the time to read your teacher resume and consider hiring you for the education position you are seeking.

Review resume writing tips for teachers to determine if your existing resume or curriculum vitae/ CV  communicates your value to a school community.