Structure your teacher’s cover letter correctly with these writing tips to grab the reader’s attention. Writing an application letter for a teaching position to accompany your resume can be tricky.
Knowing what to include and how to structure your cover letter can help reduce the stress of this daunting and frustrating task. The need to constantly alter the application letter for different positions you apply to can add to this important job search component.
Incorporating these application letter writing tips can help immensely, so let’s get started.
Whatever you do, don’t give in to the temptation of not writing an application letter!
Teacher Cover Letter Strategies to Incorporate
Failing to include a cover letter for a teaching position can look like you’re just not putting in the effort. And many schools will overlook your application completely if you opt to leave out a cover letter. Your teacher cover letter is basically your chance to introduce yourself to prospective schools and your possible new boss. You want to use this opportunity to really put your best foot forward.
However, it can be difficult to decide exactly what you want to say in your cover letter, as well as what items you need to include and what items you should leave out. If you’re finding it hard to put your letter of introduction or letter of intent together, you are definitely not alone!
We’ll tackle this together!
Like any letter, your cover letter can be divided into three discrete sections: the opening paragraph, the main body, and a strong closing paragraph with a call to action. Submitting the correct application letter format for a teaching position will be paramount to get the reader’s interest to read further.
Let’s dive into the details of each section:
Opening Paragraph of a Teacher Cover Letter
This is arguably an essential part of your teacher cover letter. The opening paragraph is the first chance the reader has to form an opinion of you. It’s important to address the letter to a specific person, if possible. Make an effort to find out the hiring manager’s name or the chair of the selection committee.
Spell the person’s name correctly; there’s nothing more likely to make a poor first impression than spelling the hiring manager’s name wrong!
View more teaching application letter writing tips with example paragraphs to grab some excellent writing ideas.
The first paragraph of your letter should state the position which you’re applying for and the relevant job posting number (if applicable). State where you heard about the vacancy; this is especially important if an existing employee has referred you as this can give you an extra edge over the competition.
On the other hand, you may be applying to a position where there is no job posting, which is fine. This happens all the time.
You will want to catch the reader’s attention by providing them with something interesting and important about you. For instance, you may want to let them know you hold a master’s degree in education, or you have 15 years of experience, or that you specialize in response to intervention. Anything that will immediately pique your school’s interest, you should include in the opening paragraph of your application letter.
The Main Body of the Cover Letter
Your letter’s main body is where you convince the reader that you are the right person for the job. Remember that if you don’t capture the reader’s interest in your cover letter, they may not bother to read your education resume.
Focus on the main duties stated in the job description of the job posting you are applying to. Then, demonstrate your ability to excel in these areas by giving concrete examples of your professional work experience. This is where doing your research can really pay off. The more you know about the school district, the better you can tailor your skills and attributes to match the school district’s requirements.
If the district or school has a website, spend some time reading through it and gathering information. Find out what’s critical to them and be aware of current projects and potential issues. If you can demonstrate in your letter that you’ve gone to the trouble of finding out about the school, this will likely impress the principal.
It’s important to incorporate your authenticity in your cover letter - let your personality and enthusiasm shine. Click To TweetShare with the reader why you want the teaching job. Communicate what you can contribute to the school district. Try to communicate what draws you specifically to the career opportunity and how your skills and experience could be of benefit.
Don’t forget to showcase aspects of your teaching style, as well as any big accomplishments you’ve made, whether it be student gains on state testing, introducing new technology or class resources, or tutoring students after school to help them reach grade level.
The Ending Paragraph or Conclusion
Your concluding paragraph should state that you would welcome the chance further to demonstrate your suitability for the position at an interview. Be sure to include your contact details, too, just in case your letter becomes separated from your resume.
After completing your letter, you should ensure it is proofread by someone with an excellent standard of literacy. Even if you are confident in your own abilities, it’s easy to be blind to your own mistakes – always get it checked over before sending it.
If you would like more information, we have a variety of cover letter samples that you can view to gain insights into how to structure your teacher cover letter.
Learn more about Candace Alstad-Davies by reviewing the about me page. From that page, you can review testimonials and frequently asked questions.
Do you need some writing help to make a powerful application letter, cover letter, resume, or CV curriculum vitae?
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