Cover letter for teachers (with samples and writing tips)

Any cover letter needs to be well written and properly presented; but a cover letter for teachers really should be as close to perfect as it’s possible to get. Teaching, of course, can be a difficult but extremely rewarding career, supported by the knowledge that the job helps students learn and grow. It can also provide job security, a good salary, and other benefits.

If you are seeking work as a teacher, you need to put your best self forward to land an interview.

Teacher cover letters are helpful when applying for a teaching position, because they can help you stand out and ensure the recipient looks at the attached resume. Your cover letter should emphasize your experience, education, and accomplishments, so that it serves as an overview of how your skills are a great fit for the job. Then, your resume fills in all the details.

Even if you have a stellar resume, a great cover letter can clinch the interview for you. This teacher cover letter guide will make that process easier.

Elements of a teacher cover letter

Before you begin writing your cover letter, review your resume to help you craft your cover letter persuasively, and then be sure you have the following elements:

Strong opening

Begin by getting right to the point. Introduce your goal to apply for the teaching position. Give a summary of why you would make an ideal candidate for the job.

Skills that fit the job position

Tell the reader what skills you have that make you a good teacher. If you know something about the job, try to tie it to skills that would be relevant to the position.

Examples that demonstrate your experience

Be sure to demonstrate your experience by briefly noting specific achievements. This will show the reader what you have to offer, versus announcing that you would make a good fit. You can do this by mentioning pertinent tasks and successes. The person receiving your teacher cover letter will be looking for examples of how your experience applies to the job.

Highlight your accomplishments

Highlight your work accomplishments, or times you’ve gone over and beyond the regular job. You can also bring up any awards or certificates you may have earned.

Summary ending

End your teacher cover letter by restating how you would be a benefit to the school and an excellent fit. Finish with a brief closing statement that indicates your eagerness to hear back about the position.

Example of a teacher cover letter

The sample teacher cover letter below is formatted as a hard copy, to print, sign, and mail:

Andrea Hawley
93 Apple Street
Hagerstown, MD 00099
555-555-5555 (h)
123-123-1234 (c)
[email protected]

February 3, 2022

Ms. Janet Doe
Hagerstown Elementary School
Public Street
Hagerstown, MD 00099

Dear Mrs. Doe,

I am writing to you with interest in the listed elementary-level teaching position at Hagerstown Elementary School. I’m a 20XX graduate of XYZ College with extensive teaching experience from first through sixth grade. I’ve worked in both large and small schools, and my passion for students and teaching makes me an ideal candidate for this position.

I have a broad range of elementary-level teaching experience and am currently teaching fifth-grade children at a suburban public school. Prior to this, I taught third-grade students in a private school and first and second-grade students in an inner-city charter school. Since your school is uniquely positioned to educate both suburban and inner-city children, I believe my experience teaching both groups will benefit your school.

My additional training and education helped me secure a certificate to teach special needs students. Working with special needs students for three years gave me an added depth of experience that would be an asset for Hagerstown Elementary School. I have used this experience to teach an annual class for soon-to-be foster parents of special needs children at the Department of Health and Human Services.

I read that your school is actively involved in engaging students in the community to provide them with hands-on experience. I have implemented community service projects into my classroom curriculum with great success. For example, as a student teacher, I created a teaching unit for third-graders on plant life, and we assisted with a planting project at the school. When we were done, the school grounds looked wonderful, and the students learned a lot about the plant life cycle. I am always looking for ways to provide my students with unique, real-life experiences.

I would love the opportunity to use my range of experience and skills at your school. My enthusiasm and compassion for all students will bring excitement and opportunity to the classroom. In addition, my involvement with staff collaboration enables me to be a team player at your school.

As a teacher with over a decade of experience, I believe I would make a positive contribution to your school district. I hope to secure an interview with you and look forward to hearing from you soon. You can contact me at (879) 620-5291 or [email protected].

Sincerely,

(Signature)

Andrea Hawley

Tips for perfecting your teacher cover letter

Double-check your work. After you write the letter, put it away for a short time, then look it over with fresh eyes. Check for any spelling or grammar errors and ensure the content flows smoothly.

Personalize the letter. Each school is different, which means you shouldn’t create a generic cover letter for all the places to which you’re applying. Make the letter specific to the school by highlighting something about it. Also, bring up examples from your experience that cater to the needs and goals of each school.

Use action and examples. When appropriate, give examples of how you achieved certain goals or used your skills in teaching. If your class tests near the top percentile rank in the national averages, you could mention that to show your abilities in a tangible manner.

Mention relevant extracurricular activities. If you are involved in any outside activities that involve working with children, put that in your teacher cover letter. This extra work reflects your dedication to children, belief in community service, and love of teaching.

Create quality work. Your cover letter is the first thing that the recipient will see. Be sure to make this your best work. Make your cover letter stand out and get the reader’s attention, so it will shine among the other cover letters.