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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 ADVERTISEMENT

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

Make a great first impression! Continue Reading

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Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Example (W/ Templates!)

You're incredible at creating engaging lesson plans, managing classrooms, and inspiring young minds.

You're a superhero in the world of elementary education.

You’re a teacher on the hunt for a new job.

But as good as you are at your ABCs, when it comes to writing a cover letter, you’re stumped.

Don’t worry; even the most experienced teachers can struggle here.

We've got you covered! In this article, we'll walk you through writing a compelling elementary teacher cover letter that will make school administrators sit up and take notice.

We'll cover:

• What an A+ Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Looks Like
• The 5 Steps to Writing the Perfect Elementary Teacher Cover Letter
• 11 Essential Cover Letter Tips for Elementary Teachers

Ready to turn that cover letter challenge into a triumph? Let's dive in!

Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Elementary Teacher Cover Letter

You've got a clear picture now of what a good cover letter looks like, and you're ready to write your own !

Just remember, it's about following easy steps to make a letter that shows who you are.

Let’s get started:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Starting your elementary teacher cover letter right means you need to include important contact details at the top. Just like you would write it on your resume , use the header of your cover letter.

Here's what to include:

• Full Name. Your name should be at the top.
• Job Title. Make sure it matches the teaching position you're applying for. With many applications for different roles at the same school, being clear is important—you want to make sure the principal knows if you’re a music teacher or a chemistry teacher.
• Email Address. Choose a professional email. A good format is your first and last name, like [email protected] , and avoid quirky ones like [email protected] .
• Phone Number. List your number here. If the job is in another country, include the international dialing code.
• Location. Your city and state or country are enough. If you're open to remote work or relocating for the job, make that clear.
• Relevant Links (optional). You can add links to your LinkedIn or any other professional websites you have.

Next, you'll need the hiring manager's contact information :

• School or Company Name. Write the name of the school you're applying to. If you’re applying to a privately owned organization, the same rule applies.
• Hiring Manager's Name. Try to find out who this is. Look at the job listing or the school's website—nine times out of ten, it’s the principal.
• Location. Add the city and country where the organization is based. You can also include the street name and number if you want to be more specific or it has more than one campus location.
• Date of Writing (optional). For an added touch of professionalism, add the date you’re writing your cover letter.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

After you've included all the important contact information, it's time to choose the right greeting for the person who'll be reading your letter.

Forget the outdated "To Whom It May Concern." A more personal greeting starts things off on a friendlier note.

First, do a little research. Check the job posting, the school's website, or their LinkedIn to find the name of the person hiring for the elementary teacher position.

Use formal titles like "Mr." or "Ms." followed by their last name. If you're not sure about their gender or marital status, just use their full name. For example:

• Dear Mr. Johnson,  
• Dear Alex Johnson,

If you can't find the hiring manager's information, direct your letter to the department or the school in general.

• Dear School X,
• Dear Hiring Team,  
• Dear Human Resources,  
• Dear School Staff,

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

School principals and hiring committees often only take a short time to look over a job application before deciding if they should read it in depth.

To catch their attention, you need to make a strong impression with the opening paragraph of your cover letter right away.

Begin by introducing yourself and explaining why you're interested in the specific elementary teacher role. A bit of enthusiasm for teaching or the school itself can make the hiring team curious to know more about you.

If you have teaching experience, start your cover letter with a highlight from your career or a skill that makes you a great choice for the role.

It's really helpful to learn about the school beforehand. The more you know, the better you can show that you'd be a great fit. This tells the hiring team you're not just sending out your resume to every school, but that you're specifically interested in their school.

But remember to keep it short. Your aim is to get the hiring team interested, so they'll want to read on.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The body of your cover letter as an aspiring elementary teacher is your chance to dive deep into why you're a great fit for the teaching position.

Here, it’s a mistake to just repeat what's on your resume . Use this part of your cover letter to expand on how you've achieved specific successes in your teaching career or to explain any gaps in your employment or how you acquired a key skill for teaching.

Use this section to highlight achievements that show you're perfect for the teaching role. Look at the job advertisement for clues. For example, if the ad emphasizes "innovative teaching methods," you might talk about how you've successfully implemented creative lesson plans in a past role that significantly improved student engagement and learning outcomes.

Tailoring your cover letter to the specific school and role is crucial. If the school is known for its focus on STEM education, discuss how you excel at integrating technology into your lesson plans and give an example. If the job ad mentions a need for "strong classroom management," share a story about how you effectively handled a challenging classroom situation.

Being knowledgeable about the school you're applying to can set you apart. If you're impressed by their approach to holistic education or their award-winning arts program, mention it. This shows that you resonate with their educational philosophy and goals.

Don't forget to express your excitement. Make it clear you're thrilled at the prospect of joining their team and confident in your ability to make a positive impact at their school.

Not sure how long your cover letter should be? Read this article to find out!

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Concluding your elementary teacher cover letter effectively can really make a lasting impression. This is your chance to leave the hiring committee with a positive final thought about your application.

Wrap up your cover letter by reiterating your strongest points. Quickly remind them why you're the right person for this teaching role, whether you can engage diverse learners or your proven track record of enhancing student performance through innovative teaching methods.

Next, encourage the hiring manager to take the next step, like arranging an interview. This demonstrates your initiative and eagerness to progress in the hiring process.

Finish with a professional sign-off. Close your cover letter with a respectful and straightforward line, followed by your full name.

Please feel free to contact me at my email or phone number to set up an interview. I am keen to explore my application further at a time that suits you.

Warm regards,

Jennifer Donnally

And, if "Warm regards" feels too informal, here are some other options:

• Best regards,
• Thank you for considering my application,

Need more inspiration? Check out these 50+ cover letter examples.

11 Essential Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Tips

You're now armed with all the essentials for crafting a standout cover letter.

Next up, let's polish it with some key cover letter tips specifically for elementary teachers:

• Use a Matching Cover Letter Template. Start with a cover letter template that complements your resume. Try our free resume builder and pick one of our matching cover letter templates to give your application a cohesive and professional look.

• Customize for Each Application. Tailor your cover letter for each school. Mention specific programs or initiatives at the school that resonate with you.
• Showcase Your Teaching Philosophy. Briefly share your teaching philosophy and how it aligns with the school's values and approach.
• Add Any Classroom Innovations. Briefly describe a creative teaching method or project you implemented, highlighting your ability to engage and inspire young learners.
• Highlight Relevant Experience. Focus on teaching experiences that directly relate to the position you're applying for.
• Include Student Development Achievements. Mention a specific instance where your approach positively impacted a student's learning or well-being, showcasing your dedication to student growth.
• Express Your Enthusiasm. Let your passion for teaching and education shine through in your writing.
• Mention Technology Skills. Schools are increasingly digital. Highlight any tech skills or experience with educational software.
• Mention Collaboration with Parents and Staff. Reference your experience working effectively with parents and colleagues, emphasizing your teamwork and communication skills in a school environment.
• Proofread Thoroughly. Your cover letter shouldn’t have any spelling or grammatical errors since you’ll come off as unprofessional.
• End with a Call to Action. Conclude by inviting the hiring manager to contact you for an interview, showing your eagerness to discuss how you can contribute to their team.

Key Takeaways

That’s all!

You're now fully equipped to write an outstanding elementary teacher cover letter that will set you apart in your job hunt.

We’re sure that the unique qualities you bring to the table are sure to land you that dream job

But before we say goodbye, let’s summarize what we mentioned in our article:

• Pair your cover letter with your resume by using an online resume builder that offers matching templates. The sleek design can make your resume stand out from the rest.
• Begin your elementary teacher cover letter by expressing your enthusiasm for the specific teaching role and explaining why you're an ideal fit for the school.
• Do some research on the school and align your skills with their educational philosophy and needs. Showing your understanding of the school's values will demonstrate that you're a thoughtful and dedicated candidate.
• In the body of your cover letter, share specific teaching experiences or educational achievements that prepare you for a role as an elementary teacher.

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