When writing a cover letter for your teaching job, there are a few things you want to keep in mind. The first is format. You will impress the hiring manager by keeping to the traditional format for a cover letter. This is a business letter with block paragraphs (no indentation), and it uses formal language (i.e. don’t write it as if you are writing to a friend; be professional).
The second thing you want to keep in mind is your skills. Since you can’t go into details about your class planning abilities or your experience with children in your resume (you have to be concise on that document, after all), the cover letter is a great place to mention what you are capable of doing. If you are applying for elementary education, talk about how you like to plan fun yet informational activities for children to engage their minds. If you’re applying for college jobs, mention your experience with young adults and your expertise in your subject matter. But no matter what you mention, make sure to explain how your skills will help the school improve. If you can engage young learners, grades may increase, for example. If you can sponsor new research at a University, the school will benefit. Always relate your skills to the school you’ll be working for and explain how you’ll benefit it (not how the school will benefit you).
Sometimes the best way to learn how to do this – how to sell yourself best – is to learn by example. There are plenty of free samples of cover letters for educational jobs available online if you know where to search. A few of the best resources are listed below. Check them out and model your cover letter after them, and you’ll be sure to land a great job.
http://www.bestcoverletters.com/cover-letters/Teacher
http://resumes-for-teachers.com/teacher-resume-examples.htm
http://www.resumecoverletterexamples.com/
