how to conclude an application letter for teaching

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How to Write an Application Letter for a Teaching Job

Last Updated: December 11, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC . Adrian Klaphaak is a career coach and founder of A Path That Fits, a mindfulness-based boutique career and life coaching company in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is also an accredited Co-Active Professional Coach (CPCC). Klaphaak has used his training with the Coaches Training Institute, Hakomi Somatic Psychology, and Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) to help thousands of people build successful careers and live more purposeful lives. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 92,786 times.

Applying for teaching positions can be daunting because of all of the materials you need to submit. Your cover letter is an especially important part of the application since it highlights your best skills. Writing an excellent cover letter can set you apart from other applicants, so it’s important to take your time and write a targeted letter for every application. Start by researching the position and getting all of the necessary information before you start writing. Then, use the intro and body paragraphs to emphasize your qualifications for the job. Conclude your letter by emphasizing your interest in the position and requesting an interview, and don’t forget to revise and proofread before you send your letter to the prospective employer.

Application Letter Template

Gathering Information Before Writing

• For example, if the position is for a Kindergarten teacher, then the position may indicate that you need to have undergone a preparatory teaching program.
• If the job posting is online, you can transfer the text into a word processor and highlight using the highlight tool.

• Make sure to find out the person’s preferred prefix. For example, if the hiring manager is a woman named Nancy Cardigan, ask if she goes by Ms., Mrs., or something else.

Warning : Never write “To whom it may concern” to start a cover letter! This is too informal and it makes your letter seem generic from the start.

• The school’s student population
• Special challenges facing the school, such as budgetary issues or overcrowding
• Extracurricular programs available to students

• For example, if you’re applying for a Spanish teacher position, you might want to mention your study abroad experience that enhanced your Spanish speaking skills, or your additional certification as a TESOL teacher.

Writing the Introduction and Body Paragraphs

• For example, you might list your address as “100 Main Street, Everytown, ND, 12345.”
• Then, after adding a space, list today’s date in long form, such as August 8th, 2019.

• For example, “Mrs. Sherri Mascarpone, Executive Director of Personnel, Sacramento School District, 1000 Johnson Lane, Sacramento, CA, 12345.”

• For example, you might start with “Dear Mr. Rodgers,” and then add a space and begin your introduction.

• For example, you might open with something like, “I’m writing to apply for the Math Teacher position that was advertised in this week’s paper.”
• It’s also a good idea to give the employer some indication of who you are, such as by mentioning where you attended school and when you graduated or expect to graduate. For example, you might follow your first sentence with something like, “As a recent graduate of Universal University’s teacher education program, I am well-qualified for the position.” [6] X Research source

• For example, you might write something like, “I’ve had a broad range of professional experiences that qualify me for the position, including working in the school district as a teacher’s aide while working on my college education, getting the opportunity to tutor at-risk youth in an after-school program run by a local charity, and completing my student teaching at this school.”

• For example, if you mention that you completed one of your student teaching rotations at the school you’re applying to work at, then you might expand on what you learned about the school and its teachers during that experience and how that knowledge would make you a good fit for this position.
• If you mentioned that you hold a special certification, then you might expand on how that could enhance your ability to fulfill the needs of the position to which you’re applying.

• For example, you might include a line about your persistence and refusal to give up on students who struggle with course material, or you might mention that your professors or former employers have praised you for your ingenuity in designing engaging lessons.

Tip : Try to be as specific as possible whenever you talk about your qualifications. Point to professional experiences, certifications, training, and other evidence to support your claims.

Concluding Your Letter

• For example, you might write something like, “Because of my professional experiences and special certifications, I’m very interested in the 7-12 French teacher position at Northwestern Central School.”

• Try saying something like, “Thank you for considering my application! I hope we can meet soon to discuss my qualifications further.” [14] X Research source
• You may also indicate when you’re available or suggest a time and date for an even stronger option. For example, you could say something like, “I’m available to meet in person most weekday mornings and on Friday afternoons.” Or, you could say, “I’m available next Friday afternoon between 1:00 and 4:00 pm if you’d like to schedule an interview.”

• For example, you might write something like, “My cell phone number is (123) 555-1234 and my email is [email protected].”

Tip : You can skip this if you have included this information on your resume.

Revising and Proofreading Your Letter

• For example, if the job posting emphasizes that the ideal candidate should have evidence that their teaching strategies are successful, then you might want to add more detail on the positive feedback you’ve received during teaching observations.

Tip : If you’re a recent graduate or student applying for a teaching position, you might ask your advisor to review your cover letter for you and provide feedback. If they’re unavailable, visit your college’s career development center and ask one of the career counselors to review it for you.

• Not making your letter more than 1 page long
• Describing your skills using action verbs similar to the ones in the job posting
• Avoiding long, intricate sentences that may be difficult to follow

• Try reading the letter out loud to help you spot any errors that you might miss while reading the letter silently.
• Don’t rely on your word processing software to catch errors. These programs are not foolproof for spotting errors.

• If you need to submit the letter electronically, convert it to PDF format.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.snc.edu/careers/employment/teachereducation/coverletter.html
• ↑ https://newmanu.edu/nth-degree/what-to-look-for-when-choosing-a-teaching-program
• ↑ Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC. Career Coach. Expert Interview. 18 December 2018.
• ↑ https://your.yale.edu/sites/default/files/maximizing_your_coverletter_guide_2016.pdf
• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/assignments/coverletters/

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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.

Teacher Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

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Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifiting to write your cover letter in seconds.

Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Example

Art Teacher Cover Letter Example

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

• 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

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 Mr. Thatcher:
• 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:

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.

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.

Thank you for your consideration,

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. 

Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation

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  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.

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

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Substitute Teacher Cover Letter

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Elementary Teacher Cover Letter

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Daycare Teacher Cover Letter

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Tips to Write an Ideal Teaching Job Application Letter

05/02/2024 11:09

Securing a teaching position requires more than just meeting the qualifications; it demands a compelling application that showcases your passion, expertise, and readiness to contribute to a school’s educational mission. The application letter, often the first point of contact with a potential employer, plays a crucial role in making a memorable impression. Here’s how to craft an application letter that stands out.

Crafting a Compelling Opening

The first impression matters significantly, especially when it comes to job application letters. Your opening paragraph should immediately capture the reader's interest by concisely introducing yourself and expressing your enthusiasm for the teaching position. It’s crucial to mention how you came across the job listing and articulate why you are particularly excited about the opportunity to join their institution.

This section sets the tone for the rest of your letter, so highlighting your genuine interest and alignment with the school’s mission or values can make a powerful impact. It’s also important to state the specific teaching position you’re applying for, ensuring there's no ambiguity about your intentions. A strong opening not only piques the interest of the hiring committee but also positions you as a candidate who is both informed and passionate about the opportunity at hand.

Sharing Your Teaching Philosophy

Your teaching philosophy is a reflection of your educational beliefs and methodologies, which is why it is a pivotal part of your application letter. This is where you get to share your perspective on education and detail how you plan to bring these beliefs to life in the classroom. Discussing your philosophy provides insights into your teaching style and how you engage with students to facilitate learning and growth.

To make this section resonate, incorporate specific examples from your teaching career that illustrate your philosophy in action. Whether it’s a unique approach to classroom management, a particularly successful lesson plan, or strategies you've used to accommodate diverse learning styles, these examples demonstrate your ability to translate theory into practice. This part of your letter not only conveys your passion and dedication to teaching but also showcases your capacity for reflective practice and continuous improvement.

Highlighting Relevant Experience and Achievements

In detailing your experience, it's crucial to go beyond merely listing your previous positions. This section of your letter should vividly describe the roles you've undertaken and the impact you've had on your students and the educational institutions where you've worked. Highlighting your educational background, especially focusing on any areas of specialization relevant to the job you’re applying for, shows that you possess the knowledge and skills required for the position.

Discussing your teaching experience, make sure to detail specific responsibilities you’ve held and achievements you’ve accomplished, such as improvements in student performance, innovative teaching methods you’ve introduced, or contributions you’ve made to curriculum development. By providing a narrative of your career that showcases growth, adaptability, and success, you not only prove your qualifications but also demonstrate your commitment to fostering an enriching learning environment.

Demonstrating Knowledge of the School

Showing that you have taken the time to research and understand the school you are applying to can significantly strengthen your application. Mentioning particular programs, values, or aspects of the school’s culture that align with your own educational philosophy and teaching style illustrates that you are not just looking for any job but are interested in this specific role at this particular institution.

Discussing how your skills and experiences make you well-suited to address the school’s current challenges or contribute to its goals underscores your potential value as a member of their teaching team. This tailored approach not only signifies your genuine interest in the position but also showcases your proactive attitude and readiness to contribute meaningfully to the school community.

Concluding with Confidence

Your concluding paragraph is an opportunity to reiterate your strong interest in the teaching position and your belief in your suitability for the role. Politely requesting an interview to further discuss how you can contribute to the school shows initiative and eagerness to move forward in the application process. Providing your contact information and expressing your willingness to supply additional materials or references as needed is also crucial.

Ending your letter by thanking the reader for considering your application not only is courteous but also leaves a lasting positive impression. A well-crafted conclusion can reinforce your enthusiasm and readiness to join their educational team, making your application memorable.

Crafting an effective teaching job application letter requires a thoughtful balance of personal introduction, professional achievements, and a demonstrated understanding of the prospective school’s values and needs. By meticulously addressing each of these areas, you present yourself as a well-rounded, dedicated, and dynamic candidate, ready to make a significant impact in the educational field.

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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

Make a great first impression! Continue Reading

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Teaching Job Application Letter Writing Tips With Examples

Have you ever been told you don’t need an application letter for a teaching job? Based on my conversations with many academic hiring authorities, you NEED one.

One of the most essential parts of the academic job search process is your teaching job application letter. Even a cover letter for a new teacher with no experience is critical. Grab a coffee, relax, and review these application letter writing tips to give you ideas to create your own.

Why would you risk not sending an application letter?

It is usually the first thing a school administrator or district superintendent looks at when hiring a new teacher applicant. An application letter, or a teacher cover letter, is how you introduce yourself as a teacher candidate. A one-page letter allows you to convey your passion, relevant expertise, credentials, and skills. Make sure you are not guilty of writing a long-winded cover letter .

Please don’t make it too short; you must communicate your value. It’s a balancing act!

How you write your application letter for a teaching job will determine if you will convince the reader to move on to your academic teaching resume and be offered a job interview. You must develop a hard-hitting, attention-grabbing application or cover letter with relevant keywords, teaching accomplishments, and action words that prove your worth as a teacher candidate.

Formatting a teacher application letter properly can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with technology and using word processing programs. It is best to match the resume formatting used to create your resume to keep your presentation consistent.

Writing an Application Letter Takes Time – Don’t Rush

First paragraph of your academic application letter.

The first paragraph of your application letter for a teaching position should address the position of interest and the fact that you are submitting your resume for consideration. A hiring school administrator may be looking to fill several positions; therefore, it is necessary to let the reader know right away which position is interesting. Other topics to incorporate into the opening portion of your cover letter include:

• Educational credentials, i.e., Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree • Teaching certifications and licenses • Years of classroom experience or related expertise

If you are a student teacher or a new classroom teacher, you do not need to include your years of experience. Instead, it would be best to focus on the credentials, skills, commitment, and enthusiasm you bring to the classroom.

Including more in-depth, relevant details when writing your student teacher resume will provide the reader with additional qualifications and evidence of accomplishments. Don’t go overboard with including too many specific details when writing the cover letter .

Middle Paragraph of a Teacher’s Application Letter

Certain things within your application letter for a teaching position should be included to ensure you stand out from your competition. One of the best ways to skyrocket your resume straight to the top of the “to read” pile is by uncovering and including your teaching accomplishments .

These should be unique, quantifiable, and exceptional achievements that impress the reader. For instance, you may have differentiated instruction in your classroom, which is now expected of all educators. Therefore, you need to say how you could differentiate instruction and what it accomplished for your students.

Teaching Application Letter Example Sentence s

“Surveying students to understand their diverse interests, and by incorporating technology and literature geared toward these, I was able to effectively facilitate all types and levels of learners, and leave students eager to learn more.”

“Integrating popular literature, innovative technology, and multidisciplinary units allows me to pique student interest, demonstrate real-world connections, and accommodate multiple intelligences.”

As mentioned before, quantifiable accomplishments are preferential to use in your educator cover letter, as they are a way of proving you are a successful teacher. Using facts and numbers is an excellent method for capturing your skills and talents in the classroom.

Examples of academic resume accomplishments:

• Incorporating a literature circle, literature-based units, and exciting group projects raised student reading levels by at least one level by the end of the school year.”
• A struggling and discontent student started the school year with a minimum passing grade of 55%. I provided after-school tutoring and individualized instruction during class time and worked with his parents to ensure further education in the home. By the end of the school year, the same student had developed a new appreciation for the school and passed with a grade of 81%.”

However, there may be other teaching accomplishments that haven’t even come to mind yet. Once again, you don’t want to include too much. Another place to communicate your authenticity is by writing a teaching philosophy statement . We call this an added job search marketing document. It gets results!

Uncover Relevant Teaching Accomplishments by  Answering These Questions

Have you pioneered any teaching techniques or educational programs that have proven successful in your school?

Were you asked to fill in for the assistant principal due to your leadership skills?

Did you receive an award from the school or district commending you on your instructional abilities?

These are all worth mentioning in your teacher application letter and resume.

Final Paragraph Writing Ideas

Make sure you thank the reader for their time and that you are looking forward to hearing from them soon. Address any points you feel do not fall into the standard categories (experience, credentials, achievements, strengths). Mention you are willing to participate in extra-curricular activities and lead school sports or clubs. If, of course, this is true!

Additional Application Letter Writing Tips for Educators

As mentioned earlier, your teaching job application letter should follow the same format as your teacher’s resume. Maintaining consistency between your documents ensures the hiring administrator can match them quickly.

For example, if you use a border in your application letter, use the same border in your resume. All fonts and sizes should match. Academic credentials should be similar (i.e., Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education). Maintaining consistency will demonstrate attention to detail and organization.

The site has tons of resume and cover letter samples for your review.

Contact me , Candace, if you need help writing your education application letter or any other job search document.

Review our academic resume and application letter packages and services .

Next post: 6 Educational Leadership Resume Writing Tips [Sample Accomplishments]

Previous post: First-Year Teacher CV or Resume Writing Tips Using Education Internships

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Sample Letter of Introduction for Teachers

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If you’re searching for a teaching job, sending an introduction letter can be a great way to make a first and lasting impression with a hiring manager. Here’s a basic outline to follow as you write your teaching letter of introduction, with examples included.

1. Make an Introduction

State the reason why you’re reaching out and express your knowledge and interest in the school.

“I’m reaching out to inquire about the availability of an elementary teaching position at Smithville School District. Smithville is known for its integrity, collaboration, and innovation, which are all values I strongly align with. I especially like what your district is doing with its “KidsTek” initiative and incorporating technology in the classroom. As a new teacher, I am excited about the opportunity to begin my career in a school system with your outstanding reputation.”

2. Highlight Your Skills and Education

Explain how your career plans, skills, education, or experiences are relevant to the school and how they could coincide with the district's values and goals.

“I recently received my elementary education degree from Western Governors University, where I took courses focused on social and emotional learning, technology, and diversity inclusion in the classroom. While pursuing my education, I also worked part-time as a teacher’s assistant at Gainsbrook Elementary School. This experience taught me how to manage larger class sizes, work with kids of various skill levels and backgrounds, and use technology to encourage learning and retention. In addition, I’ve studied and continue to stay up to date on the latest educational software, such as SMARTboard, Nearpod, and Google Classroom. I believe this knowledge is particularly relevant given your district’s commitment to technology and innovation in the classroom.”

3. Showcase Your Passion

Express your enthusiasm for teaching and the qualities that you feel make you a good fit for the role or school.

“While I’ve always felt driven to be an elementary school educator, the joy I felt from facilitating the growth and development of the students at Gainsbrook only reaffirmed my passion. Although I’ll continue to hone my teaching skills as I work in the classroom, I believe that my enthusiasm, positive attitude, and hands-on experience working with the students at Gainsbrook will make me an excellent educator. I look forward to a career where I can help shape young minds and make a difference in the lives of the kids in my own community.”

4. Reference Other Application Materials

Before you conclude your letter, direct the reader to any additional application materials you’ve attached, and close the letter with a thank you.

“Attached is my résumé, which will give you more information regarding my professional preparation and experiences. If you have any questions or if there’s any additional information I can provide, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I appreciate your time and look forward to speaking with you should a position become available at Smithville School District in the future.”

Sample Letter of Introduction for Recent Teaching Graduates

The following is an example of a teacher introduction letter sent from a recent graduate, to an employer that hasn't advertised a job opening.

Dear Mr. Smith,

I’m reaching out to inquire about the availability of an elementary teaching position at Smithville School District. Smithville is known for its integrity, collaboration, and innovation, which are all values I strongly align with. I especially like what your district is doing with its “KidsTek” initiative and incorporating technology in the classroom. As a new teacher, I am excited about the opportunity to begin my career in a school system with your outstanding reputation.

I recently received my elementary education degree from Western Governors University, where I took courses focused on social and emotional learning, technology, and diversity inclusion in the classroom. While pursuing my education, I also worked part-time as a teacher’s assistant at Gainsbrook Elementary School. This experience taught me how to manage larger class sizes, work with kids of various skill levels and backgrounds, and use technology to encourage learning and retention. In addition, I’ve studied and continue to stay up-to-date on the latest educational software, such as SMARTboard, Nearpod, and Google Classroom. I believe this knowledge is particularly relevant given your district’s commitment to technology and innovation in the classroom. 

While I’ve always felt driven to be an elementary school educator, the joy I felt from facilitating the growth and development of the students at Gainsbrook only reaffirmed my passion. Although I’ll continue to hone my teaching skills as I work in the classroom, I believe that my enthusiasm, positive attitude, and hands-on experience working with the students at Gainsbrook will make me an excellent educator. I look forward to a career where I can help shape young minds and make a difference in the lives of the kids in my own community.

Attached is my résumé which will give you more information regarding my professional preparation and experiences. If you have any questions or if there’s any additional information I can provide, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I appreciate your time and look forward to speaking with you should a position become available at Smithville School District in the future.

Sincerely, 

[Signature]

[email/phone number/address]

444 Grand Avenue

Boston, MA 89827

Sample Letter of Introduction for a Teacher with Experience

Below is an example of a teacher introduction letter sent from an experienced teacher to an employer that hasn't advertised a job opening.

I’m reaching out to introduce myself and express my interest in teaching at ABC Academy. As a secondary English teacher for more than nine years, I’ve dedicated my career to helping students of all levels master the language skills and concepts they need to prepare them for life beyond high school, and I’d love to continue that path at ABC Academy.

In my current position, I teach literature, writing, and reading comprehension to students in grades 9 through 12. Over my nine years of teaching, I’ve managed to successfully increase my student’s reading and writing comprehension test scores every year for the last five years.

In my pursuit of lifelong learning, I’ve made it a point to stay up to date on the most current teaching methods, including Cooperative Learning and Flipped Classroom. I’ve also earned an ELL and ESL certification from Western Governors University, where I mastered concepts such as subject-specific pedagogy, language production, and theories of second language acquisition.

Even with the challenges of the current educational landscape, the feeling of watching my students have that “aha” learning moment never gets old. I’m passionate about forging relationships with students that build a sense of confidence and enable them to grow as learners.

I’m extremely enthusiastic about ABC Academy’s focus on language arts and would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the success and continued improvement of your learning initiatives. For this reason, I'd love to learn about any upcoming teaching roles in your district or be considered for any openings later down the road. My résumé is attached, and my contact details are listed in my email signature below.

Thank you for your time, and please let me know if there’s any additional information I can provide for you.

555 Grand Avenue

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Job tips for teachers: how to write a winning application

Helen sadler, art and design teacher, hammersmith and fulham.

It's the personal statement that will get you short listed: The application form is standard, it's the personal statement that will get you short listed. No more than two sides of A4 it should show how and why you teach and who you are as a person. It should not be a list.

Always read the specification, if it says you are required to teach A-level and you don't or don't mention a willingness to learn it shows you haven't read it. If you are applying for a job in a different area to where you live explain why. Check who the application needs to be sent to, don't just send it to the headteacher. It sounds obvious but make sure you get their name right.

Gaps in employment make it look like you're hiding something, whatever the reason highlight all the positives for gaps. If you have worked in a different sector think about the transferable skills you have. Be honest, don't be tempted to change that D to a C in your qualifications. If you get the job they WILL check.

If interviewed you will be questioned using your personal statement. Don't say you do certain things in the statement but then can't give real examples when interviewed. Be enthusiastic about your subject, why do you teach it, what do you enjoy. Include hobbies on your personal statement, it makes you a more rounded person. But don't include 'socialising with friends' as basically it means getting wasted.

If you only have your training experience include all the schools you have trained in, say what you have learnt, how they are different, what you enjoyed. You could be up against teachers with years of experience. Use any particularly good comments from observations in your personal statement. This is really useful if you are a NQT. Don't be negative about any previous schools.

Chris Hildrew, deputy head teacher, Chew Valley School , Bristol

Successful applicants explain why they are applying for this particular job at this particular school: When sifting through a pile of applications I can usually halve the pile by getting rid of those making basic mistakes. These include poorly proofread or inaccurate letters (there's nothing quite so off-putting as finding the wrong school or head teacher's name left over from the previous time that letter was used), application forms incorrectly completed, and those who feel obliged to include more than is asked for.

I don't want to see your CV unless I've asked for one. I don't want to see a portfolio of PowerPoint presentations you've developed. I don't want a testimonial from your summer job behind the bar in the student union. I want what I've asked for please - letter and form. Form and letter. Thank you.

Straight to the top of the pile go those whose letters explain why they are applying for this particular job at this particular school. Also a winner are those who show exactly how they fit the person specification not only through what they've already done but what they'd like to do next. Above all, though, I like to know exactly why the applicant is a teacher in the first place. A good application will get you the interview; a good interview will get you the job.

Doug Belshaw, former teacher and senior leader and author of #getthatjob

Be selective, rather than scattergun: One of the best things you can do when applying for jobs is to be selective. It's easy to get desperate, either because of money or stress, but it's important to make sure that you've done your homework on what you might be letting yourself in for. Read everything you can online and, if the deadline's far enough away, phone the school and ask them to send you anything (newsletters, for example) that aren't on their website.

There's two benefits to going deep rather than employing a scattergun approach. First, you'll be sure that it's the kind of place you can work. And second, you'll have done 'due diligence' and be in a better position than other candidates to show how you'd fit right in. At interview and on the application you can use examples from the school's recent history to show how you could make an impact straight away.

Finally, be an enlarged version of yourself both on paper (and at interview). It's the best advice I ever received for 'performing' in the classroom and it stood me in very good stead when snagging a job that rocketed me from classroom teacher straight to senior management.

Peter Lee, assistant vice principal, Q3 Academy , Birmingham

Make your application personal to the school and write about why you love teaching: As part of my role I read through numerous written application as part of the job application process. Here are some of my top tips.

Make sure your application is personal to the school – i.e. quote from the Ofsted report, latest exam results, ethos and so on If your application sounds like you've generated a whole host and it's not personal to the school then it's likely to remain at the bottom of the pile Visit the school before handing the application form in – that way you can get a real feel for the school Check spelling and give to another person to proofread any SPAG errors Make sure there are no gaps in your employment history Explain what you will bring that is extra if successful – so what skills can you bring / what extra-curricular opportunities would you be willing to offer? Be positive – write about why you love teaching List any areas in which you have added value – i.e. specific class residuals/meeting whole school or departmental targets

Kirstie Thomas, head of history, Lewis School , Pengam, South Wales

Look at what the school's needs and have ideas for addressing them: I recently had to appoint a new teacher, the main criteria the school was looking for was what else could that teacher offer, and many applications did not make the shortlist as they did not explicitly say what I was looking for. Applicants need to include the other subjects they are able to teach; NQTs should look at doing a secondary subject to improve their initial letter.

An awareness of current educational practice is good but do not write in great depth and waste time and space about it. Have a vision for after school or lunchtime clubs; something they have done or if an NQT something they would like to do, it could be linked to curriculum or an additional free choice, but they should look at school needs and try to offer something interesting and different.

Any previous work although unconnected to education can be phrased in such a way that it gives a sense of transferable skills. Most importantly, the letters should be spell checked and proofread. With a literacy agenda in school I disregarded three letters that were full of basic spelling mistakes and seemed rushed and were poorly written.

Sally Law, principal teacher of English, Marr College , Troon

Show off your vocabulary and try to make applications interesting to read: I appointed two new English teachers this season and had a few gripes with applications. The most irritating, and surprising, problem was the applicants' seeming lack of vocabulary. For English teachers this isn't good although I think it stems from applicants thinking they must use the current jargon so the same words just keep popping up over and over again.

So I would say be a bit more flexible with vocabulary although not to the point of overdoing it with the thesaurus. If there was one more thing it would be to vary sentence structure too and absolutely avoid starting every sentence with 'I'.

John Bull, year 5 teacher, Thursfield Primary School, Stoke-on-Trent

Visit a school before you apply: Headteachers get many applications from many individuals. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make the headteacher want to meet them by making their application stand out. Sometimes that might be in creative ways, like changing the colour of the fonts for different parts of the CV. Not being too effusive is also a good tip. Be positive but not overconfident. Expect the headteacher to want to see you, by writing this as an end paragraph 'I look forward to meeting you at interview.' Always visit a school before you apply. You might not be right for them as well as them not being right for you.

This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional . To get articles direct to your inbox, and to access thousands of free resources, sign up to the Guardian Teacher Network here . Looking for your next role? See our Guardian jobs for schools site for thousands of the latest teaching, leadership and support jobs

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Teaching job application letter examples (+ PDF and MS Word samples)

This article will show how to write write teacher jobs application letter so you increase your chances of landing the job. We'll provide samples of teacher job application letter here and also in PDF and MS Word that you can use as a template.

• Tips for writing teacher job application letter

Sample application letter for teacher

• Download sample application letters for the post of teacher

Before getting start writing the application letter for teaching job, here are some tips that will help you do it best:

Tips for writing teacher job application cover letter

• Know about the school you're applying for and the specific requirements for the job position
• Emphasise on your academic and extracurricular experience, especially as it applies to the job you're applying for
• Highlight your experiences and accomplishments but as much as possible keep those relevant to the job you're applying for
• As much as possible, know the name of the person you should address the letter to. It is better to use a name in the recipient's address than to use some generic "Dear Sir/Madam"
• Proofread and do proper spelling checks before submitting the letter
• Use a suitable font such as Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri

Jumoke Lawson 123 Yaba Ugo Street Yaba Lagos [email protected]

September 24, 2021

Mr. Umar Kabiru Green Peak School 123 Main Street Victoria Island Lagos

Dear Mr. Umar,

I am interested in applying for a secondary teaching position in your school. As a graduate of Yaba College of Education, I have required teaching experience on the JSS 1, 2 and 3 level, in both Physics and Mathematics. I believe my years of teaching experience, coupled with my passion for community engagement make me an ideal candidate for this teaching position.

I am currently teaching JSS 2 students at Bright Stars Secondary School and I have experience teaching secondary school students in a variety of settings. Having held the position of education coordinator at my previous roles, I also have experience in management in the school system. Based on my understanding that this position requires a teacher with varied experiences in the school system, I think my varied experiences would make me a valuable asset for your school.

Part of your school's mission is to engage students from diverse cultures. I have extensive experience incorporating teaching styles that promote cultural diversity and inclusion into my classrooms. For example, as a teacher at Bright Stars Secondary School, I helped the management incorporate Culture Times in the extracurricular activities for the students, which helps students learn about the different cultures of fellow students in a fun way.

My goal is to combine my wide experience and quality of being a compassionate and intelligent teacher to make positive contributions that will benefit your students, school district and community at large.

I hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely, [signature hard copy letter] Jumoke Lawson

Don't forget to download Teachers Registration Council Of Nigeria (TRCN) Past Questions and Answers .

Download application letters for the post of teacher in PDF and MS Word

Grab a free sample of Teacher Job Application Letter (MS Word) OR Teacher Job Application Letter (PDF) .

Wishing you all the best in your interview and that you ultimately land the job!

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How to Write an Application Letter in Nigeria for a Teaching Job

Teaching Jobs in Nigeria happens to be one of the most popular jobs in Nigeria. Teaching as a career field is usually many people's choice in Nigeria because it gives room for different people at different levels in their careers.

Whether you are a secondary school graduate, an OND holder, a BSC holder, etc. you can easily start a career in teaching in Nigeria, especially in rural areas. Teaching is one of the desired jobs for fresh graduates that are just leaving the University.

This is because it allows them to make some money for themselves while they try to discover their career path, and build their work experience.

Although, many people say that a teachers’ reward is in heaven. While I acknowledge that, employers and school owners are still looking to hire skilled teachers.

Teaching jobs have become competitive, and with competition comes effort. That means that you have to put in more effort to convince the employer/the recruiter that you are the best person for the job.

The best way for you to tell the employer that you are the best person for the job is through your application letter. Your application letter allows you to sell yourself, especially for a teaching job.

It may be difficult for you to sell yourself through your application letter if you don’t know how to write one. In this article, we are going to walk you through all you need to know to write an application letter.

Before we go into the details, let us take a look at what an application letter is.

Learn how to write a general application letter for any job role.

What is an application letter?

An application letter is a formal document that summarizes your strongest and most relevant skills and abilities. The skills, abilities, and experience that you talk about in your application letter are what the recruiter or employer will expend on during the interview.

The application letter allows you to convince the recruiter that you are the best person for the job right before they meet with you.

Since you understand what an application letter is, we will go ahead to talk about tips that will help you write a good application letter for a teaching job in Nigeria.  

Apply for teaching jobs in Nigeria

How to write an application letter for a teaching job in Nigeria

When it comes to writing an application letter for a teaching job in Nigeria, it is quite different from other professions and roles. This is because teaching is a field that requires great communication skills to impact students and inspire them to learn more.

These tips for writing a good application letter for a teaching job will help you to explain yourself to your potential employers and relate your unique skills and experience to the job description of the job that you are looking to get.

If you want to write a good application letter for a teaching job, then you should follow this format:

• Start by including your address, contact information, and date. Address the letter to the right person.
• Introduce yourself in the first paragraph and talk about where you saw the job vacancy.
• Talk about your education and other certifications that make you the best person for the job.
• Talk about your experience in teaching and the achievements that you have gotten so far.
• You can conclude with a positive closing.

Are you interested in security jobs? Learn how to write an application letter for a security job in Nigeria

1. Start by including your address, contact information, and date.

When you start writing your application letter for a teaching job, you must add your address and contact information. It would be easy for employers to reach out to you when you include your contact details and address in your application letter.

Your contact details and your address should look like this in your application letter:

23 Rogers Lane,

Williams Estates,

26th January 2022.

You should also include the school’s address after yours. It should also appear like this in your application letter:

Susan Peters,

Head Teacher/School Administrator,

Great Height International School.

Ikeja, Lagos.

2. Address the letter to the right person

You need to address your application letter to the right person when you are applying for a teaching job in Nigeria. It is better for you to directly address the right person in your application letter instead of saying;  “Hiring manager”  or  “to whom it may concern”.

You should do some research to find out the right person to address your application letter. You can visit the school’s website to find out the right person to address. You can also contact the school to find out the person in charge of recruitment.

3. Introduce yourself in the first paragraph and talk about where you saw the job vacancy.

Start your application letter by introducing yourself. You can start by talking about where you saw the job advert, then go ahead to talk about why you are interested in the position. Also, talk about what makes you the best candidate for the position.

You can also include information about yourself that would give the recruiter a better understanding of who you are and how you fit into the organization.

4. Talk about your education and other certifications that make you the best person for the job.

Teaching is a profession, and as such your educational qualifications and certifications goes a long way to determine if you would get the job. Every employer wants to hire a qualified teacher, and also someone that is certified to teach.

It is smart for you to talk about your education in your application letter to give the employer a background of your qualification. You can also state your grades or the name of the institution that you graduated from especially if it is of high repute.

You can also talk about how you became interested in teaching. This will give the employer a glimpse of who you are and how you fit into the role.

5. Talk about your experience in teaching and the achievements that you have gotten so far.

When it comes to getting a teaching job in Nigeria, your experience is extremely important. Including your teaching experience in your application letter gives the employer an idea of your expertise in teaching.

You can talk about your experience in a way that the employer can see how you have progressed in your career. If you don’t have teaching experience, you can still talk about the experience that you have that is related to teaching.

For instance, if you have worked with the learning and development department in a corporate organization, you can talk about your experience in the company.

Always talk about your teaching experience that focuses on the accomplishments that you are most proud of.  

6. You can include your teaching techniques and values.

It is good that you outline how you like to teach, and the values you follow as a teacher shows more about who you are as an educator. You should include details about how you have built the value that you follow when you teach students.

You can also mention some of the skills that you have that makes you a great teacher. You can also make the employer understand the style of teaching that is most appropriate for the kind of students that you are looking to teach.

7. You can conclude with a positive closing.

It is good that you close your letter politely and positively by showing your appreciation to the reader for considering you for a role. You can include information about how you plan to follow up, indicate whether you want to call the hiring manager or send an email.

The final paragraph of your application letter should leave an impression on the recruiter or employer.

Application Letter for a Teaching Job in Nigeria

This application letter example for a teaching job in Nigeria will guide you to write yours. You can take a clue from this example while trying to write your application letter.

089 (0000) (000)

[email protected]

Dear MRS Susan,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF A CLASS TEACHER

I am writing this application letter in response to the open position for a class teacher at Great Height International School. I am a second-class graduate of the College of Education Lagos, and I have over 2 years of teachings experience at both the primary and secondary school’s levels. I believe that my passion for literacy in rural communities makes me an ideal candidate for a teaching position at your school.

I have experience in teaching secondary school students both professionally and in training. I have worked as a student teacher and a teaching assistant in the beginning part of my career. As a former education coordinator during my National Youth Service Corps. I also have experience in teaching primary school students. From the job description, I can see that your school caters for both children in local communities and children in urban areas. I think that my experience with local communities will make me a great candidate.

From my research, one advantage that your school has over other schools is how it inspires students to be a part of community development programs. I am passionate about building a safer environment so I try to incorporate it into my learning plans. In my previous job, I led a team of secondary school students to plant trees around the school’s compound. I would love to look for ways to integrate community development into my lessons.

I look forward to combining my years of experience with my ability to be a compassionate, passionate, and enthusiastic teacher who will make a positive contribution to your school and the community at large. 

I appreciate your consideration for the role, and I look forward to speaking with you further regarding the position. I am happy to answer any additional questions you may have.

John Adams.

Application Letter Template for a Teaching Job in Nigeria

If you are still not clear about how you can write a good application letter for a teaching job in Nigeria, then this template will guide you.

[Your name]

[Your phone number]

[Your email address]

[Recipient's name]

[Recipient's title]

[Recipient's institution name]

[Recipient's address]

Dear [Recipient's name],

[In the first paragraph, talk about where you found the job vacancy, explain the job you're applying for and why you're interested in it. Summarize why you are the best person for the job]

[In the second paragraph, describe your educational background and how it relates to the role.]

[In the third paragraph, detail any relevant work experience you have.]

[In the fourth paragraph, describe your teaching style to show how it could fit in with the school, the show a bit of your personality].

Writing an application letter for a competitive job like teaching can be challenging especially if the school is sought after by job candidates. If you have never written an application letter for a teaching job in Nigeria, then you may be a little bit confused.

If you are not sure about where to start from, you can use the teaching job application letter example or the teaching job application letter template to write an attention-getting application letter.

Do you have any questions? Let us know in the comment box below.

Staff Writer

24 comment(s).

Good work,keep it up

Please help me write the application and send it for me 

Send me the letter please

Pls help me write an application letter to a school i want to start teaching

How can I write an application for a teacher

Please how can I write an application letter to a school showing that I am not done with my degrees in n the university. I will be grateful if you can help me write and send it to me.

Down bridge primary care secondary School ashaka

Please help me

Pls hhelp me write an application letter a primary  school 

Please help me write to a nursery school

Please help me write the application letter and send it to me please 

Primary school my name is Feyikemi

How can I write an applican to a school teacher 

Wow... this is nice

Please am still a secondary school students how I can write a application letter as a teacher 

Please how can I write when have not teach before please can you help me out it's my fist time 

Please,help write the application letter of an assistant teacher in primary school,this is my first time,I don't know-how to go about it,pl please help me out,and send it to me

Please help me write application letter  for teaching job as a secondary school graduate

Great work.  But the comment section is funny. He gave a template and even a sample. Yet you all are still requesting him to write letter for you. Wow. Will he still help to write lesson notes as well. Nigerians

Looks like most of the people commenting on this article can't even write a letter even when the article has taken the stress of explaining and providing templates for it, so my question then is, why even bother trying to be a teacher? what exactly do you have to offer if you are not literate enough to write an application letter honestly you shouldn't be teaching. While you are learning how to write a teaching application letter, maybe you should also learn these that'll keep you employed, "IF" you actually get accepted

Thank u 

Please help me write an application letter to a private primary school.

Leave a Comment

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Wayne Grudem to End Teaching Career The best-selling author announced retirement in recent letter

Wayne Grudem, research professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary in Arizona, announced his teaching career is coming to an end.

Wayne Grudem / Photo courtesy of Phoenix Seminary

“I walked out of the classroom with a kind of weariness that I don’t remember feeling before,” Grudem wrote in a recent letter. “The combination of my Parkinson’s disease, my prostate cancer and its treatments, and my 76 years of age all are combining, and the result is that I don’t have the energy that I have previously had.” After seeking advice, he said he reached the decision “that this would be my last semester of teaching.”

In addition to his role at Phoenix Seminary, Grudem taught at Bethel College in St. Paul and then at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School for 20 years. Over the last 47 years, Grudem has taught more than 9,000 students. He has also served as co-founder and former president of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood and president of the Evangelical Theological Society.

“Wayne’s literary contribution in a number of biblical and cultural areas has been profound and formative: spiritual, theological, exegetical, business, political, ethical issues have all been addressed by this theologian,” wrote Tom Nettles , who most recently worked as professor of Historical Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. “Application of biblical principles to political issues is a mark of Grudem’s sense of stewardship of the whole life… Wayne does not shy away from all the tough issues.”

Grudem has authored more than 100 academic articles and 20 books, including his bestselling “ Systematic Theology .” Grudem was the General Editor for the “ ESV Study Bible ” (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association Book of the Year) published in 2008. The ESV Study Bible has sold more than 1 million copies.

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“Having disagreements with some of the translation theory of the TNIV , Wayne gave much time, energy, and theological expertise to that project from its beginning to its completion,” Nettles wrote. “He served on the Translation Oversight Committee for the translation itself and as General Editor for the ESV study Bible.”

Grudem shared his perspective on his next phase of life: “I find it interesting that I’m not thinking of old age as something to be feared. It rather feels like I’ve been running a long race and I’ve turned a corner and now I see the finish line in the distance. Thinking that perhaps 80% of the race is over is, for me, a comforting feeling.”

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To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10) , the UND Alumni Association & Foundation is excited to honor all UND faculty and staff in a special way. If you’re on campus Monday, May 6, please stop by our table on the first floor in the Memorial Union from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. so we can treat you to a donut and some swag.

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How to Write a Strong Letter of Recommendation for College

If you’re a college counselor, coach, teacher, or mentor looking to support your college-bound students, chances are you’ve been asked to write a strong letter of recommendation. Stand-out letters of recommendation can give students a serious leg-up during college admissions. According to a 2024 post from Admit Report , college admissions officers will read as many as than 50,000 applications per admission cycle for a given university.

With that much competition, it can take a lot to help your student stand out. So, what catches an admissions officer’s eye? Strong letters of recommendation.

In that same survey, admissions counselors said letters of recommendation were more important to them than a student’s extracurricular activities, AP test scores, or even class rank. That means it’s worth putting a little extra effort into your next letter. Here’s how to write a college letter of recommendation that will blow the admission committee’s socks off. 

Need more help? Check out Going Merry’s high school counselor hub for email templates, how-to’s, and other resources.

Introduction

The introduction is one of the most important parts of your letter. This is your chance to hook the reader and draw them in. Here’s how to ace one common recommendation letter format. 

1. Open with a formal salutation

Your letter of recommendation should begin like any business letter. Keep in mind that, while common, “Dear Sir or Madam,” can feel gendered or outdated. “To Whom It May Concern,” is acceptable but can feel a little impersonal. If you can, find out the name of the admissions director. If you can’t find a direct contact, simply address your letter to “Dear Admissions Counselor.” Be sure to type on your official letterhead to give your letter an even more professional look.  

2. Introduce the student 

Start your first paragraph with a sentence or two explaining how long you’ve known the student and in what capacity. Were you their baseball coach, English teacher, or high school counselor ? Explain how you met. If possible, use a little descriptive detail to bring this anecdote to life, and mention your first impressions of the student. It’s usually standard to use the student’s first and last name upon first mention, then refer to them by their first name going forward.

3. Establish a personal connection 

Next, add a sentence or two demonstrating your connection to the student. This is one of the most crucial parts of writing a strong college letter of recommendation. Admissions officers are looking for endorsements from people who really know the candidate well. If you don’t have a personal connection to the student that goes beyond simply being their teacher or counselor, that’s okay. Remember, you can always say no and encourage them to ask someone else to write their letter instead.

One of the best ways to establish this connection and help a student stand out is to tell a memorable story that illustrates their character. Include an example of a time when their qualities or skills really shone. Maybe this is a story about how they stepped up in a leadership position, reacted well in a moment of success or failure, or went out of their way to help another student. Make sure it’s specific and personalized.

Use this section to paint a picture of this young person and explain what makes them stand out. 

1. Highlight the student’s achievements  

Use the next paragraph to mention the student’s top accomplishments. Keep in mind that the admissions officer will already have the student’s resume and GPA in front of them, so don’t waste time listing a bunch of achievements. 

Instead, mention a specific example or short anecdote that might add color to a prominent resume item. For example, the admissions officer probably already knows that your student is a varsity basketball player or a debate team captain. But if this is the hardest-working student-athlete you’ve ever coached or the most brilliant debater the school has ever seen, that’s worth a mention.

Another tip: While it can be helpful to use a letter template , try to avoid using the same formula for every student on your list. College admissions officers are often assigned to a particular region. That means the same person will likely end up reading the same high school teachers’ or counselors’ letters year after year. If your letters are practically the same for each student, the admissions officer will notice.

2. Speak to the student’s character 

Now that you’ve mentioned a student’s successes, it’s time to explain what personal qualities led to such success. Try to make this part of the letter flow naturally from the previous section. 

This is your chance to talk about the student’s hard work, magnetic personality, or aptitude for learning. That said, it’s best to avoid generic statements and clichés . The phrases “great work ethic,” and “strong team spirit” show up on thousands of letters each year. Instead, use concrete examples and descriptive detail to bring your student’s character traits to life. 

Instead of “He’s thoughtful,” say “He’s capable of discussing even the most complex topics with humility and nuance.” Instead of “She’s intellectually curious,” say, “She thinks like a scientist, and over the last four years, she’s turned in such thoughtful lab assessments that sometimes I worried she was teaching me more than I was teaching her.” It’s that kind of vivid description and personalization that catches the attention of college admissions counselors. 

Also be mindful of racial biases and gender biases in letter writing . If you’re not mindful, these unconscious biases can sneak into your letter and negatively color the admissions officer’s view of your student.

3. Provide context 

Praise doesn’t mean much without context. Be sure to benchmark your student’s achievements against those of their peers. This kind of context gives college admissions counselors a better understanding of the student’s abilities. It will be easier for them to make admissions decisions when they can clearly evaluate a student’s performance relative to others. 

So, for example, a weak recommendation letter might state that a student “writes well and participates often in class.” A strong recommendation letter might say something like, “I’ve taught more than 2,000 students in my time as an educator and I’ve never met someone with such a knack for the written word. Many young people struggle to describe their inner world in vivid detail, but Henry succeeded in capturing both me and his classmates with his thoughtful, relatable prose.”

Your final paragraph is your chance to remind your reader why this student is so unique and deserving of a spot at this particular school. Be sure to follow these general guidelines:  

1. End on a positive note 

Your final paragraph should provide a brief summary of your recommendation so far and express why you believe so strongly in this particular student’s likelihood of success. It’s standard to include your contact information in the conclusion in case the admissions office has any further questions for you. This could include your email or office phone number — whatever you’re comfortable providing.   

2. Use a formal closing

As with your opening, the closing of your letter should be professional and businesslike. “Best Regards,” is a common closing, though “Sincerely,” or “Respectfully,” will also work.

Guidelines to follow as you write 

Writing a strong letter of recommendation isn’t just about what you write – it’s how you write, too. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind.

• Keep it relatively brief: The audience you’re writing for has to evaluate countless recommendation letters just like the one you’re writing. Be respectful of their time and try to keep your letter to around one page in length.
• Be honest and balanced : While it’s important to emphasize the student’s positive qualities, it’s just important to be honest and balanced in your assessment. Avoid exaggerations or misleading statements.
• Tailor the recommendation to the college: Do some research on the colleges the student is applying to and customize your letter accordingly. Highlight traits or experiences that align with the particular college’s values or programs. This shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the student’s goals and aspirations.
• Avoid cliches: Steer clear of overused phrases and generic statements. Instead, provide original and thoughtful insights about the student.
• Use professional language and tone : The admissions process is serious business. Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter and use appropriate language. Avoid slang or informal expressions.
• Proofread and edit : Take the time to review and edit your letter carefully. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that the letter flows smoothly and is well-organized. Consider asking a colleague to proofread it when you’re done.
• Follow the guidelines : If the college or university provides specific guidelines or requirements for the letter of recommendation, make sure to follow them closely. This may include details on formatting, submission methods, or specific questions to address.
• Give yourself enough time to write: Writing a college letter of recommendation can take hours, days, or weeks depending on who you are and your relationship to the student. Give yourself plenty of time to sit down, write a draft, and revisit it to make sure it’s polished enough to submit. 

Support your students with Going Merry 

Letters of recommendation are one of the most critical parts of the college application process . That’s because the rest of a college application is pretty dry. Grades and ACT scores only say so much about a person, and colleges want to see more than just academic performance. 

The best students are born leaders with courage, drive, and personality. A good letter can bring your student to life for an admissions committee and even help sway their decision. 

As a high school counselor, you may write dozens — if not hundreds — of recommendation letters each year. Fortunately, Going Merry can help take the busywork off your plate so you focus on what matters. 

With Going Merry’s high school counselor resource hub, you can find everything from free email templates and financial aid lesson plans, to thousands of scholarships sorted by amount, location, and eligibility requirements. Sign up now or schedule a demo to find out how Going Merry can streamline your workflow. 

Disclaimer: This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.

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