A teacher educates students on matters ranging from arithmetic to advanced calculus. If you’re willing to land a job as a teacher, you need a great personality, a degree, the right experience, and a well-written resume. You also need a cover letter that grabs attention (like one of the students coming to your class in a ninja costume).
In this article, we’ll go over the most important tips you need to remember in order to write a great cover letter. Then, we’ll share a sample cover letter for teacher positions.
The ABC: Personalize Your Cover Letter
You should send an individualized cover letter for each job application you submit. Address it to the specific hiring authority who will receive your letter. Then, cover the points that are relevant to the job listing to which you are responding.
List Your Training And Certificates Next
As you know, the certifications you hold can be key to getting the job you want. For example, if you are K12 certified, qualified to work in special education, or provide paraprofessional services that makes you much more appealing as a job candidate. Make this information prominent in your cover letter!
Showcase Your Achievements
Have you managed to raise test scores in your classroom by 20%? Did you start a community service organization for students? These are the kinds of accomplishments you should absolutely ‘brag’ in your cover letter. The same goes for any teaching awards you’ve received. Again, be sure to mention these deets at the beginning of the second paragraph.
Claire Webber
Career Consultant, CPCC, CPRW
Address Your Experience Outside of The Classroom
Do you have volunteer experience working with children? Were you an adjunct instructor? Have you worked in jobs that require well-developed communications skills? All of these experiences can help you to position yourself as a more appealing hire. Also, this is great information to include if you are an entry-level teacher or teaching assistant who’s yet to earn some more solid accomplishments.
Mention The School in Your Letter
Show that you’ve done your research and that you care about the school to which you are applying. If the school has celebrated any milestones or victories, mention these. Be wary about addressing any negative information unless you can detail exactly how you can help.
Edit And Proofread Carefully Even if you aren’t a writing instructor, your written communications skills are key. So is your attention to detail. After all, you will be held to a higher standard. Be sure to check your spelling and grammar before you submit your letter.
Teacher Cover Letter Example in .docx Format
Download example (Word version)
Sample Cover Letter for Teacher Applications – Text Format
Christopher Ninja
12 Spruce Street
Los Angeles, CA 90210
999-555-1212 (home)
123-555-1212 (cell)
Chris.ninja@email.com
October 1, 2019
Ms. Evelyn Warren
Southtown High School
Pine Street
Los Angeles, CA 90211
Dear Ms. Warren,
I am writing this letter to express my interest in the position of visual arts instructor at Southtown High School in the greater Los Angeles Unified School District. I have nearly five years of experience teaching visual arts at the middle school and high school levels. My experience has been entirely in urban school districts such as LAUSD. I believe that my passion for arts education, and my credentials make me a strong candidate for this position.
My experience in teaching art is quite varied. I have taught general art to students in grades 6th through 12th. I have also hosted ceramics, painting, sculpture, and fibers classes. At present, I am in charge of the gifted fine arts program at West High School in Hollywood Hills.
In addition to this, I am the sponsor of the school’s art club, and chair the annual art fair. When I am not at school, I teach classes at the Westlake Community center. I also teach art and design at the local community college. I coach girls track and JV swimming as well. I would love to engage in any extracurricular activities where I am needed at LAUSD as well.
I am aware of and impressed by the work that is done at your school to connect with at-risk students. I believe that the fine arts are key to ensuring that students feel they are wanted and giving them important opportunities to succeed. I would love the opportunity to contribute my talents to an already amazing fine arts curriculum.
I am certified to teach fine arts to kids in grades six through twelve. I also have a provisional certification as a special education instructor. I am currently working to obtain my Master’s degree in Arts Education.
I would love to meet with you at your convenience. Please contact me using any method that is convenient for you.
Thank You,
Christopher Ninja
Need Some More Writing References? Check Other K-12 Cover Letters:
- Elementary teacher cover letter example
- Substitute teacher cover letter example
- Cover letter example for physical education teacher
- Cover letter example for spanish teacher
Final Tip: Your Cover Letter Isn’t an Afterthought
Take time to compose your letter carefully. Chances are, many of the other resumes that are submitted will look a lot like yours. It’s your cover letter that allows you to show that you are uniquely qualified and that you deserve further consideration.