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25 Teacher Cover Letters Examples To Help You Get Hired

Your guide to a killer cover letter that will get you that interview.

Whether you are sending out resumes hoping to land your first teaching job or looking to shift to a new school or district, one fact remains the same: All the best credentials, experience, and passion will go unnoticed without a strong cover letter. The main rule? Sell yourself the way a publicist would. Cover letters aren’t a time for modesty. They’re a time to highlight your accomplishments and make your passion for teaching known. Below you’ll find our tips for creating the best cover letter possible and our top teacher cover letter and CV examples.

3 top tips for crafting a teacher CV or cover letter:

Keep it short and sweet..

You’ve only got about 30 seconds to capture a hiring director’s attention, so start with what we call “the elevator pitch.” Imagine you have the time between the elevators closing on one floor and opening again on another floor to sell yourself. Instead of rehashing everything on your resume, use the space to craft a paragraph or two that will convince them you are a standout candidate and are worth moving on to the next step.

Emphasize why you’re a great match.

Read the job description and find the overlap between the skills you bring to the table and the skills they need. If the job description calls for certain qualities or uses specific language, repeat them in your cover letter! The ultimate goal for your cover letter is to say, “You’ve got a problem? I’m the ideal person to solve it.” Be professional and use concrete examples.

Individualize!

Tailor each and every cover letter to fit the specific school, district, and job for which you’re applying. Research the school and its culture. That way, you can address their expectations and also use specific examples of achievements in your history to show why you’re the right candidate for the position.

Top teacher cover letter examples:

1. first-time teacher.

This letter is friendly and enthusiastic. It uses concrete examples and experiences related to student teaching while showcasing exactly why the applicant wants to become a teacher.

Learn more: First-time teacher at LiveAbout

2. Another first-time teacher example

This version of a cover letter calls out the specific skills the applicant has and hopes to bring to the table.

Learn more: Another first-time teacher example at OLAS

3. Experienced elementary teacher

Not every teacher stays in their job until retirement. If you’re looking for a new position, your cover letter should clearly state your experience. This example also makes it obvious that the candidate researched the new district and discusses why she would be excited to join. The candidate also includes references at the bottom of the cover letter.

Learn more: Experienced elementary teacher at Monster

4. Another experienced elementary teacher example

It doesn’t hurt to have additional examples! This teacher cover letter clearly showcases the school’s goals and addresses how this teacher specifically can help. She did her research!

Learn more: Another experienced elementary teacher at LiveAbout

5. Summer school teacher

As school lets out for summer, many teachers still need to earn an income. With competition tight, this cover letter stands out as the candidate states her qualifications as well as her ability to train other staff members.

Learn more: Summer school teacher at Cover Letters and Resume

6. Assistant teacher

With this letter, the applicant took a slightly different approach. The letter breaks down the most relevant accomplishments into bullet points. Those will jump out at the hiring manager, who will likely scan through a ton of applications.

Learn more: Assistant teacher at LiveCareer

7. Special education teacher

This letter is similar to a standard teacher cover letter, yet it also stresses the specific qualifications and experiences of a special ed teacher. For example, this candidate included how they modified the curriculum to meet the needs of a wide range of learners. In this particular cover letter example, the teacher was looking to move into a leadership role, so this serves as a template for someone looking to transition into management as well.

Learn more: Special education teacher at JobHero

8. School guidance counselor

This cover letter emphasizes the applicant’s academic achievements, especially with regard to the psychology education required for many counselor positions. It also talks about the characteristics that make this person the ideal candidate for this position.

Learn more: School guidance counselor at Great Sample Resume

9. Another school guidance counselor example

We liked this cover letter because it pulls specific metrics that are not in the resume—including the number of students the candidate worked with and the funding obtained for special needs programs.

Learn more: School guidance counselor at Zety

10. Library media specialist

This cover letter oozes confidence! As with any specialist position, the candidate hones in on how her specific skills and background make her qualified for this role.

Learn more: Library media specialist at LiveCareer

11. High school English teacher

This cover letter covers a lot of ground. It points out the candidate’s strengths for teaching and assessing knowledge in the specific subject. It also presents the special techniques the candidate uses to teach students at the high school level.

Learn more: High school English teacher at Great Sample Resume

12. Technology teacher

Taking a very professional approach to writing a cover letter shows that the contender is serious. This letter points out the specific skills that best prove why this candidate is a great fit for the position.

Learn more: Technology teacher at LiveCareer

13. Music teacher

A music teacher requires knowledge of multiple instruments and a love of music and music theory. This cover letter showcases the candidate’s background and why they feel music is an important part of the education experience.

Learn more: Music teacher at Best Sample Resume

14. Drama teacher

Drama teachers often go above and beyond just teaching a class. They host auditions and rehearsals for after-school productions. This cover letter shows the candidate’s knowledge of curriculum, directing a show, and even marketing efforts.

Learn more: Drama teacher at Great Sample Resume

15. Foreign language teacher

Foreign language teachers need to display their knowledge of the particular language as well as showcase how well they can immerse students in the culture. This cover letter discusses the teacher’s plans to incorporate curriculum as well as help facilitate the induction of students into the German Honor Society.

Learn more: Foreign language teacher at JobHero

16. Sports coach

This cover letter has a terrific opening line that sets the candidate apart from the get-go. It also clearly covers the candidate’s qualifications, from knowledge and experience to attitude and philosophy. This cover letter example also works well for PE teachers.

Learn more: Sports coach at JobHero

17. ESL teacher

Teaching English as a second language obviously requires a distinct skill set. This cover letter showcases key communication skills and lets the hiring director know the specific language fluency.

Learn more: ESL teacher at LiveCareer

18. Math teacher

Touching on the highlights of their resume without rehashing it completely (who wants to read something twice?), this candidate points out their qualifications and certifications as well as their versatility in teaching different types of students.

Learn more: Math teacher at A+ Resumes for Teachers

19. Pre-K teacher

Teaching pre-K takes patience, creativity, and flexibility. This cover letter effectively highlights the candidate’s communication and problem-solving skills as well as the personal qualities that make them great at their job.

Learn more: Pre-K teacher at LiveCareer

20. Business teacher

This cover letter provides excellent background about the teacher in a way that’s appropriate for business. It shares the necessary information clearly and concisely.

Learn more: Business teacher at LiveCareer

21. International school teacher

Working at an international school requires a certain skill set, and this letter highlights the teacher’s language skills as well as their ability to create effective lessons on relevant topics while providing students with the support they need to succeed.

Learn more: International school teacher at LiveCareer

22. Head teacher cover letter

Serving as a head teacher involves a unique blend of leadership and innovation. This cover letter showcases the candidate’s exceptional communication and leadership skills, essential for coordinating with staff, students, and stakeholders to cultivate a thriving educational environment.

Learn more: Head teacher cover letter example at QwikResume

23. Kindergarten teacher

A kindergarten teacher plays a foundational role in a child’s educational journey, blending creativity with core educational principles. This cover letter highlights the candidate’s proficiency in developing engaging lesson plans and materials tailored to young learners, ensuring the fundamentals of various subjects are delivered in a manner that is both enjoyable and educational.

Learn more: Kindergarten teacher at Kickresume

24. Secondary teacher

Secondary teachers help shape the young minds of students as they transition into adulthood. This cover letter exemplifies the candidate’s adeptness in crafting comprehensive lesson plans and teaching materials that cater to the diverse needs of teens, ensuring that the curriculum resonates with their evolving interests and capabilities.

Learn more: Secondary teacher at Resumaker

25. Art teacher

An art teacher embodies the intersection of creativity and education, nurturing students’ artistic talents and encouraging their expressive capabilities. This cover letter highlights the candidate’s proficiency in designing stimulating lesson plans that explore a wide range of artistic mediums and techniques, from traditional painting and drawing to digital art forms.

Learn more: Art teacher at Resume Genius

Do you have more great teacher cover letter examples? Share them in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, check out the most common teacher interview questions and suggestions for how to answer them., you might also like.

Free Teacher Resume Template and Tips, Plus 21 Teacher Resume Examples

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5 Teacher Cover Letter Examples & Templates for 2024

• Teacher Cover Letter
• Elementary Teacher
• Art Teacher
• Special Education Teacher
• AP English Teacher
• Writing Your Teacher Cover Letter 101

Teachers’ duties extend far beyond the 8 to 4 school day, encompassing lesson planning, grading, parent communication, faculty meetings, and guiding student extracurriculars. 

The challenge of finding a new teaching position and the requirement to write a cover letter in addition to your teacher resume can seem daunting given your already full schedule.

We’re here to assist you in your job hunt with five teacher cover letter examples and a comprehensive guide. While it’s impossible to highlight every accomplishment, our resources, which include a free cover letter generator , are designed to help you effectively showcase your strengths and demonstrate to principals and departments why you’re the ideal candidate for the position.

Complement your resume and launch your career with our cover letter generator.

Teacher Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Copy this text for your Teacher cover letter!

123 Pretend Lane Belleville, MI 48111 (123) 456-7890

January 12, 2023

Shaunna Li Belleville High School Principal 501 West Columbia Avenue Belleville, MI 48111

Dear Ms. Li: Belleville High School’s call for teachers who can relate to the pain points of students is why I am motivated to establish a welcoming classroom, foster healthy relationships with students, and lead by example in the geometry teacher position. While a 2014 study cites that only 16 percent of students graduate with proficiency in math, my unique methodology has seen 34 percent of my students master proficiency, and of that number, 17 percent have pursued STEM careers.

My methodology revolves around one central point—showing students why they should care about math. My personal love for math grew out of the recognition that math could be used to solve real-world problems; it is the same for students today. Once they recognize that math is foundational to many fields, including trades, finance, engineering, and so many others, students get excited with the possibilities of the doors math can open for them.

Math can be tedious and frustrating, and the subject does not register easily for many students; this is why you may see me collaborating with the chemistry teacher to lead our classes through a NASA-inspired rocket project or partnering with shop classes to witness students enjoying the reward of their hard work and creations. It is often that students do not actually realize they have relied on math until we debrief in class.

Solving students’ pain points is more than acknowledging their existence. To me, pain points are a starting point to discovery. I firmly believe that some of the most challenging endeavors have the power to yield the most fruitful results. If these results speak to you, I am eager to share more of what my non-traditional classroom looks like and what you can expect from Belleville’s students and from me as their geometry instructor.

Thank you for your consideration,

Marcus DeWitt

Enclosures: Resume Application Transcripts

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Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your elementary teacher cover letter.

123 Pretend Lane Newark, NJ 07103 (123) 456-7890

Bryson Thatcher KIPP Rise Academy Principal 21 Ashland Street Newark, NJ 07103

• Dear Mr. Thatcher:

Responding to KIPP’s core belief that knowledge is power, I am inspired to join the ranks of creative and out-of-the-box thinkers as your next fifth-grade teacher at Rise Academy. I welcome the opportunity to team-teach with another innovative instructor and learning specialists as I value the high-level learning that results when multiple ideas connect and unite for a common cause.

I have served as the reading department head for the past six years, which has equipped me to coach as well as learn from my fellow teachers. The success we have celebrated as a result of our combined efforts—students reading an average of 26 books per year, raising their reading level by a grade or more, etc. —will only soar with the ability to share a classroom with passionate educators.

Additionally, if you look at my track record, you will find me wherever students are. From volunteering to sponsor grade-level field trips and activities to working beside parents for fundraisers, student advocacy is a responsibility I take seriously. Shaping tomorrow’s leaders is only possible when students and families believe that teachers are on their side; together, we are unified and strong.

With over 50 percent of your student population entering Rise below grade level, I am impressed by the academy’s ability to transform young minds so profoundly that by the time they reach high school, they perform just as well as peers statewide. I am sincerely excited about the potential to be part of this transformation process, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss my experience and qualifications with you further. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to our next conversation.

Best regards,

Clayton Reid

Enclosures: Resume Application

Art Teacher Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your art teacher cover letter.

123 Fictional Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85001 (123) 456-7890

November 20, 2023

Ava Davis Scottsdale Unified School District 123 Fictional Lane Phoenix, AZ 85001

Dear Ms. Davis:

I’m inspired by Scottsdale Unified School District’s steadfast commitment to fostering creativity and providing a diverse artistic education for students. Witnessing young minds grasp artistic skills and express their vibrant personalities through art is what truly drives me. Today, I can’t wait to bring my passion, creativity, and teaching prowess to your district as an art teacher.

Over the last four years, I’ve taught drawing and sketching at Phoenix Center for the Arts to students aged 6 to 18. My guidance led to a 32% increase in program enrollment, inviting a whole new lot of budding artists. Using tools like Procreate, SketchBook, and various drawing media, I helped students build diverse skill sets and boost their artistic confidence.

Before that, I worked as a printmaker at Creative Printing & Packaging. I mastered printmaking, applying it to custom designs for clients and increasing the center’s clientele by 17% through workshops and events. My expertise grew in multiple printing techniques, such as etching, relief, and screen printing, where I took on expansive projects in lithography and silkscreen art.

My artistic journey kicked off as a mural painter, where I poured my heart into designing and painting commissioned murals across Phoenix. This wasn’t just about livening up buildings; it involved closely collaborating with local businesses and communities to create public art that resonated with Phoenix’s cultural spirit. These mural projects transformed mundane, overlooked spaces into vibrant, inspiring landmarks, leading to an average increase in foot traffic by 12%.

My diverse artistic talents, complemented by my dedication to fostering creativity, align perfectly with Scottsdale Unified School District’s vision for art education. I’m eager to discuss how my expertise can help inspire your students to discover and express their artistic abilities.

Kaito Yamamoto

Why this cover letter works

• Metrics bring your accomplishments to life, painting a vivid picture of your effectiveness for the role. For instance, Kaito reports a 12% increase in foot traffic to his mural projects.

Special Education Teacher Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your special education teacher cover letter.

123 Fictional Avenue Houston, TX 77001 (123) 456-7890

Olivia Jones The Monarch School and Institute 123 Fictional Lane Houston, TX 77001

Dear Ms. Jones:

Being part of a special education classroom and seeing the profound, positive changes in the students sparked my passion for special education. Like the energetic pace of a volleyball match and the infectious spirit of the athletes, I’ve wanted to be part of this transformative journey, and I’ve successfully done so during the past five years. Today, I’m eager to bring my zeal, skills, and experiences to The Monarch School and Institute as a special education teacher.

In my latest senior role as a behavior analyst at Cypresswood Therapy & Counseling in Houston, TX, I used applied behavior analysis to design plans for 34 clients who exhibited challenging behaviors. The strategies, tailored for each client, alleviated problem behaviors and increased skill acquisition by an average of 38%. Here, data collection and analysis were crucial in assessing progress and adjusting interventions.

Previously, as a special education teacher at Crossroads School, I was responsible for leading 19 students, focussing on conducting functional behavior assessments. We devised customized interventions that fostered a significant reduction in disruptive classroom behaviors. During this time, I utilized resources such as Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and progress monitoring tools like DreamClass to gather data and track student progression.

I began my journey in special education as a teaching assistant at Westchester Academy for International Studies. As part of a team, we improved students’ academic performance by 16% within a year. This experience gave me valuable insights into designing a curriculum accommodating diverse needs, reinforcing my passion for this field.

I strongly believe my theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiences, combined with my dedication to inclusive education, position me uniquely for an engaging role at The Monarch School and Institute. I’m eager to discuss how my expertise can contribute to the growth and progress of the students at your esteemed institution.

• Passion equals commitment and even success. Not only does this align with the role she seeks, but it’s also an excellent trick to captivate the recruiter reading your piece.

AP English Teacher Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your ap english teacher cover letter.

123 Pretend Lane Denton, TX 75065 (123) 456-7890

Kyndra Marque Ryan High School Principal 5101 E McKinney St Denton, TX 76208

Dear Ms. Marque:

With 12 percent of Ryan High’s student population slotted to graduate with honors, I am eager to lead the initiation of the English Advanced Placement program as stated in the job description. With seven years of experience teaching AP courses, I am confident that Ryan High’s students will excel in my classroom and beyond.

Through frequent collaboration with the English department, mentoring and assessing honors students in the National Honor’s Society, honors-level courses, and other honors associations, I have developed strategic methodologies that both determine a student’s ability and willingness to tackle the demanding coursework. While AP standards are rigorous, 92 percent of students who have taken my class have passed the AP English Language and Composition Exam.

Furthermore, I am inspired by Ryan High School’s mission to build lifelong learners who will contribute to society by seeking answers and sharing those answers with the next generation. As a lover of literature, this is why I choose to teach uncomfortable texts, such as Elie Wiesel’s Night, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, and Carl Sandburg’s poem “Grass.” By building relationships with my students, I successfully facilitate meaningful and real-world connections with them through American and world literature. What students discover in my classroom will impact them for the rest of their lives.

Ultimately, education is much more to me than just teaching the objectives. I believe in cultivating relationships and working with excellence in every area; based on my conversations with the English department head, Ryan High School is just as passionate about education. I look forward to discussing how my skills and qualifications can better serve Ryan High’s honors and AP students. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Stacie Solis

Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation

AP English Teacher Resume

Need a resume to pair with your AP English teacher cover letter?

or download as PDF

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Teaching Job

The key to writing your teacher cover letter can be distilled into two main points: don’t be generic and don’t let it become a repeat of your resume. 

Step 1: Don’t skimp on researching the teaching role

Just as you want to tailor your resume to the school where you want to work and to its accompanying  teacher job description , you should do the same with your cover letter. Sure, this requires extra research, but what’re 20 or 30 minutes when this effort can pay off in dividends? Not only will research ensure your cover letter is relevant—not vague and generic—it’ll also prepare you well for common  teacher interview questions .

Additionally, leverage your research to demonstrate a real interest in the role you’re applying for as well as in the school itself.

• Discuss how your commitment to standardized testing has improved students’ performance at other schools.
• Share how Google Classroom has transformed your STEM projects.

Step 2: Go beyond your teaching resume

Addressing the specific needs and concerns mentioned in the job description will have the desired effect  as long as you go beyond what you included in your resume . Mentioning that you’re a rock star at using Google Classroom isn’t enough; principals have  already  gathered that from your resume bullet points and  skills section .  

This is your opportunity to specifically share what you’ve done with Google Classroom. Many teachers set up Google Classroom for their students but don’t get around to using it. What have you done that sets the standard for every teacher following you? This is when quantifying your experience becomes exceptionally valuable. 

• Demonstrate how this resource has decreased late submissions by 53 percent.
• What did you do exactly to accomplish such a feat? One-on-one tutoring, an after-school club, unique teaching methodologies?

Step 3: Convey the right message

Beyond specific and descriptive paragraphs in your teacher cover letter, keep your document  at  or less than a page. Eliminate wordiness and avoid pleasantries. Be sincere and gracious, but, really, no one likes a teacher’s pet.   

So, consider your tone of voice. Be professional, avoiding clichés, contractions, colloquialisms, and the like. Remember you’re applying for a teaching position, not a quirky tech startup.

Consider your tone. Remember you’re applying for a teaching role, not a quirky tech startup.

And when you think your cover letter is ready to go, hold up! You’re, indeed, almost at the finish line, but what is it you tell your students to do before they submit an essay (which they inevitably  never  do)? 

Yep—it’s time to practice what you preach. Invite a few people you trust to review your cover letter and offer constructive criticism while your eyes and brain rest. Then, return to your work, consider the feedback, and scour for any last content issues and spelling and grammar errors. Make revisions, save your document, and send your best teacher cover letter to the principal and hiring department with your resume, application, and any other requested materials.

Your Teacher Cover Letter Format & Outline

Now, if you’re staring at a blinking cursor on a blank document, not sure how to make the examples and steps work for you, don’t fret. It’ll come together beautifully like a perfectly executed lesson plan.

You just need a comprehensive outline that breaks the cover letter for a teaching position into distinct sections, making it easy to understand what to include in each part.

How to start a teacher cover letter

Your contact info: If you’re using a template, fill in the letterhead to suit your needs. Just ensure you replace all filler text and don’t accidentally exclude critical information like your name, email, and phone number. 

• Formatting:  If you write a block business letter rather than use a template, including your address is standard. Additionally, while your name will be prominently displayed on a letterhead on a template, a basic but professional block letter should omit your name (the principal will find your name easily in your signature line).

Date:  If you write your cover letter today but don’t submit it until next week, edit the date, to reflect the day you submit the letter and other career documents for the specific teaching role. 

• Formatting:  Write out the full date, e.g. January 12, 2023.

Inside address:  This is the contact information for the principal or hiring department at the school. Name the specific person; then, include the school and position title, e.g., Ryan High School Principal. Complete this section with the school’s address.

• Formatting:  Each piece of the inside address should be on a new line. You’ll want a double space between the inside address and the greeting. 

Kyndra Marque Ryan High School Principal  5101 E McKinney St Denton, TX 76208

Greeting:  Your goal is to start on the right foot with your principal, so avoid issuing a generic greeting, also known as a salutation, like:

• Dear Principal,
• Dear Hiring Department,
• To Whom it May Concern:

While it can take some sleuth skills to track down the name of the hiring manager for some jobs,  most, if not all,  schools have staff listings on their website. You’re already researching the school to help you write an amazing cover letter, so take a couple of extra minutes to put a real name to the greeting:

• Dear Ms. Li:
• Formatting:  Err on the side of caution and use a colon at the end of the greeting. A comma is more casual while a colon denotes professionalism, which will likely serve you best for a teaching role.  

How to write your teacher cover letter

Body:  The body of your teacher cover letter should be three to four brief paragraphs that state your interest, demonstrate your teaching credentials, and convey enthusiasm for further discussion. Let’s break it down further: 

• Formatting:  The body of your teaching cover letter should be single-spaced although you’ll need to double-space between paragraphs.

Opening paragraph:  The goal is simple—state your interest in the position and your overarching credentials that reflect your research for the specific role. While the goal is simple, the execution often leaves little to be desired. Too many teacher cover letters start the same way.

I found your posting online and am interested in filling the English III position. 

No. Just no. Bore the principal and the English department right out of the gate, and they’ll wonder whether you’ll hold the attention of your students. Instead, try:

Not only does this signal that you’ve done your homework and researched the school’s unique standing and areas for growth, this opening paragraph hooks the reader. Clearly, you’re interested in the role, offer valuable experience, and with phrases like “lead the initiation” and “excel in my classroom,” there’s no doubt you’re confident and capable.

Paragraphs 2-3:  If you can squeeze in the third paragraph, we recommend it as each paragraph is an opportunity to demonstrate indisputable evidence of the credentials and qualifications you boldly state in your opening paragraph. 

Each paragraph should not be a repeat of your resume; rather, each paragraph should hone in on  one  clear accomplishment, be it the results of your teaching methodology, values, or something else. Don’t try to tackle multiple topics in a paragraph. Be detailed, specific, and quantify your results when possible. 

Closing paragraph:  Clench an interview with this final paragraph. Now’s not the time to lay your head on your desk and call it a day. Don’t let this be your closing paragraph:

I believe I am the perfect candidate for this teaching position, and I look forward to hearing back from you soon. 

At best, it exudes laziness. At worst, no one will believe you’re actually interested in the job but just need something to put beans on the table. 

Instead, demonstrate that your unique values and qualifications align with the school’s needs, which will indicate a genuine interest in the role— even if you are  desperate to put beans on the table.

Finally, add a call to action that anticipates a follow-up or interview. With the following closing paragraph, it’s clear that teaching is far more to you than just a job:

Solving students’ pain points is more than acknowledging their existence. To me, pain points are a starting point to discovery. I firmly believe that some of the most challenging endeavors have the power to yield the most fruitful results. If these results speak to you, I am eager to share more of what my non-traditional classroom looks like and what you can expect from Belleville’s students and from me as their geometry instructor.  

How to end a teacher cover letter

Signature:  While you can include your gratitude at the end of the closing paragraph, you can also express thanks when you sign off. Keep it professional, and use your real name here just as you will on your resume and application form. 

• Formatting:  Typically, you’ll send your cover letter to the principal’s email; however, if you deliver your career docs in person or—gasp—by mail, be sure to quadruple space and sign your name in blue or black ink between your closing line and typed name.

Marcus DeWitt 

Enclosure(s):  This is important, and most job seekers, including teachers, fail to include it. “Enclosure(s)” means that more documents follow your cover letter.

What information would that be? Well, hopefully, your  teacher resume , likely the school’s application, potentially your teaching license, also your college transcripts, and maybe even a reference letter or two, depending on the requirements detailed in the  teacher job ad . 

After your signature, you’ll include “Enclosure(s),” followed by the exact documents in order of appearance. 

• Formatting:  Use the singular form of “enclosure” if you’re only including one document. Also, include each additional document on a new line. 

See, including this final section is literally easier than writing your own address. Include it, and automatically set yourself apart from other teachers vying for the same role. 

Finish Strong with Your Teacher Resume

Now, that you’ve got the tools to confidently wow principals and departmental heads with your teacher cover letter, have you considered the current state of your resume? Maybe you’ve already updated and polished it, and if that’s you, kudos to you—you’re ahead of the game! 

If you’re blowing out an exaggerated breath because you’ve relegated your resume to the nether regions of your mind, we get it. But teacher resumes are judged more harshly than most. Hiring teams don’t cut a lot of slack when they’re looking for talent who will teach their students to communicate, read, and write well.   

So, if it’s time to think seriously about re-writing or, let’s face it,  writing  your resume  from scratch, take a page from us (literally) and get inspired with our  free resume templates  and  teacher resume examples  like the one below.

Elementary Teacher Resume

Need a resume to pair with your elementary teacher cover letter?

Your career documents are a pain in the tush, we know, but think of us as your biggest cheerleaders. With our  AI resume builder ,  Google resume templates ,  Word resume templates , and expert-approved guidance, your teacher resume and cover letter are sure to win you interviews and secure your next role, where you just might earn Teacher of the Year at your next school. 

Every school you apply to will likely have slightly different teaching styles, cultures, and objectives they would like to achieve throughout the year. You can use your cover letter to connect your previous experiences to their mission and goals. For instance, if you volunteered for an early-age reading program, that would be a great experience to connect when applying to a K-5 position where the school wants to improve student reading scores.

Ideally, you want to match your tone to the feel of each school’s job description. Does the school have a very formal and knowledgeable tone in the description? Then being more formal and factual about your knowledge and experiences in different teaching styles they emphasize would be a great idea. For example, citing factual information about how you used hybrid learning to create 75% higher material retention in math subjects would work well in this instance.

Try to address your cover letter to a specific person in the school. Typically, this will be a principal, superintendent, or human resources hiring manager that would be reviewing teacher resumes . Check through the job description to see if a specific name is listed who will be reviewing applications, or review the school’s website for this information. If you can’t find anything, you can simply address it to “[Name of school] hiring staff” or something similar.

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Teacher Cover Letter Examples For 2024 (20+ Skills & Templates)

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Looking to land more job offers as a Teacher?

Crafting a strong cover letter is key. This comprehensive guide is packed with everything you need to know in order to write a job-winning Teacher cover letter , complete with effective strategies, essential skills, helpful templates, and real-life examples.

You can trust that all the insights and tips in this guide are based on data from coaching thousands of job seekers, just like you, who have gone on to secure positions at some of the world's most reputable companies.

Whether you're a seasoned Teacher or just starting out, reading this guide from start to finish can help you land your dream role. But if you're short on time and looking for specific information, here's a breakdown of what's included:

• What To Know About Writing A Job-Winning Teacher Cover Letter
• The Best Skills To Include On An Teacher Cover Letter

How To Address A Teacher Cover Letter

• 3 Teacher Cover Letter Examples

The 8 Best Teacher Cover Letter Templates

3 tips for writing a job-winning teacher cover letter.

Here's the step-by-step breakdown:

Teacher Cover Letter Overview: What To Know To Write A Cover Letter That Wins More Job Offers

Wondering what school districts are looking for when they're hiring a teacher?

Districts want knowledgeable, skilled, and dedicated teachers that are highly qualified. That means they have the proper education, certifications, and experience along with mastery of their subject, strong classroom management, communication, flexibility, and commitment to student learning.  Professionalism, reliability, and punctuality are also key qualities.

Your resume should show the district that the your experience and personality combined encompass all of these things.

Additionally, there are a few best practices you want to follow to write a job-winning Teacher resume:

• Highlight your education and certifications:  emphasizing any relevant coursework or specialized training.
• Emphasize your teaching experience:  providing specific examples of your accomplishments and contributions to student learning.
• Include keywords from the job description:  ensure your resume is optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Showcase your skills and achievements:  including examples of your ability to manage a classroom, communicate effectively, and use technology.
• Provide references from colleagues:  or supervisors who can speak to your teaching abilities
• Proofread: Make sure to thoroughly proofread your cover letter for any grammatical errors or typos. A well-written, error-free letter can make a strong first impression. I recommend using Hemingway App to do this.

Let's dive deeper into each of these so you have the exact blueprint you need to see success.

The Best Teacher Skills To Include On Your Cover Letter

Keywords are one of the most important factors in your cover letter. They show employers that your skills align with the role and they also help format your cover letter for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

If you're not familiar with ATS systems, they are pieces of software used by employers to manage job applications. They scan cover letters for keywords and qualifications and make it easier for the employers to filter and search for candidates whose qualifications match the role.

If you want to win more Teacher interviews and job offers, you need to have a keyword-optimized cover letter. There are two ways to find the right keywords:

1. Leverage The 20 Best Teacher Keywords

The first way to find the right keywords is to leverage our list of the best keywords and skills for an Teacher cover letter.

These keywords were selected from an analysis of  real Teacher  job descriptions sourced from actual job boards. Here they are:

• Communication
• Collaborative
• Development
• Flexibility
• Performance
• Instruction
• Regulations

2. Use ResyMatch.io To Find The Best Keywords That Are Specific To Your Cover Letter And Target Role

The second method is the one I recommend because it's personalized to your specific cover letter and target job.

This process lets you find the exact keywords that your cover letter is missing when compared to the individual role you're applying for.

Here's how it works:

• Open a copy of your target Teacher job description
• Head over to  ResyMatch.io
• Select the “Job Description Scan” from the scan type selector in the upper right corner of the tool
• Copy and paste the Teacher job description into the field on the left
• Hit scan and review the results

ResyMatch is going to scan the target job description and show you the exact keywords and skills that are relevant for the role and that you should weave into your cover letter.

Here's a video walking through this whole process:

Personalization is what makes a cover letter stand out. That starts from the very first sentence where you greet the person reading your cover letter! There are two ways to do this well:

1. Use The Campus Principal's Name

The first, and best, is by including the campus principal's name. Let's say that you discovered the campus principal's name from a post on LinkedIn or via an informational interview.

This is the jackpot! All you need to do is use their name in the introduction, like this:

2. Use This Formula: To The [Department] Team at [Organization]

If you don't have the campus principal's name, no problem! You can address your cover letter to the team that you're applying to.

For example, if you're applying to for a Product Marketing Manager role at Discovery Education, you might start you cover letter like this:

This shows the reader that this letter has been written specifically for them and the content inside of it will support that.

It's much more relevant and personal than  “To Whom It May Concern!”

For more advice on writing a strong opening to your cover letter, check out this guide.

3 Teacher Cover Letter Examples For 2023

Now let's take a look at all of these best practices in action. Here are three cover letter examples for different situations from people with different backgrounds that are all applying for Teacher roles:

Teacher Cover Letter Example #1: A Traditional Background

Our first example is a cover letter written by a candidate with traditional Teacher experience. Here is what an example of their cover letter might look like:

Teacher Cover Letter Example #2: A Non-Traditional Background

Our second cover letter example comes from a candidate looking to transition from the healthcare industry into a teacher role. This cover letter illustrates how they identify and speak to their transferable skills:

Teacher Cover Letter Example #3: Landing An Elementary Teacher Role Despite Majority Experience in Upper Grade Levels

Our third example highlights a candidate with extensive teaching experience in middle and high school grades, looking to transition to the elementary classroom.

At this point, you know all of the basics you'll need to write a Teacher cover letter that wins you more interviews and offers. The only thing left is to take all of that information and apply it to a template that's going to help you get results.

We made that easy with  our CoverBuild tool . It has 8 proven templates that were created with the help of recruiters and hiring managers at the world's best companies. These templates also bake in thousands of data points we have from the job seekers in our audience who have used them to land job offers.

You're off to a strong start! But I've got a few more tips to help you take your cover letter to the next level:

1. Use ChatGPT To Write Your Cover Letter In <30 Seconds

All of these tips and best practices work, but you still have to implement them. Normally, that'd mean you sitting down and spending hours brainstorming ideas, typing, deleting, and typing again, and then feeling absolutely drained.

Now there's a way to work around all of that so you save your best energy for the writing and edits that matter most. Here's how it works:

• Head to ChatGPT (you'll need to create an account – it's free)
• Ask ChatGPT,  “Please write me a cover letter for an Teacher role. The role I'm applying for is [Job Title] role at [School District]. Here is the job description: [Paste Job Description]. And here is my resume: [Paste Resume].
• Watch ChatGPT write up a pretty darn good cover letter base!

Here's a video of me doing this with a real cover letter if you want to see the steps in action:

Note:  I  do not recommend or advise that you simply copy and paste the content from ChatGPT into your cover letter and submit your application. ChatGPT is great for doing 80% of the baseline work, but you still need to review, revise, and personalize the content yourself.

2. Include Measurable Metrics And Outcomes

Too many job seekers only focus on the actions that they took and not the outcomes that resulted from those actions. As a campus principal, it's impossible to differentiate between a dozen candidates who were all “Responsible For Creating a Safe Learning Environment.” 

If you want to win, your cover letter should speak to the specific outcomes that you drove in previous roles. That could be:

• The percentage by which your students' content mastery increased
• The average reduction in behavioral issues
• The average parent satisfaction rate
• The rate at which your student engagement increased from year to year

These numbers will show hiring teams what you're capable of and make your value crystal clear!

3. Match Your Cover Letter And Resume Design

They're the exact same car, down to the year, make, and model. The only difference is the way the product was presented. Like I said, quality impacts perceived value.

One of the best ways to boost the quality of your cover letter is to make it look clean, professional, and have it match your resume. That's why the resume templates in our resume builder tool match the cover letter templates in our cover letter builder:

If you use both tools to create your cover letter and your resume, your entire application is going to be top notch.

Key Takeaways To Wrap Up Your Job-Winning Cover Letter

You made it! We packed a lot of information into this post so I wanted to distill the key points for you and lay out next steps so you know exactly where to from here.

Here are the 5 steps for writing a job-winning Teacher cover letter:

• Start with a proven cover letter template from CoverBuild.io
• Use  ResyMatch.io to find the right keywords and optimize your cover letter for each Teacher role you apply to
• Start your teacher cover letter with a personalized greeting for the campus principal or Human Resources representative.
• Emphasize the measurable outcomes and value you drove in previous roles (include metrics!)
• Compare the draft of your teacher cover letter to the examples on this page to make sure you're on the right path
• Use a tool like  Hemingway App to proofread your cover letter before you submit it

If you follow those steps, you're going to be well on your way to landing more Teacher interviews and job offers.

Now that your cover letter is taken care of, be sure to check out my guide on how to write a job-winning Teacher resume (with examples!)

Laura Lorta

Laura is an Editor at Cultivated Culture. She transitioned from teaching into the world of content so she's no stranger to career pivots. She also has a bachelors in Entrepreneurship and a Masters in Curriculum & Instruction / Bilingual Education. She currently shares job search advice to help people like you land jobs they love without applying online.

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2 Teacher Cover Letter Examples

Teachers are skilled at creating engaging lessons that inspire and educate, turning complex concepts into understandable knowledge. Similarly, your cover letter is your chance to transform your professional journey into an engaging narrative that enlightens recruiters about your skills and dedication. In this guide, we'll delve into the best cover letter examples for Teachers, helping you to craft a compelling story that resonates with your next employer.

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start a Teacher cover letter is by directly addressing the hiring manager or principal, if their name is known. Then, introduce yourself and state the teaching position you're applying for. Immediately follow this with a compelling reason why you're interested in the role and the school. This could be something unique about the school's approach to education that aligns with your teaching philosophy. This not only shows that you've done your research, but also that you're genuinely interested in the school and the role. Remember, the opening of your cover letter sets the tone for the rest of the letter, so make it engaging and tailored to the position.

Teachers should end a cover letter by summarizing their interest in the position and expressing their eagerness to contribute to the school or institution. They should reiterate their key qualifications and how they align with the job requirements. A polite and professional closing statement such as "Thank you for considering my application" or "I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team" is appropriate. It's also important to include contact information for easy follow-up. Lastly, they should sign off with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by their full name. This ending reaffirms their interest, highlights their suitability, and shows appreciation for the reader's time, which leaves a positive impression.

A teacher's cover letter should ideally be about one page in length. This is generally the standard for most professions, including teaching. The goal is to succinctly present your qualifications, passion for teaching, and how you can contribute to the school or institution. A one-page cover letter allows you to provide a detailed yet concise overview of your relevant experiences and skills without overwhelming the reader. Remember, hiring managers often have many applications to go through, so it's important to make your points clearly and efficiently.

Writing a cover letter with no experience as a teacher can seem daunting, but it's important to remember that everyone starts somewhere. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to write a compelling cover letter: 1. Start with a Professional Greeting: Address the hiring manager by their name if it's available. If not, use a general but professional greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager." 2. Introduction: Begin by stating the position you're applying for. Mention where you saw the job posting and express your interest in the position. 3. Highlight Relevant Skills: Even if you don't have direct teaching experience, you likely have skills that are relevant to the job. Perhaps you've volunteered with children, tutored peers in college, or have experience in a related field like counseling. Highlight these experiences and explain how they've prepared you for a teaching role. 4. Showcase Your Education: If you're a recent graduate, emphasize your education. Discuss relevant coursework, student teaching experiences, and educational philosophies you've studied that you plan to incorporate into your teaching. 5. Show Enthusiasm for the School: Do some research about the school you're applying to and mention something specific that impresses you or aligns with your own teaching philosophy. This shows that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're interested in this specific position. 6. Conclude with a Call to Action: In your closing paragraph, express your eagerness to further discuss your qualifications in an interview. Thank the hiring manager for considering your application. 7. Professional Closing: End the letter with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best Regards," followed by your full name. Remember to keep your cover letter concise and to the point, ideally no longer than one page. Proofread carefully for any grammar or spelling errors. Your cover letter is your first chance to make a good impression, so make it count!

Related Cover Letters for Teachers

Teacher assistant cover letter.

Substitute Teacher Cover Letter

Preschool Teacher Cover Letter

Elementary Teacher Cover Letter

Teacher Cover Letter

Daycare Teacher Cover Letter

Related resumes for teachers, teacher resume example.

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Teacher cover letter example

As a teacher, you spend countless hours preparing your students to succeed in school and the world beyond. Your passion for education means you’re invested in your classroom and the quality of the lesson plans you create. 

The pandemic has created an even bigger teacher shortage that has not abated, the Washington Post reported. If you’ve held off returning to the classroom but are now ready, you may find you have a choice about where and what you teach. Across the country and around the world, principals are looking for candidates with the teaching experience to motivate students and manage rowdy classrooms. So how do you connect with them? During the hiring process, your resume can only explain so much. That’s why a well-crafted, attention-grabbing cover letter is an essential tool for landing you your next teaching position. 

A cover letter that demonstrates the right qualities will have a principal singing your praises. Bonus tip: patience, enthusiasm, flexibility and the ability to take feedback are some of the most sought-after traits for new teachers. Imagine you have a job interview for a position at a new school. You have a great resume, but you show up 15 minutes late, don’t make eye contact and forget to ask the principal any questions. Are you still going to get the job? Maybe, but it seems less certain, doesn’t it? That’s because you dashed your chances by ignoring the proper conventions of the hiring process. 

You can do the same with your initial application by failing to submit a cover letter or creating one that is not professional and doesn’t follow standard formatting rules. That’s why putting care and attention into creating a great cover letter is a smart idea – it directly increases your odds of landing the job.

This guide, along with our professional teacher cover letter sample, will:

• Outline, in detail, the essential elements of a good cover letter  (header, greeting, intro, body and conclusion)
• Equip you with proven psychological tips and tricks to use in your own letter
• Alert you to what mistakes to avoid when writing your teacher cover letter
• Demonstrate the purpose of a strong cover letter format.

Psst, here’s some extra credit: If you haven’t finished creating an A+ resume, we’ve got plenty of resources for that. Start with our teacher resume samples, resume templates and general resume writing guide.

Best format for a teacher cover letter example

It often helps to present your arguments and tell your story when there is a logical cover letter format. A hiring manager or principal will be expecting these elements:

• The cover letter header
• The greeting / salutation
• The cover letter intro
• The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
• The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)

Dear Principal Wilson,

Newton’s first law of motion states that an object will stay at rest until a force acts upon it.

Two decades of seeing 500+ science students graduate from Ivy League universities tells me that my “force” is indeed helping to develop the scientific minds of tomorrow. I hope to bring this experience to the advertised science position at Jefferson High School.

As the subject lead for a district of 18 schools, I facilitated the creation of learning materials and oversaw an improvement of graduation rates by 10% across the district over a four-year period. In my school, the graduation rate averaged 99%. I believe in the power of learning through experiment rather than theory – showing beats telling every time. Innovative approaches often bring new discoveries.

I have been active in creating online lessons for my students and believe that blended learning is the future of education. We might not be with our students as they are doing their homework, but we can send them a recorded online video to explain things. Being able to rewind a video is an amazing way to check understanding.

Jefferson HS values are close to my heart, and it was actually one of your current faculty who suggested that I apply for the role. I look forward to the opportunity of learning more about your staff and students and hope that I might be able to contribute to their success. In the school experiment, every curious young mind matters.

Yours sincerely,

Grace McKenna

Within that format, a teacher cover letter should give an overview of your teaching pedagogy, experience, and philosophy. It’s the unit plan for your career, just as your teacher resume functions more as a lesson plan.

The comprehensive cover letter guide offers more general advice about how to go about compiling cover letters, but below you will find specific advice on how to maximize the effectiveness of each specific letter paragraph and section. Our cover letter samples give you a great idea of how all these pieces fit together.

Similar cover letter examples from the same field:

• Scholarship
• Library Assistant 
• Elementary teacher
• Substitute Teacher 
• Teaching Assistant 
• Apprenticeship

Cover letter header

A teacher cover letter header might seem like a formality you can do without, but in reality the header serves a big purpose, both in function and aesthetics. Quite simply, the header introduces the applicant’s name and contact information in a bold way.

The header also allows the hiring manager to refer to that information at any point. The letter may also circulate within the HR department, so it’s important that everyone who comes across it knows who it belongs to and how they can get in touch. 

In the past, the physical mailing address of the applicant was commonplace on a cover letter. Nowadays, you can include your name, phone number and email address, along with a date and the hiring manager’s name (if known), as well as the company name and address. If you really want to strip back the header, you may opt to include just your name and contact info. 

The goal of this section: Identify the document, keep your name and contact info at the hiring manager’s fingertips, create visually appealing formatting.

Take a look at our cover letter examples to find the perfect header for your purposes.

Cover letter greeting / salutation

Your greeting will likely contain less than five words, but they’ve got to be the right ones. A teacher cover letter greeting that is too formal or too casual will leave a hiring manager or principal shaking their head as they start to read your letter. 

The first thing to consider when choosing a greeting is your profession. School systems are fairly formal institutions when compared to, let’s say, a startup tech company or a local coffee shop. In this case, “Dear” followed by a name and a comma is the safest option and likely your best bet. It’s important to use Mr., Mrs. or Ms. followed by a last name. In the education field, watch out for a principal who might be Dr. – the school’s website or LinkedIn may help answer that question. 

The goal of this section: Use the professionally appropriate greeting to set the right tone. Develop rapport with the principal by using his or her name, if you have it.

People love hearing their own name. It’s true of any relationship, personal or business. That’s why conventional cover letter wisdom says to find the name of the hiring manager and address your letter directly to them. It’s solid advice and shows that you care enough to do your homework about the company. But what does that look like for teaching positions? In some states and counties, hiring is done by a team of HR professionals who then forward the best resumes to principals for review. In smaller districts, the principals themselves may evaluate candidates directly. A polite phone call may help to answer this question. 

If it becomes clear your letter will be read by a team of hiring managers, you might opt for a more general greeting, along the lines of “Dear Calvert County Public Schools Hiring Team,” or shorter – “Dear CCPS Hiring Team,”. If you know your letter will land on the principal’s desk eventually, you can include his or her name, too: “Dear Dr. Wilkens and CCPS Hiring Team." In general, it's best to avoid the cold and impersonal sounding "To Whom It May Concern." A collective noun usually works much better in these situations.

Cover letter introduction

Your teacher cover letter introduction is the hook and the best place to lure a principal into reading on. Sentences like “I am writing to express interest in your vacancy for a physics teaching position at Centennial High School” can come across as rigid and outdated. 

Adding some excitement through a personal anecdote about a teaching success can inject some personality and highlight your skillset right from the top. Just make sure to keep the story time short to hold the reader’s attention into the body. 

The goal of this cover letter sample section: create a snappy and grabbing introduction to your personality and experience in a sentence or two.

Cover letter middle paragraphs

If you’ve got the introduction of your teacher cover letter just the way you like it, the body should flow from there. The anecdotal opening sets you up for a slam dunk by allowing you to expand on your skills and achievements in a natural way. 

Before too long, you should mention the role you’re applying to and why you’re the perfect match, including previous achievements that give clear evidence of your skills. The STAR/CAR method (Situation, Task, Action, positive Result) can help you organize your writing to capture the impact you had on student performance. Your soft skills, passion and personality can continue to shine in this section and you may choose to demonstrate hard skills that set you above your peers by explaining innovative classroom approaches you’ve taken. 

The goal of this cover letter example section: Explain why you’re the right candidate for the position through past challenges, achievements and personal strategies.

How to finish a teacher cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)

Figuring out how to end your teacher cover letter can be one of the most frustrating parts of the writing experience. You’ve hit the point home in every way you know how to and now you just want to yell “So call me!”  

Luckily, there’s actually a professional way to do this. The call to action is an invitation for the hiring manager to get in touch. You can strike the balance between friendly and firm with a cover letter example sentence like “I look forward to hearing more about Centennial’s staff and students. You can reach me at (your email) or (your phone) with any questions.” A sign off like Sincerely, Best, or Best Regards are the most professionally appropriate for closing your letter. 

The goal of this cover letter sample section: Invite the employer to contact you in a friendly and non-demanding way, sign off politely and leave the reader on a positive, professional note.

Writing psychology: cover letter sample tools and strategies

So far, we’ve talked a lot about using personal anecdotes and examples of problems you’ve handled effectively. Instead of telling a principal that you’re innovative and organized, these stories allow you to show the true impact of your years of experience. But as a teacher, each day is a little different from the previous one. In a single year of teaching, you can easily rack up dozens of moments where you handled challenging situations. So which ones do you pick for your cover letter? One way to approach this question is by taking a look at the behavioral psychology principle of belief matching: People are more likely to respond positively to your message if they first believe you understand their problem.

How to incorporate the empathetic approach

The belief matching technique is most effective when used towards the top of your writing, according to professional marketing expert Joanna Wiebe. Wiebe often uses this technique to drive online sales, but in this case, you are the product. It’s a good idea to start with your strongest anecdote or example from your work experience – the one that you think your prospective principal is mostly likely to relate to. Again, it’s important to keep the story short, straightforward and relevant to ensure success.

Every school is a unique learning environment. If your cover letter can target even just one or two of the primary needs your potential principal faces, you can more effectively help them see the solution – YOU, and your impressive track record of teaching success. You should tailor your letter to the needs of each school using the job description as your starting point. These anecdotes are not just about the past. You should aim to write them in a way that allows a principal to imagine the future – their future, and one where their job is easier because of your contributions to the school.

Teacher cover letter example with no experience

You will not be starting your teaching career without any experience. You have already completed student teaching, so you have managed a classroom before. No, it’s not the same, but it does give you a basis for writing a cover letter.

Use the same format as any teacher cover letter and examine our cover letter sample carefully to give you ideas. Then, focus on your specialty, what you learned during your observations and student-teaching experience and follow our guidelines above.

You may not land in your target district in your first position, but given the teacher shortage, you will be in demand.

Teacher cover letter format and common mistakes

Here are some cover letter tips on how to avoid common writing mistakes:

• A boring letter. As a school teacher, your job is to inject energy and life into a classroom. A bland, generic letter sends a principal the exact opposite message. An application letter that’s full of movement and enthusiasm will give you a much better chance of landing the job.
• Confidential information. It’s essential that you leave out private information about your students or families. Even if the hiring manager doesn’t know of the situation, they’ll likely wonder if you can be trusted with the personal data of your new students.
• Too much personal information. During the job search, your personality counts, however, you want to make sure that you don’t venture off into the domain of Too Much Information. Family life, hobbies and weekend activities are usually best left off a cover letter unless you can directly relate them to teaching or the position.
• Issues with tone, spelling or grammar. Straightforward, punchy sentences will go further than pedagogic jargon. Likewise, spelling and grammar errors leave the hiring manager with a bad taste, especially when hiring a teacher.

How to format to impress

Your formatting is arguably just as important as the content of your application letter. Anyone who reads your letter will first take in the look and feel, font and color scheme before proceeding to the written information. That’s why it’s important to stick with trusted resume standards – san serif font styles like Helvetica or Georgia and a size between 10 and 12 points. You may also consider matching your header formatting to your resume. This is a great way to present a consistent, professional image across all your application materials. It can be a bit tricky to pull off without a graphic design degree, but luckily our collection of templates makes it easy to download a stylish document in a few clicks. 

For more formatting tips, check out this handy guide.

For more formatting tips, check out this handy guide and cover letter examples.

Key takeaways

• Your resume is stronger when paired with a cover letter. The two documents work together to provide an employer with a well-rounded picture of you as a candidate.
• A hiring manager expects to see certain elements on your cover letter. Knowing and following these rules will keep the employer interested and impressed.
• Explaining situations you’ve faced and handled is a great way to prove your skills, especially in an ever-changing profession like teaching.
• Using anecdotes and situations that are familiar to your potential new principal is one way to convince him or her that you’re a great fit for the school.
• Formatting is a key element of a strong cover letter. A template can save you time and allow you to easily match the formatting of your application letter and resume.

Save time and effort by creating the perfect cover letter with resume.io. No guesswork, just get out there and start teaching!

Free professionally designed templates

Teacher Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Text Examples

How To Write a Teacher Cover Letter

To write an engaging teacher cover letter, emphasize your knowledge and experience with modern learning techniques. Feature professional achievements that demonstrate your ability to help your students excel academically and grow on a personal level. We’ll provide tips and insights to showcase your expertise as an educator and land your next big job opportunity.

Teacher Cover Letter Templates and Examples

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Teacher Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

John Bergsen  Elementary Teacher | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Detroit, MI 12345 | LinkedIn

January 1, 2024

Hideo Araki Hiring Manager Grayson Elementary (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Araki:

I’m interested in applying for the elementary school teaching position at Grayson Elementary. As a student teacher at Carlson Elementary, I taught reading, math, and science lessons to classes of 18 to 25 fifth-grade students. I also utilized differentiated instruction and student-centered learning techniques to maximize academic growth. My secondary education background will help me excel as an educator in your organization.

Grayson Elementary’s reputation for experiential learning methodologies is what draws me to apply for this opportunity. As a secondary education teacher, I have a passion for incorporating cutting-edge learning techniques to help my students grow both emotionally and academically. I can be an asset to your team based on my student teaching experience:

• Planned and delivered lessons to classes of over 18 fifth-grade students, evaluated student performance, and tailored instruction toward individual needs
• Utilized differentiated instruction techniques and student-centered learning techniques, which increased goal attainment by 10% for reading comprehension
• Resolved conflicts among students and taught emotional coping skills to aid personal growth and development

I look forward to telling you more about my knowledge of experiential teaching methods that can benefit your students and organization. Feel free to contact me via phone or email for any additional questions you may have about my background. Thank you for your time and consideration.

John Bergsen

Allison Rosenberg Special Education Teacher | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Nashville, TN 12345 | LinkedIn

Ms. Lori Taylor Hiring Manager Corbin Elementary School (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Taylor:

I’m reaching out regarding the special education teacher role with Corbin Elementary School. As you can see from my attached resume, I have five years of experience supporting students with a wide range of learning disabilities. My expertise in special education would benefit your students and team.

Corbin Elementary School’s reputation for its devotion to special education draws me to apply for this position. At Branson Charter School, I implemented research-based interventions for students with autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, and behavioral disorders. I can bring similar results to your learning institution based on my previous accomplishments:

• Delivered small group and individual instruction to students ranging from second grade to eighth grade, developed individualized education plans (IEPs), and evaluated student progress
• Coordinated with psychologists, parents, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe learning environments and provide appropriate resources for students
• Provided training to over 15 team members on teaching strategies for special needs students

I would like to schedule an interview to provide more insights into how my expertise in special education can benefit your organization. You may contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Allison Rosenberg

Jasmine Brown  Lead Elementary Teacher | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Philadelphia, PA 12345 | LinkedIn

Mr. Matthew Johnson Hiring Manager Edison Elementary (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Johnson:

I’m interested in applying for the lead elementary teacher position with Edison High School that I found on LinkedIn. As an educator with over 10 years of teaching experience, I’ve served in various leadership roles and spearheaded initiatives to enhance the quality of secondary education. I can achieve similar results for your students, teachers, and organization.

Edison Elementary’s reputation for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is what draws me to apply for this opportunity. As the fifth-grade lead elementary teacher, I worked proactively to build safe and inclusive learning environments for students of all backgrounds. I can have a positive impact on your school community based on my career achievements:

• Deliver engaging lessons to classes of up to 25 fifth-grade students using a variety of teaching methodologies, including holistic learning and cooperative learning techniques
• Served as Grade Level Chair for four consecutive years, managed and developed a team of eight teachers, and provided coaching and mentorship to facilitate professional growth
• Conducted curriculum mapping, evaluated student performance data, and collaborated with faculty to ensure alignment with Common Core State Standards

I hope to speak with you further to provide more insights into how my experience as a lead elementary teacher can benefit your organization. You may contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Jasmine Brown

Writing a great teacher cover letter that stands out in today’s competitive market can be challenging. To truly make a lasting impression on the hiring manager, craft quality content that encapsulates the most compelling aspects of your teaching career. Demonstrate how your instructional approach has helped your students excel. Below, we’ll provide additional tips to guide you through each section of your teacher cover letter:

1. Contact information and salutation

List all essential contact information at the top of your teacher cover letter, including your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. Greet the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.” Avoid greetings such as “To Whom It May Concern,” as your greeting should be direct and personalized for each job application.

2. Introduction

Lead with an eye-catching introduction to grab the hiring manager’s attention at the start of your teacher cover letter. Highlight your years of teaching experience and specific learning modalities that match the school you’re applying to. Emphasize your ability to make a positive impact on student’s lives and create value for the organization.

In the example below, the candidate draws attention to their expertise in both student-centered learning and differentiated instruction. By showcasing teaching methodologies that align with the organization’s education standards, the applicant immediately shows they have the qualifications the school is looking for. Using a similar approach will go a long way in bolstering the impact of your teacher cover letter.

3. Body paragraphs

Feature your most compelling achievements, accolades, and qualifications in the body paragraphs of your teacher cover letter. The first paragraph should mention something specific about the school’s reputation or mission statement and why this entices you to apply for the role. Subsequently, create a list of bullet points that reinforce your strongest teaching accomplishments.

Notice how, in the example below, the applicant focuses on tailoring their cover letter to the school they’re targeting. They begin by showing how their passion for experiential learning makes them an ideal fit for the position. The candidate also substantiates the impact of their cutting-edge teaching strategies by incorporating student data. As you build your teacher cover letter, tell a compelling story that captures your unique journey within the education field.

Grayson Elementary’s reputation for experiential learning methodologies draws me to apply for this opportunity. As a secondary education teacher, I have a passion for incorporating cutting-edge learning techniques to help my students grow emotionally and academically. I can be an asset to your team based on my student teaching experience:

• Utilized differentiated instruction methods and student-centered learning techniques, which increased goal attainment by 10% for reading comprehension

4. Teacher skills and qualifications

Rather than simply listing skills on your teacher cover letter, tactically integrate key terms that match the job description. Provide examples of you utilizing specific teaching strategies and methodologies to enhance the quality of education. Below, we’ve compiled a list of potential keywords to consider highlighting on your teacher cover letter:

5. Closing section

Think of the closing paragraph of your teacher cover letter as a call to action (CTA) inviting the hiring manager to interview you. Showcase how your knowledge of cutting-edge teaching methodologies and leadership capabilities can positively impact students and faculty. Be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration in the last sentence.

Teacher Cover Letter Tips

1. emphasize your impact on student development.

The most important aspect of being an educator is facilitating student learning and development. Incorporating academic metrics and data is one way to accomplish this, as it adds to your credibility as an education professional. Also, display how you helped your students grow emotionally, as this aspect of education is equally important for helping children succeed.

2. Feature specific teaching strategies and methodologies

To demonstrate your knowledge as an educator, be sure to mention specific teaching strategies and methodologies that align with the organization you’re applying to. For example, if a school prides itself on its commitment to student-centered learning, make this a focal point of your cover letter using tangible examples from your career.

3. Demonstrate your teaching and interpersonal skills

To interface effectively with your students and colleagues, you need to communicate effectively and build positive relationships. Emphasize your ability to connect with diverse student populations and collaborate with multidisciplinary education teams. Provide examples of you interfacing with parents, students, and fellow educators to improve the quality of education and create safe learning environments.

Teacher Cover Letter FAQs

1. why should i write a teacher cover letter -.

The cover letter carries less weight in some industries but can be incredibly important for professionals within the education field. Principals and school administrators want to gain a better understanding of your values as an educator, and the cover letter lets you show these aspects in a way you can’t on a resume.

2. How do I make my teacher cover letter stand out? -

Featuring specific teaching achievements, learning modalities, and strategies is the best way to help your cover letter stand out during the job search. Rather than only mentioning that you delivered lessons in various subjects, show potential employers examples of you integrating contemporary teaching strategies to maximize student success and academic performance.

3. Align your teacher cover letter with the job opportunity -

Demonstrating how your teaching background aligns with the needs of the school you’re applying to is the best way to differentiate yourself from the competition. Mentioning something specific about the institution’s reputation and mission statement shows hiring managers you’ve done your homework and are the ideal culture fit for their team. For example, if a school is focused on experiential learning methodologies, demonstrate your expertise in social-emotional learning and lesson internalization.

Craft a new cover letter in minutes

Get the attention of hiring managers with a cover letter tailored to every job application.

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

Check Out Related Examples

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21 Professional Teacher Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your teacher cover letter should immediately grab the attention of the hiring committee. Showcase your passion for teaching and commitment to educational excellence from the first line. In the second paragraph, highlight your relevant experience and key achievements. Illustrate how your skill set and teaching philosophy align with the school's mission and values.

All cover letter examples in this guide

Art Teacher

Bilingual Teacher

Biology Teacher

Computer Science Teacher

Creative Art Teacher

Dance Teacher

History Teacher

Language Teacher

Lead Teacher

Math Teacher

Music Teacher

Piano Teacher

Retired Teacher

Science Teacher

Social Studies Teacher

Spanish Teacher

Teacher For Career Change

Technology Teacher

Theatre Teacher

Transitioning Teacher

Cover letter guide.

Teacher Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Teacher Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Embarking on the job hunt, you've realized that the perfect teaching position requires more than just a polished resume; it demands a compelling teacher cover letter. Avoid merely echoing your CV. Instead, weave a narrative around a crowning professional achievement, showcasing your unique value. Striking the right balance between formality and originality—bypassing clichés—is crucial. Remember, your introduction to potential employers should be concise; a single page is your canvas to make a lasting impression.

• Including all the must-have paragraphs in your structure for an excellent first impression;
• Learning how to write individual sections from industry-leading cover letter examples;
• Selecting the best accomplishment to tell an interesting and authority-building professional story;
• Introducing your profile with personality, while meeting industry standards.

And, if you want to save some time, drag and drop your teacher resume into Enhancv's AI, which will assess your profile and write your job-winning cover letter for you.

If the teacher isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Teacher resume guide and example
• Sunday School Teacher cover letter example
• Kindergarten Teacher cover letter example
• Summer School Teacher cover letter example
• Academic cover letter example
• Biology Teacher cover letter example
• Pre K Teacher cover letter example
• School Counselor cover letter example
• Mentor cover letter example
• Preschool Assistant Teacher cover letter example
• Distance Learning Teacher cover letter example

Teacher cover letter example

Aiden Kelly

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Demonstrating specific impactful initiatives, such as the extracurricular sessions that improved student retention rates, conveys the applicant's ability to implement successful educational strategies.
• Referencing quantifiable achievements (e.g., raising retention from 75% to 89%) provides concrete evidence of the candidate's effectiveness in their role and suggests a results-oriented mindset.
• Expressing an eagerness to collaborate and bring expertise to the hiring institution shows the candidate's enthusiasm and readiness to contribute positively to the new environment.
• Highlighting not just subject knowledge but also pedagogical skills and success in fostering a passion for learning among students illustrates a well-rounded instructional approach that goes beyond textbook teaching.

What should your teacher cover letter look like - formatting and organizing your information

Have you ever wondered what are the must-have sections you need to include in your teacher cover letter? Our builder sets those up for you with:

• Header - dedicated to your contact information, the role you're applying for, and the date (don't forget to include your name);
• Greeting and opening paragraph - to create a personalized and memorable experience for recruiters;
• Body paragraph - emphasizing your skill set and knowledge that aligns with the role and helps you to stand out;
• Closing paragraph - leaving a great impression and ending with an optional signature.

Use a cover letter template to discover the best formatting for your teacher cover letter: that is single-spaced paragraphs and wrapping your content in a one-inch margin.

Ensure that both your resume and teacher cover letter are in the same font . Stand apart from the crowd by using modern, yet simple fonts, like Chivo and Rubik, instead of the overused Arial and Times New Roman.

Did you know that the Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your teacher cover letter? Instead, submit your profile in PDF to recruiters to keep the same formatting and the design intact.

The top sections on a teacher cover letter

Header: Includes your contact information, date, and the employer's contact details, serving as a professional introduction and making it easy for the school to reach you.

Salutation: Addresses the hiring manager or school principal directly, showing that you've done your research and personalizing the cover letter to the specific educational institution.

Introduction: Captures the recruiter’s attention by mentioning your teaching philosophy, passion for education, or a notable achievement relevant to the teaching position.

Body: Highlights your teaching experience, educational background, and skills, demonstrating how they align with the job description and the school's values, curriculum, and community.

Closing and Signature: Ends the cover letter with a polite expression of your eagerness to discuss how you can contribute to the school, followed by a professional sign-off and your full name.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Classroom management skills: Demonstrates ability to maintain a productive learning environment.
• Knowledge of pedagogical methodologies: Indicates the teacher's understanding of effective teaching and learning strategies.
• Subject matter expertise: Shows mastery in the specific area the teacher will be instructing.
• Adaptability and flexibility: Reflects the teacher's willingness to handle diverse classrooms and adapt to various educational needs.
• Experience with educational technology: Highlights proficiency with digital tools that enhance learning experiences.
• Commitment to professional development: Suggests the teacher's dedication to continuous learning and staying current in educational trends and best practices.

How to personalize your teacher cover letter greeting

Before you start writing your teacher cover letter, take the time to find out who is recruiting for the role.

Search for the recruiter's name on LinkedIn or the corporate website to address them personally in your teacher cover letter salutation .

What if you can't find out who's recruiting for the role?

Always aim to avoid the very impersonal "Dear Sir/Madam" - instead, opt out for "Dear HR Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager" to make a better first impression.

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [School Name] Selection Committee,
• Dear [Department Head's Title and Last Name],
• Dear Principal [Last Name],
• Dear Superintendent [Last Name],
• Dear Director [Last Name],

Your teacher cover letter introduction and the value you bring

Moving on from the "Dear Recruiter" to your professional introduction .

Use those first two sentences of your teacher cover letter to present the biggest asset you'd bring to the organization.

Don't go into too much detail about your achievement or the skill set, but instead - go straight for the win.

That is - what is your value as a professional?

Would you be able to build stronger, professional relationships in any type of communication? Or, potentially, integrate seamlessly into the team?

Choosing your best achievement for the middle or body of your teacher cover letter

Now that you have the recruiters' attention, it's time to write the chunkiest bit of your teacher cover letter .

The body consists of three to six paragraphs that focus on one of your achievements.

Use your past success to tell a story of how you obtained your most job-crucial skills and know-how (make sure to back these up with tangible metrics).

Another excellent idea for your teacher cover letter's middle paragraphs is to shine a light on your unique professional value.

Write consistently and make sure to present information that is relevant to the role.

Two ideas on how to end the final paragraph of your teacher cover letter

Closing your teacher cover letter , you want to leave a memorable impression on recruiters, that you're a responsible professional.

End your cover letter with how you envision your growth, as part of the company. Make realistic promises on what you plan to achieve, potentially, in the next six months to a year.

Before your signature, you could also signal hiring managers that you're available for the next steps. Or, a follow-up call, during which you could further clarify your experience or professional value.

Keep this in mind when writing your zero experience teacher cover letter

Even though you may not have any professional experience , your teacher cover letter should focus on your value.

As a candidate for the particular role, what sort of skills do you bring about? Perhaps you're an apt leader and communicator, or have the ability to analyze situations from different perspectives.

Select one key achievement from your life, outside work, and narrate a story that sells your abilities in the best light.

If you really can't think of any relevant success, you could also paint the picture of how you see your professional future developing in the next five years, as part of the company.

Key takeaways

Turning your teacher cover letter into a success is all about staying authentic to yourself and relevant to the job:

• Be creative with your teacher cover letter introduction by stating something you enjoy about the company (that is genuine) or about your skill set (to get the recruiters' interested);
• Use single spacing and have a one-inch margin wrapping all around the content of your teacher cover letter;
• Select just one past achievement from your career or life to tell a story of how you've obtained job-crucial skills and how they'd be beneficial to the role;
• The finishing paragraph of your teacher cover letter doesn't necessarily have to be a signature but could be a promise of what you plan to achieve in the role;
• Instead of focusing on your lack of experience, spotlight your transferable skills, one relevant achievement, and career dreams.

Teacher cover letter examples

Explore additional teacher cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Cover letter examples by industry

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Teacher cover letter example

To land the best teaching jobs, you must have an effective cover letter.

Your cover letter is a brief note which introduces your CV, to ensure it gets opened by recruiters.

In this guide, I will show you how to write the perfect teacher cover letter, by sharing some real-life cover letter examples, and walking you through the process of writing one.

It will provide you with everything you need to grab schools’ attention, and land the jobs you want.

Guide contents

• Teacher cover letter examples
• How to write a cover letter for your CV
• What to include in a teacher cover letter

Teacher cover letter example 1

Teacher cover letter example 2

These example teacher cover letters provide you with a good steer on how your cover letter should look, and the type of information you should include.

Of, course your own cover letter will be unique and depend on the content of your CV , and the jobs you are applying for.

Build your CV now 

How to write a teacher cover letter

In this section of the guide, I will provide a step-by-step breakdown of how to write your own attention grabbing teacher cover letter.

Overview of a good cover letter

The example below shows you the 7 key steps needed to write a cover letter which will effectively introduce you to recruiters, and encourage them to open up your CV.

Here is some more detailed guidance on writing your cover letter.

Write the cover letter in the body of your email/message

The purpose of your cover letter, is to build an initial rapport with the recipient, and give them some good reasons to open your teaching CV .

By writing your cover letter within the body of an email (or job website message box) you ensure that it is instantly seen when the recruiter or school hiring manager opens the message.

If you attach the cover letter as a separate document, the recruiter will be staring at blank page when they open your application… not a great first impression.

Cover letter tip:  Where possible, try to obtain a name and email address for the recruiter, so that you can email them directly – this will increase your chances of them receiving your CV and application. This will not always be achievable, but use Google and LinkedIn to try and track them down.

Write a compelling subject line

When sending your application via email, the subject line can make a huge difference.

Look at the recruiter’s inbox below… Most of the subject lines are boring and blend into the background.

If you write an appealing subject line, which relates to the role you are applying for, you stand a much better chance of being noticed.

To be noticed by a recruiter, you simply need to give them what they are looking for.

For teaching roles, create a subject line which reflects the skills and experience being asked for in the the job adverts you are responding to, like these examples.

• Newly Qualified teacher with primary curriculum expertise
• Senior secondary maths teacher with 8 years experience
• Primary teacher with KS2 knowledge in UK private schools

Employers are desperate to see these key words, so adding them to your email subject line will almost guarantee your application gets opened.

Address the recruiter/employer by name

When your cover letter is read by a recruiter or hiring manager, it allows you to start building rapport with them.

Addressing a person by name, is the best way to make a connection with them.

If you begin your cover letter with an impersonal phrase like “dear sir” then it will seem as though you are simply firing off the same cover letter to all of your applications.

Using the recruiter’s first name, shows them you’ve taken the time to learn about the job in question.

But, how do you find the contact’s name?

Often the name of the person recruiting for a role will appear on the job advert, but if not, you can also find it one of the following ways:

• Scour the employer’s website to find the most likely person to be hiring for the position
• Search LinkedIn for the company and/or department, and look through their managers or recruiters.

You won’t always be able to find a name, but always try – it can make a big impact to include one.

Write in a friendly but professional tone

Whilst a cover letter needs to make a personal connection with the reader, it also needs to be flawlessly professional.

This can be a tricky balancing act, but the best way to achieve it by using professional terminology, combined with a simple sentence structure.

You can also throw in some friendly terms like, “hope you’re well” at the beginning of the cover letter, and “look forward to hearing from you” at the end of the message.

Of course, you need to check your message for spelling and grammar errors before sending – any silly mistakes will look very unprofessional.

Highlight your most relevant skills

When a recruiter reads your cover letter, they will be looking for signs that your CV is worth opening.

If nothing in your cover letter tells them that you are a good candidate for the vacancy in question, they won’t open it – they will move on to the next application in their overflowing inbox.

So, before writing your cover letter, read the job adverts carefully and understand which of your skills the recruiter wants to see the most.

Once you know the core requirements for the job, try to work as many of them as possible into your teaching cover letter.

The more suitable you appear, the more likely it is that a recruiter or hiring teacher will be persuaded to open your CV.

Keep it brief

School hiring managers and education recruiters see literally hundreds of applications every week – so keep your cover letter short and punchy.

The days of A4 length cover letters are long gone – people simply don’t have the time to read them, due to the sheer volume of applications being made.

Keep your cover note to around 5-10 sentences long. This should give you enough space to cover all of your selling points, without becoming a tedious read.

You should also look to break up the text on the page to create a pleasant reading experience.

Sign off professionally

To maintain your professional outlook, sign off with a professional signature that contains your vital contact details.

This looks smart, and allows recruiters to contact you easily.

Include your full name, email address and phone number as a minimum.

You can also include a link to your LinkedIn profile, or any other social profiles that are relevant to your work.

What to include in your teacher cover letter

Here are some common teaching attributes to include in your cover letter, but of course, yours will be unique to your situation.

Schools you’ve taught at –  Have you taught at mainstream primary schools? SEN secondary schools? Private school?

Students you teach  – Do you work with SEN pupils? solely year 6 students? gifted children?

Subject  knowledge – Are you an expert in GCSE English? mathematics? PE? KS2 curriculum?

Level of experience – Are you an NQT ? Or do you have many years of teaching experience?

Core teaching skills  – Things like classroom management, head of department experience, planning, assessments, managing parent relationships.

Results you deliver  – Have you boosted exam results? Decreased spending? Improved Ofsted reports?

A teacher cover letter for your CV

Writing your teacher cover letter can be challenging, but it’s worth dedicating some time to perfecting the art, if you want to land job interviews.

Just remember to keep it brief, write in a personable tone, and pack it with your most in-demand teaching skills.

Good luck with your job search!

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3 Great Teacher Cover Letter Examples (+Teacher Cover Letter Writing Guide)

Posted by CV Nation on Mar 15, 2021

The complete guide to writing a job-winning cover letter for teachers, with three teacher cover letter samples, including a cover letter sample for teachers with no experience.

When pursuing teaching jobs, you’ll usually be required to submit a cover letter. Cover letters are just as important as CVs , possibly even more important, as they provide your first chance to stand out.

In order to make a positive impact and succeed with your applications, you'll need to equip yourself with an effective, professional cover letter that illustrates your value as a teacher.

In this guide, we cover all aspects of cover letter writing for teachers. This extends to:

- How to format and structure your teacher cover letter

- The most important skills for teachers and how to show them in your cover letter

- The most effective way of showcasing your achievements and experiences

- How to write a cover letter for teachers with no experience

- This guide also includes three teacher cover letter samples

Teacher Cover Letter Example

How to Structure Your Cover Letter

Following an established structure when preparing your cover letter will help ensure you’ve followed all the necessary steps and included all the relevant details.

Follow our six-step process to create an optimised teaching cover letter ticks all the boxes.

1. Introduction

Just as you would when meeting someone in person, you should introduce yourself at the beginning of your cover letter.

Explain who you are and why you are applying for the role.

2. Overview of knowledge and expertise

After introducing yourself, provide a concise overview of your knowledge and expertise. This brief paragraph lets the reader know that you’re a good fit for teaching jobs.

3. Key selling points

Ensure your cover letter draws attention to your key selling points.

For example, do you have a track record of generating high grades? Have you been presented with awards for teaching? These are key selling points that make you stand out.

4. Demonstrate research/match with values

Do your research and spend time to tailor your cover letter to the school or university that you’re applying to.

By conducting research, you will be able to show how you are well-matched with the school’s values and culture.

5. Key skills

Highlight a small number of your key skills that are relevant to teaching. Consider providing examples of times you have used the skills to achieve positive outcomes.

View our comprehensive guide to teacher skills and how to demonstrate them.

6. Ending and call to action

Bring your cover letter to a close by thanking the reader for their time and stating that you look forward to hearing from them.

Skills for Teacher Cover Letters

When preparing your cover letter, it’s important to ensure your key skills come across. Here we detail the five most important skills for teachers and how to show them on your cover letter.

Demonstrating these skills on your cover letter will give you a stronger chance of landing job interviews.

View 20 of the most common job interview questions for teachers .

What are the most important skills for teachers?

1. Communication

As teaching is basically about expressing ideas to students, communication is one of the most important skills for teachers.

Teachers communicate with groups of students on a daily basis, so it usually goes without saying that they’re good communicators.

However, a great way of reinforcing your communication skills on your cover letter is to ensure the letter conveys your message in a concise, professional manner. After all, your cover letter is a form of communication between yourself and the reader.

Take a look at the teacher cover letter samples in this guide. Note how they communicate with the reader clearly and professionally.

When preparing your own cover letter, ensure to use professional writing to demonstrate your communication skills.

2. Enthusiasm

Teachers who are enthusiastic often get better results in the classroom. This is largely because teaching with enthusiasm inspires students to embrace education.

So how do you show your enthusiasm on your cover letter?

To show your enthusiasm on your cover letter, simply ensure your passion for your profession comes across. Touch on what attracted you to the job, why you enjoy teaching and why you’re passionate about what you do.

3. Leadership

Teachers are leaders. They’re responsible for providing effective leadership to groups of students and fostering positive cultures in which they can flourish.

If you can demonstrate strong leadership qualities on your cover letter, you’ll enhance your chances of success with your applications.

How do you show leadership skills on your cover letter?

The ultimate goal of leaders is to generate results. So demonstrate the successes you achieved while leading in the classroom. Such achievements may range from improving students’ exam performance to reducing cases of absenteeism.

4. Organisation

In order to effectively manage classrooms and maintain teaching standards, teachers should have sound organisation skills.

How do you show your organisation skills on your cover letter?

Touch on your experiences completing tasks within timescales and managing multiple tasks simultaneously. You may want to provide examples of times you optimised efficiency via organisation.

Another way of drawing attention to your organisation skills is to highlight new systems you implemented to help you manage more effectively, such as new software systems.

5. Patience

All teachers understand the importance of patience in the classroom. Disruptive students and a lack of respect are the type of issues that may test the patience of teachers.

A simple way to illustrate your patience is to touch on your conflict management capabilities and your ability to maintain your composure under pressure.

How to Write a Cover Letter for Teachers with no Experience

If you’ve got no experience in teaching, focus on your education, training and transferable skills.

When touching on your education details, consider expanding to showcase your expertise and skills. For example, you may want to draw attention key projects or modules you undertook.

Furthermore, draw attention to any paid or non-paid work that is related to teaching, such as work as a nanny, librarian, tutor etc. Writing about such work will enable you to demonstrate key transferable skills.

Take a look at the teacher cover letter sample below to see how we presented the individual as an ideal candidate for the job, despite having no experience in teaching.

Teacher Cover Letter Example (No Experience)

Cover Letter Formatting and Design

When it comes to writing your cover letter, professionalism is key. A poorly formatted and designed cover letter often indicates unprofessional applicants. So follow our tips to ensure you come across as a professional candidate.

Adding spacing between paragraphs will make your cover letter easier to read and professional in appearance. Cover letters with no spacing tend to look like one huge block of text, which makes for a poor reading experience.

So it’s important to utilise your word processor’s spacing function to maintain the attention of the reader.

To add spacing to your document in Microsoft Word, highlight the text and click the ‘Layout’ tab. Then alter the ‘After’ tab to your chosen number of spacing (between 6 pt. and 8 pt. is our recommendation).

Fonts and fonts sizes

Use standard, professional fonts when writing your cover letter, such as Arial, Times New Roman and Calibri. Don't use overly creative fonts. These can be difficult to read and may look juvenile.

The optimum size for most fonts is between 10 and 11.5. Fonts that are too big often look unprofessional and fonts that are too small are usually difficult to read.

Proofreading

It goes without saying that you’re cover letter should be checked for spelling and grammatical errors. Writing errors may indicate an unprofessional character and can have a negative impact on your job applications.

Proofread your cover letter more than once or ask a friend to check it for you to make sure it is void of costly mistakes.

Further Cover Letter Advice for Teachers

Conduct research.

As we touched on in step four of the cover letter structure, it’s important to conduct research into the school/university you’re applying to.

This will enable you to tailor your cover letter to the job and show how you’re aligned with the employer’s values and culture.

By showing recruiters that you’ve done your research, you’ll also convince them that you’re genuinely interested in the position and not bulk applying for jobs.

Salutations and Conclusions

For applications in Britain, begin your cover letter with ‘Dear [Name]’ or 'Dear Recruitment Team' and bring your cover letter to a close with ‘Yours sincerely’. If you decide to begin your cover letter with ‘Dear Sir/Madam', bring the letter to a close with ‘Yours faithfully’.

Remember to only use ‘Yours sincerely’ if you have addressed the letter to a specific person or team.

In the United States, begin your cover letter with ‘Dear [Name]’ or ‘Dear Sir/Madam’. Bring the letter to a close with ‘Yours truly’ or ‘Yours faithfully’.

State that your CV is enclosed

If you’re submitting your cover letter along with your CV, state that your CV is enclosed. To do this, simply include ‘Enc.: CV’ at the end of your cover letter.

Here is an example:

Learn more about how to prepare a teacher CV .

Job application follow up

If you haven’t had a response to your application within two weeks, it’s a good idea to send a follow up email or letter.

The goal of application follow up letters is to give recruiters a gentle nudge and reiterate what makes you the ideal candidate for the job.

When preparing your job application follow up letter, try to avoid coming across as pushy, and keep it short and to-the-point.

We hope you’ve found this guide helpful in preparing an interview-generating cover letter for teaching jobs.

Ensure to accompany your cover letter with a powerful CV. Take a look at our comprehensive guide to preparing the perfect teacher CV , which includes three teacher CV examples.

More teacher resources:

- 3 Teacher CV Samples and Templates

- 10 Key Skills for Teachers

- 20 Teacher Job Interview Questions

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Education and Student Services

Resumes, cover letters, and interviews.

• Career Advising

Creating and updating your application materials should be an ongoing, iterative process.

Applying can take a lot of time and energy, but the more you prepare, the more confident you'll be when it's time to hit the " submit " button. Where should you start? Build a strong portfolio foundation using the resources below, and when you're ready to start applying, our office is happy to support your search and do a final review of your materials.

A cover letter allows you to express interest, differentiate yourself from other applicants, and add a layer of context to your resume. When two applicants' resumes are similar in education and experience, a well-written cover letter may be the differentiating factor. If optional, it is always our recommendation to submit a cover letter to demonstrate your willingness to go above and beyond.

While there are many cover letter samples available online, including those in the links below, our formatting suggestions are as follows. We recommend aiming for a succinctly-written, 3/4 page letter that provides specific context to how your experiences have prepared you for the role's responsibilities.

• Salutation: Consider de-gendering your greeting if no formal title is available (e.g. Dr. or Professor), instead writing 'Dear ___," (first name)
• Paragraph 1:  A hiring manager should be able to quickly learn why you're interested in the role with specific ties to the role's responsibilities. For example, "I am excited at the prospect of joining ___ (organization name) because its ___ (e.g. health-equity-focused) mission aligns with my academic preparation, work experiences, and long-term professional goals. The role's responsibilities of ___, ___, and ___ also align with my background."
• Paragraph 2: Demonstrate how you've prepared yourself for the position academically, connecting specific examples of skills you've learned with how they could be applied to this role.
• Paragraph 3: Explain how you've prepared yourself via work, research, and/or extracurricular activities, again providing specific contextual examples.
• Closing: Short closing line thanking the hiring manager for their continued consideration. Avoid overt expectations of an interview. Example: "I would be delighted to further discuss my interests in this role; I can be reached at ___ (email) or ___ (phone). Thank you for your consideration." Add a scanned signature to make your cover letter more personal.

Most common cover letter feedback: Incorporate more curiosity as you provide context to your experiences, as you want to demonstrate your willingness to expand on your foundations in the job vs. just highlighting expertise from prior experiences. This demonstrates willingness to learn/grow in the position.

Cover Letter Resources

• Center for Career Exploration
• LinkedIn Learning

Similarly to a cover letter, your resume tells a story about where you learned – and applied – new skills in a much more templated format. There are many resources below to highlight the differences between a resume (typically one page for most job applications) and a CV (no page limit and with more details about research experience/publications for PhD, postdoctoral, faculty, and research positions).

Big Interview

Brown SPH students and alumni have free premium access to Big Interview's best-in-class AI interview and resume feedback tools. Once your profile is created using the button below, scan your resume ; feedback is maximized if you copy/paste the job description!

Access Big Interview

Resume and CV Resources

• Brown's Standard Resume Template (download)
• Center for Career Exploration: Resumes and Cover Letters
• Researchers at Brown (CV) Format
• Managing Your Career: Mid-Career (LinkedIn Learning)
• What a Mid-Career CV Looks Like (LinkedIn Stories)
• How to Write a Mid-Level Career Resume (Indeed)

Interview formats vary widely from organization to organization. The resources below can help you to prepare for behavioral interviews, one-way video interviews, consulting case interviews, and multi-stage in-person interviews. Interviewing well is both an art and a science, so you want to be prepared without being too rehearsed.

Brown SPH students and alumni have free premium access to Big Interview's best-in-class AI interview and resume feedback tools. Use your @brown.edu email address to register.

Interview Resources

• Big Interview: How to Land an Informational Interview
• Consulting Interviews: CaseCoach
• LinkedIn: Instant AI Feedback
• LinkedIn Learning: Expert Tips
• LinkedIn Learning: Video Interviews
• LinkedIn Learning: Informational Interviewing

Students: To access LinkedIn Learning, please visit brown.edu/linkedinlearning .

There are many resources available to support your salary negotiation process. We encourage you to make an informed decision about your salary requirements by researching your job title, location, and cost of living using commercially available tools.

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Idealist (Nonprofits)

You might also consider using non-traditional methods for determining a potential salary's competitiveness. Colorado and New York City, for example, require salary ranges to be posted in job descriptions. Search for a similar position in those locations – and account for cost of living adjustments to your potential job's location – to help set your salary expectations.

Special Education and Inclusive Learning

Addressing CV Gaps in Teaching Interviews

Addressing gaps in your teaching cv during the recruitment process.

When you apply for a teaching job a gap in your teaching CV, or a time out of teaching can feel like a significant obstacle when you’re pursuing your next role. Whether you’ve taken time off for personal reasons, to pursue further education, or due to circumstances beyond your control, explaining these gaps confidently during interviews is crucial. This article will equip you with the strategies and confidence to address CV gaps effectively, turning potential concerns into opportunities to showcase your growth and commitment to the teaching profession.

Understanding Gaps in Your Teaching CV

Before we look into strategies for addressing gaps, what constitutes a ‘gap’ in a teaching CV and why they might concern school leadership and HR.

What is a CV Gap?

A CV gap is typically a period of several months or more where you were not employed in a teaching role or engaged in activities directly related to education. This could include:

1. Time between teaching positions

2. Career breaks for personal reasons (e.g., family care, health issues)

3. Periods of unemployment

4. Time spent in non-teaching roles

5. Sabbaticals or extended travel

Why Do CV Gaps Concern Employers?

School leaders and hiring managers may have concerns about CV gaps for several reasons:

1. Skills atrophy: They may worry that your teaching skills have become rusty during your time away from the classroom.

2. Commitment to the profession: Long or frequent gaps might raise questions about your dedication to teaching.

3. Continuity of experience: Gaps can make it harder to assess your continuous professional development.

4. Current knowledge: There may be concerns about whether you’re up-to-date with the latest educational practices and policies.

There is also a requirement for Safer recruitment linked to ensuring that schools identify the reason for gaps in CVs. These may flag legitimate safeguarding concerns. Please do not offended when you are asked either during the interview process or before by HR they are just ensuring complience with legislation. CV gaps are mentioned in the legislation 3 times:

214. Schools and colleges should require applicants to provide:

• Personal details, current and former names, current address and national insurance number;
• Details of their present (or last) employment and reason for leaving;
• Full employment history, (since leaving school, including education, employment and voluntary work) including reasons for any gaps in employment;

220. Schools and colleges should:

• Ensure that at least two people carry out the shortlisting exercise (it is recommended that those who shortlist carry out the interview for a consistent approach);
• Consider any inconsistencies and look for gaps in employment and reasons given for them; and
• Explore all potential concerns.

225. Schools and colleges should use a range of selection techniques to identify the most suitable person for the post. Those interviewing should agree structured questions. These should include:

• Probing any gaps in employment or where the candidate has changed employment or location frequently, asking about the reasons for this.
• Finding out what attracted the candidate to the post being applied for and their motivation for working with children;
• Exploring their skills and asking for examples of experience of working with children which are relevant to the role …

Gaps in your CV do not automatically disqualify you from teaching or education positions. Many educators have gaps in their CVs for various valid reasons. The key is how you present and explain these gaps during your interview.

Preparing to Address Teaching CV Gaps

Before your interview, take time to reflect on and prepare your explanations for any gaps in your teaching CV. Here’s how to approach this preparation:

1. Self-Reflection

Begin by honestly assessing the reasons for your CV gaps. Consider:

• What were the circumstances that led to the gap?
• How did you use this time productively?
• What skills or experiences did you gain during this period?
• How has this break contributed to your personal or professional growth?

2. Identify Transferable Skills

Even if you weren’t in a formal teaching role, you likely developed skills that are valuable in education. These might include:

• Organisation and time management from running a household
• Patience and empathy from caring for family members
• Cultural awareness from travelling
• Leadership and teamwork from volunteer work
• Technological skills from online courses or personal projects

3. Stay Current with Education Trends

Demonstrate that you’ve kept abreast of developments in education during your time away:

• Read educational journals and publications
• Follow education blogs and social media accounts
• Attend webinars or online conferences
• Join professional teaching associations
• Prepare a Concise Explanation

Craft a brief, honest explanation for each gap. Focus on:

• The reason for the gap (without oversharing personal details)
• How you used the time productively
• Your enthusiasm for returning to teaching

5. Practice Your Response

Rehearse your explanation with a friend or family member. Aim for a confident, positive tone that emphasises your readiness to return to teaching.

7 Example Answers Addressing CV Gaps During Interviews

When the time comes to discuss gaps in your teaching CV during an interview, consider these effective strategies:

1. Be Honest and Direct

Honesty is always the best policy. Address gaps proactively and straightforwardly. For example:

“You may have noticed a gap in my teaching experience from 2018 to 2019. During this time, I took a career break to care for my elderly parent. This experience, while challenging, enhanced my patience and empathy – skills that I believe are invaluable in the classroom.”

2. Focus on Personal Growth

Emphasise how your time away has contributed to your personal development and, by extension, your teaching abilities:

“While I wasn’t in a formal teaching role during 2020, I used this time to complete an online course in educational technology. This has equipped me with skills to enhance digital learning in the classroom, which I’m excited to implement.”

3. Highlight Relevant Experiences

If you engaged in activities related to education or child development during your gap, be sure to mention these:

“Although I wasn’t teaching full-time last year, I volunteered at a local youth centre, leading weekly reading groups. This experience reinforced my passion for literacy education and gave me fresh insights into engaging reluctant readers.”

4. Demonstrate Continued Professional Development

Show that you’ve stayed connected to the education field:

“During my career break, I made a concerted effort to stay current with educational trends. I attended the National Education Conference, participated in webinars on differentiated instruction, and contributed to online teaching forums. These activities have broadened my perspective on effective teaching strategies.”

5. Express Enthusiasm for Returning to Teaching

Convey your excitement about re-entering the classroom:

“This time away has reaffirmed my commitment to teaching. I’m eager to bring my renewed energy, fresh perspectives, and enhanced skills back to the classroom to benefit my students and contribute to your school community.”

6. Address Any Concerns Directly

If the interviewer expresses concerns about your gap, address them candidly:

“I understand that you might have concerns about my time away from teaching. However, I’ve worked hard to keep my skills sharp through volunteer teaching, online courses, and staying engaged with educational developments. I’m confident that I’m ready to hit the ground running and make a positive impact in your school.”

7. Use the STAR Method for Specific Examples

When discussing skills or experiences gained during your gap, use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to provide concrete examples:

“During my gap year, I volunteered at a local community centre (Situation). I was tasked with developing an after-school programme for disadvantaged youth (Task). I created a curriculum that combined academic support with life skills training (Action). As a result, we saw improved academic performance and increased engagement from the participants (Result). This experience reinforced my ability to create engaging, impactful learning experiences, which I’m excited to bring to your school.”

Addressing Specific Types of CV Gaps

Different types of gaps may require slightly different approaches. Here’s how to address some common scenarios:

1. Parental Leave

No school leader should expect you to justify taking time off to raise your children. An answer of maternity leave or rasing young children should surfice. Emphasise the transferable skills gained from parenting and any education-related activities you engaged in:

“I took a two-year career break for parental leave. During this time, I volunteered at my child’s nursery, which gave me valuable insights into early years education. I also used this opportunity to complete an online course in special educational needs , broadening my ability to support diverse learners.”

2. Further Education

Highlight how your additional qualifications enhance your teaching:

“The gap in my CV from 2019 to 2021 represents the time I spent completing my Master’s in Educational Leadership. This advanced degree has equipped me with new strategies for effective classroom management and curriculum development, which I’m eager to apply in your school.”

Emphasise the cultural awareness and global perspective gained:

“I took a year off to travel in 2018. This experience exposed me to diverse educational systems and cultural practices, broadening my perspective on global education. I’m excited to bring this international outlook into the classroom, particularly in subjects like Geography and Citizenship.”

4. Health-Related Breaks

While you’re not obligated to disclose health issues, if you choose to, focus on your recovery and readiness to return:

“I took time off to address a health issue, which is now resolved. This experience has given me a renewed appreciation for the importance of resilience and perseverance – values I’m keen to instil in my students.”

5. Unemployment Due to School Closures or Redundancy

Emphasise any productive activities during this time:

“Following the closure of my previous school due to budget cuts, I used the time to enhance my digital teaching skills. I completed certifications in online learning platforms and created educational content for a teaching resource website. These experiences have prepared me to support blended learning initiatives in your school.”

Turning CV Gaps into Positives

Remember, a gap in your CV doesn’t have to be a weakness. With the right framing, you can turn it into a strength. Here are some ways to do this:

1. Emphasise Renewed Energy

Highlight how your break has rejuvenated your passion for teaching:

“This time away from the classroom has renewed my enthusiasm for teaching. I’m returning with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that I’m excited to implement.”

2. Showcase Adaptability

Demonstrate how your experiences during the gap showcase your ability to adapt:

“Transitioning from teaching to [other experience] and back has honed my adaptability. I’m confident this skill will serve me well in meeting the diverse needs of students and adapting to the evolving educational landscape.”

3. Highlight Unique Perspectives

Emphasise how your diverse experiences contribute to your teaching:

“My experience [during the gap] has given me unique insights that I believe will enrich my teaching. For instance, [specific example of how the experience relates to teaching].”

4. Demonstrate Commitment to Lifelong Learning

Show how your gap reflects your dedication to continuous improvement:

“My decision to [reason for gap] demonstrates my commitment to lifelong learning. I believe this mindset is crucial for educators, as it allows us to continuously improve our practice and model the importance of ongoing learning for our students.”

Post-Interview Follow-Up

After addressing your CV gaps in the interview, consider these follow-up strategies:

1. Thank-You Note

In your post-interview thank-you note or email, briefly reinforce your enthusiasm and readiness to return to teaching.

2. Additional Information

If appropriate, offer to provide additional information or references that can speak to your activities or growth during your career gap.

3. Continued Professional Development

If you’re still in your gap period, inform the interviewer of any upcoming professional development activities you have planned.

Addressing CV Gaps in Written Applications

While this guide has focused primarily on addressing CV gaps during interviews, it’s equally important to consider how to approach these gaps in your written applications. Here are some strategies for addressing gaps in your cover letter and on application forms:

In Your Cover Letter:

• Be Proactive: Don’t wait for the employer to question the gap. Address it upfront in your cover letter.
• Keep it Brief: Provide a concise explanation without going into unnecessary detail. For example:
• “Between 2018 and 2019, I took a career break to care for a family member. During this time, I maintained my connection to education through online courses and volunteer work.”
• Focus on Relevance: Highlight any skills or experiences gained during your gap that are relevant to the teaching position.
• Emphasize Your Return: Express your enthusiasm for returning to teaching and how your experiences have prepared you for this role.

Example Cover Letter Paragraph Covering Employment Gaps:

“You may notice a two-year gap in my teaching experience from 2019 to 2021. During this time, I pursued a Master’s degree in Educational Technology. This advanced study has equipped me with cutting-edge skills in integrating technology into the classroom, which I’m excited to apply to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes in your school.”

On Application Forms:

Use the Space Provided: Many application forms have a section for explaining employment gaps. Use this space effectively. Be Honest: Provide truthful information about your gap period. Use Positive Language: Frame your explanation in a positive light, focusing on growth and learning. Include Relevant Activities: Mention any volunteer work, courses, or other activities related to education or personal development.

Example Explanation of Employment Gap on Application Form:

“Sept 2018 – Aug 2020: Career Break for Family Care During this period, I was the primary caregiver for an ill family member. I maintained my professional development through: Online course in Special Educational Needs (Open University, completed Dec 2019) Weekly volunteer work at local library’s children’s reading program Attendance at annual National Education Conference (2019 and 2020)” Remember, the goal in both your cover letter and application form is to address the gap honestly and succinctly while emphasizing your continued commitment to education and professional growth. This approach can help alleviate potential concerns before you even reach the interview stage.

Dealing with Multiple or Extended Gaps

While short, easily explicable gaps in your teaching CV can be straightforward to address, multiple gaps or a single extended gap can present unique challenges. Here’s how to approach these situations:

Multiple Employment Gaps:

Look for Patterns: If you have several gaps, look for common themes or reasons. This can help you create a coherent narrative about your career path. Prioritize Recent and Relevant: Focus more on explaining recent gaps and those most relevant to your current job application. Summarize Older Gaps: For gaps from the distant past, a brief summary may suffice unless they’re particularly relevant to the position. Show Progression: If possible, demonstrate how each gap has contributed to your growth as an educator.

Example Explanation:

“My career path has included several breaks, each of which has contributed to my development as an educator. My first gap in 2015 was for maternity leave, which enhanced my understanding of child development. The second in 2018 was to complete my Master’s degree, specializing in inclusive education. Most recently, in 2021, I took six months to gain experience teaching in an international school, which broadened my cultural competence.”

Extended CV Gaps:

• Break It Down: If you have a single extended gap (e.g., several years), break it down into phases or significant periods.
• Highlight Productivity: Emphasize how you used this time productively, especially in ways that relate to education or personal growth.
• Address Potential Concerns: Anticipate and address concerns about skill atrophy or lack of current experience.
• Demonstrate Commitment: Show your ongoing commitment to the teaching profession, even during your time away.

“I have a five-year gap in my teaching CV from 2016 to 2021. This period can be broken down as follows: 2016-2018: I relocated to care for an ill parent. During this time, I volunteered at a local school and completed online courses in educational technology. 2018-2020: I used this time to write an educational book on innovative teaching strategies, which was published in 2020. 2020-2021: I gained valuable experience in curriculum development by working as a consultant for an educational non-profit. Throughout this period, I remained connected to the education sector through conference attendances, online forums, and professional reading. I’m eager to return these diverse experiences to the classroom.”

Strategies for Both Scenarios:

• Maintain a Positive Tone: Frame your gaps as periods of growth and learning rather than setbacks.
• Be Prepared for Follow-Up Questions: Prepare detailed examples to support your summary explanations.
• Highlight Transferable Skills: Emphasize skills gained during your gaps that are valuable in teaching.
• Show Currency: Demonstrate how you’ve stayed up-to-date with educational trends and technologies.
• Express Enthusiasm: Convey your excitement about returning to teaching and applying your diverse experiences.
• Remember, many educators have non-linear career paths. Your unique experiences, even those that created gaps in your CV, can be valuable assets that set you apart from other candidates. The key is to reflect on these experiences, identify the value they’ve added to your professional profile, and articulate this clearly to potential employers.

Conclusion: Gaps in Your CV

Gaps in your teaching CV need not be barriers to your next role. With thoughtful preparation, honest communication, and a focus on the value you’ve gained during your time away, you can address these gaps confidently in interviews. Remember, many educators have non-linear career paths, and diverse experiences often contribute to becoming a more well-rounded, empathetic, and effective teacher.

By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can turn your CV gaps from potential weaknesses into strengths, demonstrating to potential employers your resilience, adaptability, and commitment to the teaching profession. Approach your interview with confidence, knowing that your unique journey has prepared you to make a significant impact in the classroom and the broader school community.

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Soft Skills for Employment

Deciding on Your Career

Websites for Career Planning and Preparation

Informational Interviewing

Job Burnout

COVER LETTER & RESUME

Resume Dos & Don'ts

How to Turn Your Duties Into Accomplishments

• Sample Resume 1
• Sample Resume 2
• Sample Resume 3
• Sample Resume 4

Checklist for Reviewing Your Resume

Cover Letter  

JOB APPLICATION & INTERVIEWING

Tips for Completing Your Job Application Common Job Interview Questions Interviewing Virtual Interviewing

NETWORKING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Networking 101

Networking Tips Utilizing Social Media for Your Job Search Transferrable Skills 10 Steps to a Better LinkedIn Profile LinkedIn Resource Folder

Career Development Websites

Sonoma county job link  .

Sonoma County Job Link is a collaboration of partners that offers various services to help Sonoma County residents prepare for, obtain, and retain a career they want at no cost. Scholarships may be available for some Career Education SRJC programs as well.

Sonoma County Economic Development Board Job Market Tracker & Workforce Development Survey 

The EDB provides several reports on Sonoma County’s Workforce. These reports are generally produced annually and are meant to give you a snapshot of current and future employment conditions.

100+ JOBS TO FEED PEOPLE & SUSTAIN THE PLANET

100+ Jobs to Feed People & Sustain the Planet – 100+ Jobs to Feed People & Sustain the Planet (100plusjobs.org) The project aims to inspire students and job seekers in California to explore future-oriented career paths in agriculture, food, water, and the environment. These fields are critical arenas for meeting the challenges of mitigating and adapting to climate change, strengthening resilience of human and natural communities, and meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The interactive 100+ Jobs website highlights some of the myriad jobs that contribute to feeding people and sustaining the planet, and identifies educational and training programs, career pathways, and employment resources for these jobs.

CAREER BLISS

www.careerbliss.com Offers career tips and trends, resume tips, networking trends, various articles on how to handle various workplace issues such as: bullying, difficult bosses, and workplace positivity.

CALIFORNIA CAREER ZONE

www.cacareerzone.org This website provides excellent information about California jobs, assessments, careers, occupational information, a personal budget tool, and links to job openings.

CALIFORNIA OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/OCCguides The California Occupational Guides offers a series of information sheets covering individual occupations or groups of related occupations. They provide statewide information about job duties, working conditions, employment outlook, wages, benefits, entrance requirements, and training.

CAREER COACH

https://ccc.emsicc.com/ Take a free Career Assessment. Discover majors and in-demand careers and education based on your interests.

CAREER REALISM

www.careerealism.com A great resource for individuals considering a career change. This website also offers career advice, tips for managers, information about employment branding, and networking opportunities.

www.eureka.org (For login information please use: MVOFNGZ as the SRJC code) Choose a username and password to specialize your search. Complete the personal information form. This is a comprehensive career planning tool with career assessments, career information and college major information.

J16 Personality Types

16personalities.com.

This free website measures personality preference, based on the theory of Myers-Briggs Type Indicator assessment.

LEARN HOW TO BECOME

www.learnhowtobecome.org Steps how to learn and move toward your desired career. This website offers an easy-to-explore format, describing duties, skills, and education required for various careers. Salary, recommended schools, job growth, associations and boards are also listed.

MY NEXT MOVE

www.mynextmove.org/www.miproximopaso.org/www.mynextmove.org/vets U.S. Department of Labor One Stop website for career information. Learn about what skills, knowledge, abilities, personality, technology, and education are required for career fields. There is also a link to O*Net’s Interest Profiler where you can receive your Holland code and read about suggested careers based on your personality type.

www.ONETcenter.org The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) website lists occupations with required skills, knowledge, interests, activities, worker characteristics and occupational experience. The O*NET system uses common language and terminology to describe occupational requirements, which supersedes the Dictionary of Occupational Titles.

OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK HANDBOOK

www.bls.gov/ooh This website corresponds with the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), published by the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics. The handbook and website are nationally recognized sources of information, and includes information about occupations, compensation, training requirements and typical work duties.

https://www.resume.com/ This website is owned by Indeed.com. This resume-building service is completely free! You may keep your resume on the site, download, or save it to a memory stick. Choose from dozens of resume templates.

Go to our Event Calendar.

DREAM Center (resources for undocumented students )

Student Resource Center (basic needs)

Disability Resource Department

Library (tech loaners, internet access, books, etc.)

Intercultural Center

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  M-Th: 9:00AM - 5:00PM; F: 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Located on the 3rd floor of the Bertolini Student Services Building, Santa Rosa Campus.