writing a cover letter for school teaching

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Teacher Cover Letter Examples For 2024 (20+ Skills & Templates)

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Looking to land more job offers as a Teacher?

Crafting a strong cover letter is key. This comprehensive guide is packed with everything you need to know in order to write a job-winning Teacher cover letter , complete with effective strategies, essential skills, helpful templates, and real-life examples.

You can trust that all the insights and tips in this guide are based on data from coaching thousands of job seekers, just like you, who have gone on to secure positions at some of the world's most reputable companies.

Whether you're a seasoned Teacher or just starting out, reading this guide from start to finish can help you land your dream role. But if you're short on time and looking for specific information, here's a breakdown of what's included:

• What To Know About Writing A Job-Winning Teacher Cover Letter
• The Best Skills To Include On An Teacher Cover Letter

How To Address A Teacher Cover Letter

• 3 Teacher Cover Letter Examples

The 8 Best Teacher Cover Letter Templates

3 tips for writing a job-winning teacher cover letter.

Here's the step-by-step breakdown:

Teacher Cover Letter Overview: What To Know To Write A Cover Letter That Wins More Job Offers

Wondering what school districts are looking for when they're hiring a teacher?

Districts want knowledgeable, skilled, and dedicated teachers that are highly qualified. That means they have the proper education, certifications, and experience along with mastery of their subject, strong classroom management, communication, flexibility, and commitment to student learning.  Professionalism, reliability, and punctuality are also key qualities.

Your resume should show the district that the your experience and personality combined encompass all of these things.

Additionally, there are a few best practices you want to follow to write a job-winning Teacher resume:

• Highlight your education and certifications:  emphasizing any relevant coursework or specialized training.
• Emphasize your teaching experience:  providing specific examples of your accomplishments and contributions to student learning.
• Include keywords from the job description:  ensure your resume is optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Showcase your skills and achievements:  including examples of your ability to manage a classroom, communicate effectively, and use technology.
• Provide references from colleagues:  or supervisors who can speak to your teaching abilities
• Proofread: Make sure to thoroughly proofread your cover letter for any grammatical errors or typos. A well-written, error-free letter can make a strong first impression. I recommend using Hemingway App to do this.

Let's dive deeper into each of these so you have the exact blueprint you need to see success.

The Best Teacher Skills To Include On Your Cover Letter

Keywords are one of the most important factors in your cover letter. They show employers that your skills align with the role and they also help format your cover letter for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

If you're not familiar with ATS systems, they are pieces of software used by employers to manage job applications. They scan cover letters for keywords and qualifications and make it easier for the employers to filter and search for candidates whose qualifications match the role.

If you want to win more Teacher interviews and job offers, you need to have a keyword-optimized cover letter. There are two ways to find the right keywords:

1. Leverage The 20 Best Teacher Keywords

The first way to find the right keywords is to leverage our list of the best keywords and skills for an Teacher cover letter.

These keywords were selected from an analysis of  real Teacher  job descriptions sourced from actual job boards. Here they are:

• Communication
• Collaborative
• Development
• Flexibility
• Performance
• Instruction
• Regulations

2. Use ResyMatch.io To Find The Best Keywords That Are Specific To Your Cover Letter And Target Role

The second method is the one I recommend because it's personalized to your specific cover letter and target job.

This process lets you find the exact keywords that your cover letter is missing when compared to the individual role you're applying for.

Here's how it works:

• Open a copy of your target Teacher job description
• Head over to  ResyMatch.io
• Select the “Job Description Scan” from the scan type selector in the upper right corner of the tool
• Copy and paste the Teacher job description into the field on the left
• Hit scan and review the results

ResyMatch is going to scan the target job description and show you the exact keywords and skills that are relevant for the role and that you should weave into your cover letter.

Here's a video walking through this whole process:

Personalization is what makes a cover letter stand out. That starts from the very first sentence where you greet the person reading your cover letter! There are two ways to do this well:

1. Use The Campus Principal's Name

The first, and best, is by including the campus principal's name. Let's say that you discovered the campus principal's name from a post on LinkedIn or via an informational interview.

This is the jackpot! All you need to do is use their name in the introduction, like this:

2. Use This Formula: To The [Department] Team at [Organization]

If you don't have the campus principal's name, no problem! You can address your cover letter to the team that you're applying to.

For example, if you're applying to for a Product Marketing Manager role at Discovery Education, you might start you cover letter like this:

This shows the reader that this letter has been written specifically for them and the content inside of it will support that.

It's much more relevant and personal than  “To Whom It May Concern!”

For more advice on writing a strong opening to your cover letter, check out this guide.

3 Teacher Cover Letter Examples For 2023

Now let's take a look at all of these best practices in action. Here are three cover letter examples for different situations from people with different backgrounds that are all applying for Teacher roles:

Teacher Cover Letter Example #1: A Traditional Background

Our first example is a cover letter written by a candidate with traditional Teacher experience. Here is what an example of their cover letter might look like:

Teacher Cover Letter Example #2: A Non-Traditional Background

Our second cover letter example comes from a candidate looking to transition from the healthcare industry into a teacher role. This cover letter illustrates how they identify and speak to their transferable skills:

Teacher Cover Letter Example #3: Landing An Elementary Teacher Role Despite Majority Experience in Upper Grade Levels

Our third example highlights a candidate with extensive teaching experience in middle and high school grades, looking to transition to the elementary classroom.

At this point, you know all of the basics you'll need to write a Teacher cover letter that wins you more interviews and offers. The only thing left is to take all of that information and apply it to a template that's going to help you get results.

We made that easy with  our CoverBuild tool . It has 8 proven templates that were created with the help of recruiters and hiring managers at the world's best companies. These templates also bake in thousands of data points we have from the job seekers in our audience who have used them to land job offers.

You're off to a strong start! But I've got a few more tips to help you take your cover letter to the next level:

1. Use ChatGPT To Write Your Cover Letter In <30 Seconds

All of these tips and best practices work, but you still have to implement them. Normally, that'd mean you sitting down and spending hours brainstorming ideas, typing, deleting, and typing again, and then feeling absolutely drained.

Now there's a way to work around all of that so you save your best energy for the writing and edits that matter most. Here's how it works:

• Head to ChatGPT (you'll need to create an account – it's free)
• Ask ChatGPT,  “Please write me a cover letter for an Teacher role. The role I'm applying for is [Job Title] role at [School District]. Here is the job description: [Paste Job Description]. And here is my resume: [Paste Resume].
• Watch ChatGPT write up a pretty darn good cover letter base!

Here's a video of me doing this with a real cover letter if you want to see the steps in action:

Note:  I  do not recommend or advise that you simply copy and paste the content from ChatGPT into your cover letter and submit your application. ChatGPT is great for doing 80% of the baseline work, but you still need to review, revise, and personalize the content yourself.

2. Include Measurable Metrics And Outcomes

Too many job seekers only focus on the actions that they took and not the outcomes that resulted from those actions. As a campus principal, it's impossible to differentiate between a dozen candidates who were all “Responsible For Creating a Safe Learning Environment.” 

If you want to win, your cover letter should speak to the specific outcomes that you drove in previous roles. That could be:

• The percentage by which your students' content mastery increased
• The average reduction in behavioral issues
• The average parent satisfaction rate
• The rate at which your student engagement increased from year to year

These numbers will show hiring teams what you're capable of and make your value crystal clear!

3. Match Your Cover Letter And Resume Design

They're the exact same car, down to the year, make, and model. The only difference is the way the product was presented. Like I said, quality impacts perceived value.

One of the best ways to boost the quality of your cover letter is to make it look clean, professional, and have it match your resume. That's why the resume templates in our resume builder tool match the cover letter templates in our cover letter builder:

If you use both tools to create your cover letter and your resume, your entire application is going to be top notch.

Key Takeaways To Wrap Up Your Job-Winning Cover Letter

You made it! We packed a lot of information into this post so I wanted to distill the key points for you and lay out next steps so you know exactly where to from here.

Here are the 5 steps for writing a job-winning Teacher cover letter:

• Start with a proven cover letter template from CoverBuild.io
• Use  ResyMatch.io to find the right keywords and optimize your cover letter for each Teacher role you apply to
• Start your teacher cover letter with a personalized greeting for the campus principal or Human Resources representative.
• Emphasize the measurable outcomes and value you drove in previous roles (include metrics!)
• Compare the draft of your teacher cover letter to the examples on this page to make sure you're on the right path
• Use a tool like  Hemingway App to proofread your cover letter before you submit it

If you follow those steps, you're going to be well on your way to landing more Teacher interviews and job offers.

Now that your cover letter is taken care of, be sure to check out my guide on how to write a job-winning Teacher resume (with examples!)

Laura Lorta

Laura is an Editor at Cultivated Culture. She transitioned from teaching into the world of content so she's no stranger to career pivots. She also has a bachelors in Entrepreneurship and a Masters in Curriculum & Instruction / Bilingual Education. She currently shares job search advice to help people like you land jobs they love without applying online.

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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

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

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.

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How to Write a Teacher Cover Letter [with Template]

5 Resume Cover Letters for Teachers 

Start with structure: how to format your teacher cover letter, what else to include in your teacher cover letter, teacher cover letter faqs.

If you’re researching teacher cover letter tips and best practices, chances are you are either in the market for a new job or at least beginning to think ahead to your next opportunity.

As you’re well aware, your cover letter is a vitally important messaging document that must be thoughtfully crafted to A) catch the eye of potential employers/recruiters and B) entice them to learn more about you by reviewing your resume.

Well, you’ve come to the right place because — when it comes to teacher resume and cover letter advice — we’ve got you covered.

Designed to apply to both new and seasoned educators alike, this post serves as a guide to writing an effective teacher cover letter that will help you land your next job.

We’ll share key tips and best practices, along with several teacher cover letter examples that you can use for inspiration — plus, a downloadable template you can use to write an A+ cover letter!

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Download our template to start writing your best cover letter yet. 

LOOKING FOR TEACHING JOBS?

Before we get into any how-tos, it helps to know what the end result should look like. Below are five examples of winning teacher cover letters. 

1. This example offers guidance for the first-time teacher, since it can be difficult to write a cover letter without much experience to describe! This letter emphasizes volunteer work, student teaching and college experience. 

2. Here, the applicant listed out some of her experiences into bullet points. This is a wise formatting trick, since it’s likely the hiring manager looks at multiple cover letters a day, so the bulleted list makes it easier — and faster — to read.

3. Though it may not apply to every teaching position, some hiring managers like to see applicants back up their claims with hard data. This history teacher offers quantifiable proof of her abilities in her previous position.

4. What it lacks in volume it makes up for in succinct, to-the-point text. This cover letter says just enough while leaving the reader wanting to know more. Be careful with creating generic cover letter “templates” for yourself though — the content of this letter could apply to a wide range of roles and schools, so you’ll want to customize the details to each new position.

5. For a clearer breakdown of the essential parts of a cover letter, this example from Liveabout.com highlights where the applicant mentions her skill set, her unique value proposition and her desire for the position.

A teacher cover letter is much the same as a cover letter for any other position — the structure is fairly standard, with the content customized to the role and your experience. A cover letter should be one page, no more than four paragraphs, easily scannable and include the best way to reach you. The reader should not have to look very hard to find everything they need to know about you. 

The best teacher cover letters have the following components: 

• Your contact information: Provide your name, email address, phone number and where you live (just city and state is fine).
• The school’s contact information: Though you may not be sending your cover letter and resume by mail, this confirms your intention to apply to a specific school. 
• Date: The date you’re submitting your application materials.
• Salutation: A professional greeting that addresses the hiring manager by name. It’s customary to preface their name with “Dear.”
• Introduction: This is a one-or two-sentence statement that introduces you and expresses your intention to apply for the open position.
• Body paragraph 1: A brief paragraph describing your relevant professional experience, achievements, skills and education. 
• Body paragraph 2: A brief paragraph explaining your interest in and fitness for the role for which you’re applying.
• Closing paragraph: Once more, a brief closing statement that expresses your desire for further conversation and invites the hiring manager to contact you with any questions.
• Your signature: You may simply write your name or, for a more personal touch, you can add a real signature — hand-written or digitally placed. 

Why all the brevity? Hiring managers likely sift through dozens of applications a day, especially at competitive schools. You want your materials to stand out for their scannability, so that the reader can see whether you would be the right fit within just a few seconds. 

If you include all of the components above, you will have an excellent chance of capturing any hiring manager’s attention and (hopefully) starting a conversation with them. 

While most cover letters follow a similar format, with the introduction, body content and conclusion all containing relatively the same kind of information, the body paragraphs are where you can really highlight your uniqueness. The portion of your cover letter where you describe your skills and experience is your oyster — without repeating what’s on your resume, consider including any of the following elements:  

• Include teaching specialties such as subject expertise , special education curriculum design and even extracurricular responsibilities. 
• When it comes to your education, you’ll want to note whether you have your master’s degree in education . Having an MEd does not necessarily equate to teaching experience, but many schools will prioritize candidates with graduate degrees over those with only bachelor’s degrees . 
• Mention soft skills as well as hard teaching skills, such as organization, patience, adaptability, etc.
• Mention any relevant training or certifications. If you can point to a certificate in a specific teaching method or school leadership training , you may be considered for other open positions.
• Educational equity and inclusion is critical to school and student success. Even if you don’t have experience teaching units on disability activism or racial justice , expressing a commitment to learning about and teaching students of different backgrounds is a highly valued quality.
• Include related work you’ve done outside the classroom , such as tutoring, non-teaching work or volunteer experience that involves working with children.
• However, please note that teachers cannot freely share specific class or student data. It is your responsibility to adhere to school, state and federal restrictions concerning student privacy .
• Teachers are never done learning. Expressing a commitment to ongoing education and professional development in your cover letter will communicate that you are passionate about developing your craft. 

Each item should only take one to two sentences to explain. For scannability, you may want to format your skills and experience into bullet points.

Some teaching applicants include a postscript in their cover letters following their signature. While this is not necessary, it is a fine place to put something that doesn’t fit naturally into the body of your cover letter. However, only include a postscript if absolutely necessary ( “By the way, I remember competing against Sacred Heart’s epic debate club back in 1998 — if I couldn’t beat them then, joining them now would be the next best thing!” ). 

Your postscript should add value or personality, or be something the hiring manager absolutely needs to know, otherwise it can look extraneous and unprofessional. 

Tips to Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out

Think of your teaching cover letter like an elevator pitch. Pretend you have 30 seconds to “sell” your skills and enthusiasm for the role — how do you “hook” the reader? 

Before you set pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, be sure to research the school you’re applying to. It’s generally good practice to customize your cover letter for every job application, and that means knowing something about the school, department or role you’d be filling. It’s quite easy to tell if an applicant is just copy-and-pasting the same cover letter for multiple job applications. 

For example, is the school known for its competitive mathematics team? Does it have an award-winning drama department? Are its standardized test scores consistently in your state’s 90th percentile? If the role you’re applying for relates in any way to the school’s differentiating factor, be sure to acknowledge it in your introduction. 

Here are some other ways to bump your application to the top of the pile. 

• Keep it brief: No one wants to read your master’s thesis in a cover letter. Leave the longer explanations of your experience and teaching philosophy for your interview. 
• Accentuate the positive: Your application materials should not only convey why you want the position, but how your unique abilities and assets could benefit the school and its students. Emphasize why you’d be a great match with specific reasons — but don’t brag.
• Keep it personal: There are plenty of great cover letter templates and examples out there, but they should only serve as suggestions for what yours will be. This is your story to tell, not anyone else’s. Expressing your passion for teaching will position you as a dedicated, valuable asset to any school.
• Proofread: As a teacher, this should be a no-brainer — but don’t be the one teacher who forgets to proofread! Take your time, re-read and ask a colleague to give your cover letter a once-over before submitting your application. Many people treat their cover letter as an afterthought, but remember that it’s the cover to the rest of your application. 

To use another teaching comparison, remember that your cover letter counts for a significant portion of your “grade.” As Christian Eilers writes for Zety , “That means treating it like a crucial final exam instead of an inconsequential pop quiz.”

How long should my teacher cover letter be?

As a general rule, keep your cover letter brief — no one wants to read your master’s thesis as part of your application. Your cover letter should have a short intro, an explanation of your experience and skills, any significant accomplishments, awards or certificates, and a short conclusion summarizing your interest in the position. Always end with an invitation for the hiring manager to contact you, and sign your name (a signed letter is always a nice touch, even if it’s a digital signature). Leave the longer explanations of your experience and teaching philosophy for your interview.

How can I add data to my cover letter?

If you’re making any claims about your effectiveness in the classroom, try back them up with numbers. For example, you may want to say that you were responsible for increasing biology testing scores by 30%, or that attendance improved by 65% while you were a teacher. If you’re currently a teacher considering other schools, be sure to keep track of your own class’s performance so you can cite these metrics in future cover letters. Please note, however, that it is your responsibility to adhere to school, state and federal restrictions concerning specific student data and student privacy .

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A GUIDE FOR WRITING YOUR NEXT TEACHING COVER LETTER

• Master of Education

Related Posts

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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Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Example (W/ Templates!)

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

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

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

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

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

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

We'll cover:

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

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

Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Elementary Teacher Cover Letter

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

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

Let’s get started:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

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

Here's what to include:

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

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

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

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

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

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

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

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

• Dear Mr. Johnson,  
• Dear Alex Johnson,

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

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

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

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

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

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

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

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

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

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

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

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

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

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

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

Warm regards,

Jennifer Donnally

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

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

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

11 Essential Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Tips

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

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

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

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

Key Takeaways

That’s all!

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

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

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

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

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• Staff Management

5 tips for your teacher CV and cover letter

They say everyone’s favourite subject is themselves, but for most of us, when it comes to writing our teacher CV and cover letter, we can face a real challenge.

With recruitment season underway, there will be thousands of teachers taking to their laptops to draft a job application that they hope will be compelling and intriguing enough for them to be invited for an interview. That could be at a state school down the road or an international school on the other side of the world.

As someone who has read thousands of teacher CVs and led workshops on resume-writing for teachers, there are some common and simple issues that I regularly see people fall foul of.

So here’s how you can avoid those mistakes and ensure that you stand out from the crowd.

Tips for your teacher CV and cover letter

1. Make sure your CV catches the eye

A recruiter gets a first impression from the first few seconds they browse your CV.

This first impression may be superficial, but recruiters are only human. If you have multiple fonts, wide margins and too many colours, this detracts from the main message and makes it harder for someone to quickly and easily see why you should be a consideration for interview.

As such, while you should spend most of your time on the content of your CV, make sure the format looks professional, too. Avoid unusual fonts (Arial or Calibri work fine), use headings and bullet points in a consistent way, and think about where to present key information.

More on teacher job applications :

• Teacher job interviews: Six ways to stand out
• How to write an educational philosophy statement
• Five tactics for impressing in interview lessons

Including a photo can add a personal touch; most CVs that I receive do include one. On the other hand, it can create bias, conscious or otherwise, and shouldn’t be a requirement. Some schools specify whether they want a photo. Simply put: do what they ask.

2. Explain your successes

A teacher CV needs to highlight what you have achieved and the impact that your achievements have had.

Be ready to show off a little and be clear when listing specific things that you have done and what you have achieved. Ideally, show that they are clearly relevant for the job that you are applying for.

For your teaching role, this should not be simply saying, “I led on the teaching and learning for my subject” - that is a given.

Instead, explain how you boosted results, solved a problem or delivered consistent assessment outcomes for several years. Whatever achievements you list, ensure that they are truthful, provable and help you stand out.

What’s more, if you started an after-school club, ran professional development workshops or led on parent engagement meetings, then share that, too. This all adds up to a richer picture of you and why you might be a real asset to a new setting.

3. Give them what they want

Most job adverts ask for a CV to be no more than two pages and for cover letters to be one page. Sometimes a school may want you to dissect your CV and enter the same information into its own application form.

Or it might like you to provide a cover letter, your CV and four references, in that order and as a PDF.

Such requests may be off-putting, but they are, in part, subtle tests that a school is giving you - can you follow instructions? It may sound simple but do whatever the school asks.

You’d be amazed how many candidates simply ignore the instructions, which can count against you in a final assessment of applicants.

4. Personalise your cover letter

Your cover letter is a chance to expand on your CV and personalise your application, but many cover letters I read are far too generic. Make sure that you clearly link your cover letter to the job description and explain how you fit the school’s needs, with evidence, so that it gives a true sense of who you are.

It’s OK to have a cover letter template but if your letter could be copied and pasted into an application for a different school, it will be obvious.

Make sure there are specific references to the school that you are applying to. Checking the school’s social media to see what it has been doing recently and explaining how you could be a part of this is a great way to demonstrate that your cover letter has been given some thought - and it can help you learn more about a school, too.

As a final tip, always start by addressing the principal by name; you’ll find the name on the school website. Avoid the bland “Dear Principal” (or worse, “Dear Principle”, which I’ve had several times).

5. Proofread - three times

It’s worth triple-checking your teacher CV for typos and small errors, as they will stand out and can sink an otherwise strong application.

Ideally, read it aloud to hear what you’ve actually written - not what you think you’ve written - and get a friend or family member to go through a final draft as a final check.

Mark Beales is principal (middle years/diploma programme) at Osaka YMCA International School in Japan

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topics in this article

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Learn How to Support Stressed and Anxious Students.

How To Write a Reference Letter (Examples and Free Template)

Pass along your praise in a meaningful way.

Teacher job searches frequently require something many other careers don’t: a letter of reference. Both principals and teachers may find themselves asked to write these letters for their employees or coworkers. Wondering what to include and how to make the recommendation useful? Here’s how to write a reference letter for a teacher.

Want to make things even easier? Grab our free reference letter printable template, which walks you through the whole process. Just fill out the form on this page .

What is a reference letter?

How to write a letter of reference, reference letter example: principal for teacher, reference letter example: teacher for coworker.

Reference letters are just what they sound like: a testimonial about a person’s professional qualifications, abilities, and achievements. They’re written by someone who knows the applicant well and can speak to specifics about their career.

These days, most jobs don’t require reference letters since employers perform reference checks themselves. However, academia is different. Many teaching jobs require candidates to submit written letters of reference as part of their application packet. This is just one part of their overall evaluation of a candidate, of course. But these letters remain a key part of many teachers’ job searches.

Letter of Reference vs. Letter of Recommendation

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but reference letters are almost always specific to a job search. Students often need letters of recommendation for scholarships and college applications. If you need help writing a letter of recommendation for a student, check out these articles:

• Tips for Writing a College Recommendation Letter
• Strong Scholarship Recommendation Letter Examples

Writing a reference letter can feel like a daunting task, but these tips can help. Don’t forget to grab our free printable letter of reference template too!

Review Reference Letter Samples

If you’ve never written a reference letter or you want to up your game, take a look at some samples first. One of our favorite ways to do it is to use AI like ChatGPT to generate some reference letter samples specific to your situation. You definitely don’t want to copy these word-for-word, but you might find some helpful phrases or get a better idea of the format you should use. We’ve included some sample letters below too.

Brainstorm Ideas First

Before you begin writing, do a quick brainstorming session and jot down your thoughts about these prompts:

• What three words first come to mind when you think of this teacher?
• List this person’s biggest strengths as an educator.
• List a few times when this teacher really impressed you.
• Has this person won any awards or accolades worth mentioning?
• What makes this teacher special compared to their peers?
• What would this teacher’s students say about them? What about parents or co-workers? (If you have examples, round them up to include in the letter.)

Personalize the Letter

If you can, try to write a letter that’s specific to the job the teacher needs a reference letter for. Find out what they’ll be doing in their new role or position so you can include the most relevant qualities in your recommendation. Some reference letters are more general, so it’s OK if you can’t personalize them to the job.

Ask the teacher if there’s anything specific they’d like you to mention. You may also ask if there’s anything they’d prefer to keep confidential. For instance, if the teacher has a disability, they may not want to disclose that information yet.

Write an Introduction

Introduce yourself and explain your relationship to the teacher you’re providing a reference for. Include information such as how long you’ve known them and whether you’re speaking as a colleague, coworker, mentor, or supervisor.

Verify Their Qualifications and Experience

In the next paragraph, speak to the teacher’s education, including any special certifications or professional development achievements. Mention any awards, honors, or accolades they’ve earned. You can keep this section fairly short; the teacher has likely listed all of this on their CV already. Your reference letter will just help verify these qualifications.

Highlight Their Best Qualities

In the body of your letter, write two or three paragraphs that really help identify what makes this teacher special. Don’t try to squeeze in everything you know; instead, think about what really helps the person you’re recommending stand out. For each paragraph, focus on one of these areas (or other relevant topics), choosing the two or three overall that seem most important for this person.

• Subject matter knowledge and expertise
• Pedagogy skills
• Student and/or parent relationships
• Professional development
• Community relations
• Communication skills
• Leadership roles
• School pride and loyalty
• Personal traits, such as passion, enthusiasm, dedication, creativity, etc.

Provide Specific Examples and Anecdotes

This is where you really have the chance to make your letter valuable to the candidate. It’s easy to describe a person as “passionate about recognizing diversity” or “excellent at differentiating learning.” Without examples, though, these are just words. Try to anchor each quality you mention with specific examples or anecdotes that back up those words. Here are a couple of examples:

• “Alana is passionate about recognizing and celebrating diversity in her classroom. She frequently draws on her strong community relationships to bring diverse speakers and cultural activities to her classroom. Last fall, she organized an incredibly popular school-wide Diversity Fair where students and their families were encouraged to share their own cultures and experiences and learn from each other. One parent noted, ‘I’ve lived in this community for three years, but this is the first time I really feel like I know my neighbors.’”
• “One of Jamie’s strongest qualities is their ability to differentiate learning for their students. They’re always willing to determine what’s keeping a student from doing their best and finding new ways to overcome challenges. For instance, Jamie was instrumental in helping our school implement text-to-speech software that assists struggling readers and those who have visual impairment. This leveled the playing field in their history and geography classes, helping students focus on the subject at hand instead of spending too much time deciphering text.”

Conclude With a Strong Endorsement

You’ve come all this way, so don’t fall short at the very end! This is the time to state your personal recommendation in no uncertain terms. Sum up your major points, and offer to provide more information if needed.

• “I’m pleased to recommend Alana Whitmore for an elementary teaching position at your school. Her commitment to diversity, creative classroom approaches, and compassion for students and fellow coworkers would make her an excellent addition to any education team. If you want to discuss her qualifications further, don’t hesitate to contact me.”

Write Professionally and Proofread Carefully

This is a business communication, so strive for a professional but warm tone overall. If it’s a paper letter, use the standard business letter format (on your school letterhead if you’re an administrator). In an email, be sure your signature includes contact information such as a phone number and school address.

Don’t forget to proofread! A letter riddled with spelling errors and grammar mistakes is unlikely to hold much sway with a hiring committee or selection panel. Use a program like Grammarly to help you edit your letter until you’re satisfied with the final version.

Dear Hiring Committee,

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Alana Whitmore for any opportunity that may arise that aligns with her exceptional skills and dedication as an elementary school teacher. In my capacity as the principal of Maya Angelou Elementary, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the invaluable contributions Alana has made to our school community.

Alana has worked here for seven years, three as a fifth-grade teacher and four in third grade. She came to us fresh from earning her teaching certification at Lancaster University, and continued her education over the last several years to earn her Master’s of Education in Curriculum Design and Development. She was honored with our district’s Teacher of the Year award in 2022 and was the keynote speaker at our state’s education conference in 2023.

Alana is an exemplary educator who consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to the academic and emotional growth of her students. Through her inventive teaching methods and personalized approach, she ensures that every child in her classroom is provided with opportunities to thrive and succeed. During a recent observation, I noted how she cleverly adapted her unit on volcanoes to embrace different learning styles. She provided choices like watching a video, reading an article, or listening to a short podcast to build background knowledge. Students individually chose the option they preferred, then used their knowledge to work with a partner to design a poster, write a report, or give a short presentation on the topic. Students were all engaged throughout the process, enjoying a measure of autonomy while still meeting the stated learning objectives.

Furthermore, Alana excels in building strong and collaborative relationships with parents and guardians. She understands the importance of fostering open communication and partnership between home and school, and she actively seeks opportunities to involve families in their child’s education. One parent reached out to me to share these thoughts: “Ms. Whitmore is the first teacher who seems to care about me as a parent and a person. She went out of her way to arrange a videoconference that met my hectic work schedule, and seemed genuinely interested in the suggestions I had for helping my son. Knowing that she really cares has made this school year so much better for us all.”

In addition to her effectiveness in the classroom and with parents, Alana is highly regarded by her colleagues for her collaborative spirit and willingness to share her expertise. Last year, she helped organize a very well-received professional development day, with a variety of sessions that allowed every teacher to find a subject that truly mattered to them. She serves as a mentor to one of our new teachers, who told me that Alana has helped him see how he can put his college educational theories into practice in the real world. Other teachers regularly share praise for Alana’s cooperative spirit, and she’s been awarded “Coworker of the Year” by our staff three years in a row.

Alana embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator: She is dedicated, passionate, and deeply invested in the well-being and success of her students. Her commitment to differentiation, parent relationships, and collaboration sets her apart as a truly outstanding teacher. I wholeheartedly recommend Alana Whitmore for any role or opportunity where her skills, expertise, and dedication can make a meaningful impact. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.

Gina Torres Principal, Maya Angelou Elementary

Dear Selection Committee,

I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Jamie Lin for any teaching position that may become available within your school. As a fellow teacher and colleague at Ridgemont High School, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Jamie and have witnessed firsthand their exceptional talents and dedication to the field of education.

Jamie came to our school as a teacher of history and geography in 2019, working with ninth- through twelfth-grade students each year since. Before joining our team, they earned their Master’s Degree in Education with a focus on diversity studies. During Jamie’s four years here, they have been nominated for Teacher of the Year three times and received the award in 2023. Jamie frequently speaks at educational conferences on subjects like cultural relevance and student diversity.

One of Jamie’s greatest strengths is their ability to foster diversity and inclusivity within the learning environment. Whether discussing historical events or exploring global cultures, Jamie ensures that all students feel valued, respected, and represented in the curriculum. They frequently draw on their strong community relationships to bring diverse speakers and cultural activities to the classroom. Speakers and cultural presentations have included representatives of several indigenous communities and local authors from a variety of backgrounds. They also invite community politicians and activists to debate key issues, while students observe and then question the speakers themselves.

In addition to their dedication to diversity, Jamie is a remarkably creative educator who consistently goes above and beyond to engage students in meaningful and thought-provoking learning experiences. They have a passion for project-based learning, teaching critical thinking and problem-solving by having students tackle real-world issues. Through their projects, Jamie’s students have painted cultural murals on the walls in the school courtyard, helped translate our school handbook and other documents into three different languages, and created clubs for fellow students interested in topics like history, geography, and global cultures. Jamie believes in demonstrating what you’ve learned in meaningful ways, and their students thrive in this environment.

Furthermore, Jamie excels at building strong community relationships both inside and outside the classroom. They actively collaborate with colleagues, parents, and community members to create a supportive and enriching learning environment that extends beyond the walls of the school. Last fall, Jamie organized an incredibly popular school-wide Diversity Fair where students and their families were encouraged to share their own cultures and experiences and learn from each other. One parent noted, “I’ve lived in this community for three years, but this is the first time I really feel like I know my neighbors.”

Overall, Jamie Lin is an exceptional educator who embodies the qualities of excellence, creativity, and community engagement. Their passion for teaching, dedication to diversity, and innovative approach to education make them an invaluable asset to any school community.

I wholeheartedly endorse Jamie Lin for any teaching position and am confident that they will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of their students and colleagues. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.

Fatima Sundaram Teacher of Civics and Government, Ridgemont High School

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Teacher: 'I want nothing but success' for Oklahoma kids | Letters

'I continually see the success of public education!'

This has been weighing on me heavily, this need to defend myself and my profession. I have been a teacher, coach, counselor for 24 years. All these years have been in the public school setting, and I am a product of public school education. I am not anti-private school or anti-charter school. In fact, just the opposite. I truly feel that all serve a purpose to meet the needs of all of our children.

In the last five to six years, the negativity and bashing of public schools has increased exponentially and public schools are being labeled as a failure. I totally disagree with this view!

I want to tell you that I continually see the success of public education! I have students over my time that are now doctors, lawyers, moms, dads, plumbers, electricians, police officers, firefighters, military and many other professions. All of them are successful and products of public education.

Do we have failures, yes! I have had students that, no matter what I tried, I could not impact because something else had a stronger pull in their lives. I have lost sleep and cried over every one of them. Every educator I know does the same thing because when we are working with a child they become our kid. We cheer for their success and we cry for their failures.

Because there are some that we don’t reach, yes, we need to get better. We are continually trying to get better as good educators. We are always reflecting on how we can do better and help all of our kids become the success that they need to be.

Do we have bad actors in public ed. Yes, we do, but we are no different than any other career. We have to continually strive to find those bad actors and remove them from the profession for the safety and betterment of our children. We can’t label a whole career field because of these bad actors. It would be similar to what we have gone through in the last few years with criminal justice labeling the police as bad because of a few bad actors.

I want nothing but success for all my kids.

— Curtis Moses, Noble

Perhaps differing political views, yet agreed that Donald Trump should not be in White House

A few weeks ago, I watched Jim Young's appearance on MSNBC. He described himself as a lifelong Republican who had voted twice for Donald Trump. Now, however, he has completely reversed his stance and would never again cast a vote for Donald Trump.

I found Mr. Young to be quite compelling. He was introduced as having authored an op-ed for your newspaper which caused me to seek you out online and read the op-ed. Again, quite compelling. In it, Mr. Young states: “… I do not understand how Donald Trump can possibly be considered as a legitimate candidate for the most important job in the world. Frankly, I don’t understand how he is not in jail right now.” Now Mr. Young has authored a second op-ed in your newspaper.

I completely agree with Mr. Young's conclusions, but I have arrived at that determination via an entirely different path. I am a lifelong Democrat living in Connecticut who has never voted for Trump (nor any Republican presidential candidate for that matter).

I have also read Liz Cheney's book "Oath and Honor, a Memoir and a Warning." When she appeared on the "Rachel Maddow Show" to promote/introduce her book, Ms. Cheney was introduced as (I paraphrase) “someone I disagree with about virtually everything” by Rachel. When she came on the set, Liz Cheney agreed the introduction was accurate and both women stated they looked forward to a time when they could debate all those other political issues. However, they were in absolute agreement that Donald Trump is a clear and present danger to the democratic institutions of our country and thus he should never be allowed anywhere near the White House again.

I suspect that Mr. Young and I are approximately as separated philosophically as are Cheney and Maddow and yet, like them, we are in agreement regarding the dangers posed by the possibility of another Trump presidency.

Civil discourse seems to be sadly lacking in our society these days and I seek to change that. For the last year and a half or so, I have conducted a current events/political discussion group every Wednesday afternoon at 1 p.m. at the Mansfield Public Library in Mansfield, Connecticut. I would like to extend an invitation for Mr. Young to join our group so that we might talk to each other. This can be done via Zoom.

— Warren Murphy, Storrs Mansfield, Connecticut

Gas industry is 'gaslighting' us about gas lighting

For many decades, the tobacco companies misled the public about the inherent dangers of their products using multifaceted PR programs and pseudo-scientific studies which spread disinformation and confusion. Today we know that nicotine and smoking are addictive and that cigarettes cause cancer. But it took many years to expose these hard truths and in the meantime massive tobacco corporations profited from the harm they caused.

In a remarkable new report titled “Cooking With Smoke: How the Gas Industry Used Tobacco Tactics to Cover up Harms From Gas Stoves,” the Public Health Law Center has shown how Big Tobacco’s playbook of deception was also used to convince the public that gas stoves are safe.

Current scientific consensus is clear that gas stoves are a public health issue, especially for children. One peer-reviewed study from the nonprofit think tank RMI found that more than one in eight cases of childhood asthma is associated with a gas stove in the home. As Joelle Lester, executive director of the Public Health Law Center, has remarked: “The gas industry wants us to accept health harms that we don’t have to. This is intentional; it’s by design.” And just like Big Tobacco, the gas industry will continue to resist any regulation to protect their profits. Unfortunately, they have the help and support of many in Congress who are anti-science and falsely declare this issue as part of the liberal woke agenda.

Finally, a corresponding issue to consider. Why do all the builders in Oklahoma install nothing but gas stoves in their new construction?

If you believe we deserve better than decades of industry disinformation, please go to citizensclimatelobby.org and consider joining our movement.

— Mike Altshuler, Edmond

More: Husband: Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's is a test of endurance and devotion

On behalf of those with Alzheimer's

Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, including over 70,500 Oklahomans. My husband lived with Lewy Body Dementia for seven years, and finding an Alzheimer's Association support group was critical for me to be able to understand the progression and know where to find resources and emotional support, as well as to keep my husband engaged and in the best health possible. As an Alzheimer’s Association advocate and ambassador, it is my honor to raise my voice on their behalf.

Earlier this month, I attended the 2024 AIM Advocacy Forum in Washington, D.C., with more than 1,200 advocates from across the country. I feel privileged to have been able to hear the stories of people living with dementia and the challenges they face receiving proper diagnosis and care, especially in rural areas, including the need for more education for primary care doctors in recognizing cognition changes in their patients, and the high cost of new medications that might slow the progression of their dementia.

We met with Rep. Tom Cole’s office on Capitol Hill to thank him for his current and past support of the NAPA Reauthorization Act, the Alzheimer’s Accountability Act, the BOLD Reauthorization Act of 2024, and appropriations, including an additional $318 million in FY 2025 for Alzheimer’s research activities at the NIH and $35 million in FY 2025 for implementation of the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act at the CDC.

Thank you, Rep. Cole for your time and listening to those of us who have been impacted by this disease. Your work and support today will change and save many lives in the future as we get closer to finding a cure. To learn more about this disease and how you can join the fight to end Alzheimer’s, visit alzimpact.org .

— Denise Hawkins, Oklahoma City

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What Kids Learn in Preschool

A typical preschool curriculum covers concepts like colors, shapes, and letters, plus social and school-readiness skills such as how to take turns.

What Do Kids Learn in Preschool?

• Academic Concepts
• Motor Skills
• Social and School-Readiness Skills

How Preschool Curriculum Is Implemented

• What To Look for in a Preschool

From learning how to take turns to counting to 10, preschool is all about discovery. By the time your child graduates from pre-K, they will have learned a lot. The entire span of lessons and content that your child will be taught during preschool education is what's known as the preschool curriculum.

Depending on the type of preschool you choose and the early childhood education philosophy it follows, your child's preschool curriculum may explore a wide variety of academic, social, physical, and emotional lessons. In addition to academics and social skills, many preschools also work on critical speech and fine motor skills.

In some settings, preschools are also able to help children complete their toilet training. By the time they get to kindergarten, children who attend preschool should be ready to speak in longer phrases and sentences, use a pair of scissors, follow instructions, and kick a ball. Learn more about preschool curriculum and what kids learn in preschool.

Sean Justice / Getty Images

Preschools teach the basics to kids, giving them a strong foundation for the elementary years. This includes academic concepts of literacy and math, such as counting, coloring, letter recognition, and developing gross and fine motor skills , such as walking in a line and using a pencil. It also includes social and school-readiness skills, such as making friends, sharing, and taking turns.

Academic Concepts in Preschool Curriculum

The preschool curriculum offered at one child's preschool may vary significantly from what is offered at other schools. This is because preschools are not governed by the standards that apply to K–12 education.

Individual schools and groups of schools have the freedom to teach what they please in the manner they prefer. For example, preschools affiliated with religious institutions may include religious education in their curriculum. Montessori preschools use specific materials and activities to encourage children in hands-on learning.

Teachers may also adjust their educational approaches to suit the needs of individual children in their classrooms. While preschools don't all adhere to the same educational guidelines, they're intended to prepare students for kindergarten . That means most effective preschools work on key skill areas, which include math, science, and literacy skills.

Important concepts in the preschool curriculum include the following:

• Calendar, including the seasons, days of the week, and months of the year
• Cooperation
• Drawing and painting
• Physical activities like running, jumping, skipping, hopping on one foot, and using playground equipment and balls
• Sorting objects
• Taking turns
• Transitioning from one activity to another
• Writing letters and numbers

Motor Skills in Preschool Curriculum

Preschool-age children are learning to master both gross motor skills (which involve large physical movements) and fine motor skills (such as manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination). Many preschools spend time actively engaged in working on these developmental skills.

Fine motor activities, which are important for writing, grasping, and coordinating fine movements, include drawing, cutting, coloring, and gluing. Gross motor skills are often worked on during recess and may involve using playground equipment, running, skipping, jumping, and kicking or throwing a ball to a partner.

Social and School-Readiness Skills in Preschool Curriculum

Preschool also aims to teach kids social-emotional and school-readiness skills. These lessons include teaching kids how to function in a group setting , with an emphasis on behaviors like sharing, turn-taking, cooperative play, transitioning from one activity to the next, and following classroom rules. Preschool also helps kids learn self-care skills they will need in kindergarten, such as putting on their own shoes and coats, feeding themselves, and using the bathroom independently.

Most preschools have a set of goals and a philosophy to which each teacher must adhere. In some cases, teachers follow those general guidelines informally. In many cases, teachers use specific lesson plans and rubrics for assessing student progress.

Preschool curricula take into account the length of the preschool day. Some preschools run for only a few hours a day, while others (especially in public school settings) operate all day. Some even run longer than a typical school day to cover parents' work hours.

During any given day, preschoolers may take part in:

• Field trips designed to enhance a lesson, such as a trip to the post office to learn about mail or a visit to the grocery store to learn about choosing healthy foods
• Sessions with special guest speakers who are brought in to provide more details to a lesson, such as a firefighter to talk about fire safety or a dentist to discuss oral health
• Special activities taught either by the primary preschool teacher or a special art, music, library, or physical education teacher
• Specific activities, such as circle time, song time, calendar time, active playtime, storytime, and craft time
• Transitional periods that exist between activities like learning how to walk in a line with peers and how to clean up toys and supplies

A preschool curriculum can also encompass homework given to the child to reinforce what was learned in the classroom , but many educators also believe that homework is unnecessary at such a young age.

While it may look like a preschooler is simply playing in the preschool classroom all day, that's not the case. Play is so much more than a child having fun, though kids are certainly having lots of that. Especially when it involves interacting with other children, play teaches young children how to:

• Form friendships
• Learn how to cooperate
• Think creatively
• Try out different ways of problem-solving
• Use their imaginations

Different types of play , including structured and unstructured play, allow children to practice different skills in different ways.

What To Look for in a Preschool Curriculum

No matter which philosophy your preschool follows (Bank Street, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and HighScope are common ones), the preschool curriculum should promote learning while helping children meet the various language, social, physical, and cognitive goals. In an ideal situation, a quality preschool curriculum will be taught by certified teachers and be based on the most up-to-date childhood education research.

Depending on the school and the school's philosophy, the preschool curriculum can be developed by administrators, teachers, and in some cases, even parents. If you ever have a question about the curriculum or anything that's going on at your child's preschool, reach out to the teacher or preschool administrator.

Early Learning . National Institute of Child Health and Human Development . 2021.

Montessori Early Childhood Programs . American Montessori Society . n.d.

About Early Learning . National Institute of Child Health and Human Development . 2021.

The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children .  Pediatrics . 2018.

Early Childhood Education . US Department of Education . 2014.

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