Use This TemplateTeacher Cover Letter Examples
Teachers know cover letters are crucial for showcasing skills and career progression. Our cover letter samples will help seasoned and new educators ace the job search.
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Cover letter examples
Browse our collection of cover letter examples to find the one that matches your specialty and career situation. Whether you’re a STEM teacher or a recent graduate, you’ll see a cover letter sample that targets your unique needs as a job seeker.
General teacher cover letter template
This free teacher cover letter template has instructions on how to write each section of your cover letter. Download this template to your computer or use it to create your personalized teacher cover letter in our Cover Letter Builder.
Your name
[City, State 12345]
[555) 555-5555]
[Your Email Address]
[email.address@email.com]
[Month, Day, Year]
[Mr./Ms. Hiring Manager or Recruiter full name and titles ]
[Company Name]
[Street address, Suite number]
[Company Address]
[City, State ZIP CODE ]
Dear [Dear Mr./Ms. Hiring Manager or Recruiter last name],
This section is your opener and should contain your ‘purpose’ or interest statement that explains either why you would be interested in the job posting or the company. Make sure to reference keywords and statements from the job description.
The body paragraph (s): should contain skills and qualifications related to the job, i.e., provide a narrative example of how your job-related skills were obtained/honed. Your goal here is to match the skills to the employer's needs. Justify how your career experiences could fit into the position and the organization.
*Optional section* This is where you would craft an explainer, like if there is a gap in your employment history or have a specialized circumstance, you can’t fully explain in your resume.
The end paragraph: is the closer that would signify a ‘call to action’ by reiterating a key qualification for the position you possess and an appreciation for the employer's consideration.
Closing statement: Thank the employer/recruiter for their time.
Sincerely,
--- Your Full Name
First-time teacher cover letter example
This teacher cover letter sample is ideal for first-time teachers. Open this teacher cover letter example in our Builder to showcase your up-to-date skill set and relevant experiences.
Recent graduate teacher cover letter example
You just graduated and are ready to begin your career as an educator. You’ll need a great cover letter to get employers to notice you! Edit this recent graduate teacher cover letter sample in our Builder and show off the fresh perspective, motivation and career goals that set you apart.
Experienced teacher cover letter example
Even teachers with many years of experience benefit from a well-written cover letter. Use this experienced teacher cover letter example in our Cover Letter Builder and share all those impressive accomplishments that show your caliber as a seasoned educator.
Elementary teacher cover letter example
Elementary teachers must showcase unique skills, such as good relationship-building, data-driven lesson planning and suitable technology integration. Customize this elementary teacher cover letter example in our Builder by expanding on how you’ve applied your skills in primary education.
High school teacher cover letter example
Show off your classroom handling skills and subject matter knowledge to land a high school teacher role. Give employers a glimpse into your teaching process with this high school teacher cover letter example, which you can easily edit with your professional details in our Cover Letter Builder.
How to write a teacher cover letter
Writing a cover letter for a teaching role is simple if you divide the letter into a few key sections. Take the writing process step by step and watch how quickly and efficiently you write a cover letter that wows employers.
Let’s delve into each section of your cover letter and tips for optimizing it for a teaching position.
STEP 1
Format your cover letter’s greeting.
Your cover letter should look like any other business letter, including a formal header with a proper greeting.
Strong cover letter greeting example:
April 13, 2024
Laura S. Jenkins, Ph.D.
Lincoln Elementary School
7th N Keystone Lane
Philadelphia, PA 12443
Dear Dr. Jenkins,
Why this example works:
- Strictly follows the business letter format
- Features essential details about the letter’s recipients.
- Greets the hiring manager by name.
Weak cover letter greeting example:
03/28/2024
Cover Letter for Teacher Job
To Whom It May Concern:
Why this example fails:
- Doesn’t follow a standardized professional format.
- Omits the recipient’s name or the place of employment.
- Uses a generic greeting that shows a lack of attention to detail.
STEP 2
Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph.
Begin your cover letter by mentioning who you are, your profession or current job title, the role you’re applying for, and any information the employer might find relevant in the first paragraph of your cover letter.
Strong opening paragraph example:
“As an educator with 11 years of high school teaching experience, I’m excited to apply for the role of Social Studies teacher at Charleston High School. Having won the North Dakota School District’s Educator of the Year award three times, I know that my pedagogical skills will add to the impressive achievements the Charleston High teachers have accomplished.”
Why this example works:
- Quickly engages the reader by mentioning essential job requirements.
- Mentions an impressive achievement that validates the applicant’s skills.
- Demonstrates the applicant has researched the school and admires their work.
Weak opening paragraph example:
“Hello. I am Lana Higgins, and I am applying for the mathematics teacher role at Brookstone School. I have many years of experience and am confident I possess the necessary skills to thrive in this role.”
Why this example fails:
- Uses dry and robotic language.
- Doesn’t provide specific examples of the applicant’s qualifications.
- Relies only on the applicant’s judgment of their abilities with no factual proof.
STEP 3
Expand upon your achievements in the body paragraph.
In your cover letter’s body paragraph(s), you should provide relevant examples of your skills, achievements or career goals. Ensure you tailor your accomplishments to show what the employer needs from you in this role.
Strong body paragraph example:
“In my previous role, I increased student engagement by 20% through interactive simulations and project-based learning. My passion lies in fostering a collaborative classroom environment where students feel empowered to take risks, ask questions, and discover the joy of learning. I believe in differentiated instruction that caters to individual needs and learning styles, ensuring every student reaches their full potential.”
Why this example works:
- Includes quantifiable achievements demonstrating the teacher’s impact.
- Mentions the necessary skills for the teaching profession.
- Demonstrates the applicant’s understanding of various instruction methods, showing adaptability.
Weak body paragraph example:
“I love teaching math and think it’s super important. My students enjoyed my class, and I also learned a lot from them. I believe in creating a fun and positive classroom environment. I’m a team player and always willing to help out.”
Why this example fails:
- There are no quantifiable achievements or specific examples to back up claims.
- Phrases like “fun and positive environment” and “team player” are overused, and lack depth.
- Uses a passive voice, making the applicant less active and engaged.
STEP 4
Encourage next steps in your closing paragraph.
Finish your cover letter with a closing paragraph summarizing the main points of your letter and motivating the hiring manager to call you back for an interview.
Strong closing paragraph example:
“While my teaching journey is just beginning, my passion for education and dedication to student success is boundless. I am eager to contribute my enthusiasm and fresh perspective to your esteemed institution. I look forward to discussing my qualifications in more detail in an interview.
Sincerely,
Teacher Anna Draper”
Why this example works:
- Counteracts a lack of experience by showing passion for the role.
- Highlights the applicant’s enthusiasm and emphasizes their willingness to contribute.
- Ends with a confident tone and a call to action for a future interview.
Weak closing paragraph example:
“So, yeah, I’m new to this, but hey, everyone starts somewhere, right? I think your school seems cool, and teaching looks like a fun way to spend my days. I’m available whenever, so let me know if you need someone! Thanks.
Cheers,
Anna”
Why this example fails:
- Uses informal language and tone.
- Doesn’t encourage the reader to take any further steps, such as scheduling an interview.
- Lacks enthusiasm for the role.
Follow these steps for a stellar teacher letter from scratch. Short on time? Let our Cover Letter Builder personalize yours with ease!
Teacher cover letter skills
Optimize your cover letter to bypass applicant tracking systems (ATS) by incorporating keywords from the job description and in-demand skills into your cover letter.
- Enthusiasm
- Computer skills
- Communication
- Leadership
- Respectfulness
- Empathy
- Lesson planning
- Cultural competency
- Spreadsheet proficiency
- Discipline
- Critical thinking
- Positive reinforcement
- Stamina
- Patience
- Creative lessons
- Digital literacy
- Classroom management
- Attention to detail
Related education cover letter examples
Open to any role in the education sector? We have more cover letter examples for different teaching jobs.
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