Teacher Education Cover Letter Guide

Listed below are the components to build an effective teacher cover letter. If you have questions about creating a cover letter or would like your cover letter to be reviewed, please contact Career Services. To download a copy of the Teacher Education Cover Letter Guide, click here.

Basics
First Paragraph
Second Paragraph
Final Paragraph
Formatting
Sample Cover Letters

Basics

A cover letter should directly recognize the needs of the particular school/district you are applying to and the ways in which your unique traits would meet those needs.
Research: Make sure you know some information about the school/district you hope to work for. Try to integrate that knowledge into your cover letter. Utilize the district/school websites to gain valuable information about the particular district/school you are interested in. Most districts now post the minutes from their school board meetings online, which can be another source of information.
Know your Interests and Skills:
- What skills do you have that could be valuable in an academic setting?
- What non-teaching experiences demonstrate a background that would enrich the school environment?
- How have you chosen to work with children when it was not required for your degree?
- What are the strengths that most define you as a teacher?
Keep your writing style simple and direct
Present yourself in a positive and honest manner
Proofread!
Use the same paper and same font as used on your resume
One page in length

First Paragraph

State the reason you are writing the letter – position you are applying for or inquiring about
Grab the attention of your audience
Source of referral, if any
Include your interest in the position/school/district
Flatter your audience by including school/district information found through research
End the paragraph with a persuasive statement about why you are qualified for the position or why you are the ideal candidate

Second Paragraph

Demonstrate why you are qualified for the job
Emphasize what you can contribute to the organization
Give concrete examples of your skills and experience – prove it!
Highlight information found on the resume, but do not simply repeat your entire resume
Easy method – choose your top 3 skills that relate to the position and give a specific example for each
May be 1-2 paragraphs

Final Paragraph

Reiterate your interest in the position
State your appreciation of the employer’s consideration
Include your intentions for follow-up
Phone number/e-mail and best way to contact you

Formatting

Please see the example below for information on formatting your cover letter.

Format Example

Sample Cover Letters

Sample 1
Sample 2
Sample 3
Sample 4
Sample 5
Sample 6
Sample 7
Sample 8
Sample 9
Sample 10
Sample 11
Sample 12
Sample 13
Sample 14
Sample 15
Sample 16
Sample 17
Sample 18
Sample 19
Sample 20