How to Write a Cover Letter for a Teaching Job

An effective cover letter will highlight the information in your resume most relevant to a particular teaching position: your credentials and experience.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Printers
• Postage Stamps
• Envelopes
• Computers
• résumé paper
• résumé software

1. Follow the standard format for any business correspondence, beginning with your name and address in the letterhead or upper left-hand corner, the date, and the complete name and address of the principal or school district official in charge of hiring for this position.
2. Call the school or district if no specific name is given in the job listing. They'll tell you to whom you should address the letter.
3. Keep the letter to a maximum of one page, with about three paragraphs.
4. Open by stating why you're writing, the position for which you're applying, and how you learned of the position (newspaper, placement office).
5. In the middle paragraph, discuss why the position interests you, your specific qualifications, and give a solid mention of your teaching experience in the area the job requires. If you know anything about the school district to which you are applying, indicate why you want to teach there. Mention relevant highlights in your resume.
6. Close by expressing your interest in an interview; include any information (dates, phone number) that will facilitate an interview appointment. Explain how the employer can obtain your credential information, or indicate that the credential and college transcripts are being sent, if so requested. (Generally, you will give the address for your graduating college career center, where your credential is on file, and you will have the registrar's office of your school send your transcripts to your prospective employer.)
7. Thank the employer for considering your application.

Tips & Warnings

• Include a self-addressed, stampled envelope or postcard along with your cover letter, resume, and other application materials.
• Adapt the above format for letters of inquiry (to ask about possible positions).

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