How to Write a Cover Letter for Teaching History

A well-written cover letter helps you find a good job as a history teacher.

When applying for a history teaching position, perfect your cover letter just as you would your resume. The cover letter introduces you to your potential employer and provides him with a summary of your experience in both history and education. A poorly written cover letter may cause your potential employer to disregard your application before reading your resume.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Printer
• Bond paper

Instructions

1. Write a list of the points you want to make on a spare sheet of paper, keeping in mind that the final copy should be no more than two pages. Open a word processing program and start a new document. Choose a common font, such as Times New Roman 12-point size, and set the format to single-spaced with 1" margins.

2. Type a formal salutation directly addressing the recipient and state that you are applying for the history teacher position, and why. If you have common acquaintances or a reference for the position, mention it in this introduction.

3. Type the second paragraph, explaining in more detail why you are the right candidate for this teaching position. Describe your education and experience, including the degrees and certification you hold in history and any history teaching position you have held in the past. Explain what you believe you have to offer as a history teacher for this position.

4. Personalize the cover letter to the school or university you are applying to. If the school has any particular activities, organizations or clubs you feel you can contribute to as a sponsor, mention them specifically.

5. Include any further education, awards or accolades you have received related to the field of history. For example, mention your dissertation, articles on history you've had published in scholarly journals or historical associations you are a member of. Imply that your career is a work in progress, and that you are continually striving to grow as a teacher. Depending on whether you are applying for a short- or long-term position, you may want to emphasize different aspects of your experience and plans for the future.

6. Thank your potential employer for his time and consideration and write a formal closing. Mention any other documents, such as your resume, that you have included with the cover letter.

References

• Trinity College: "Write a Cover Letter"
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Academic Cover Letters