Special Cover Letter Considerations For Teachers
For a teacher, a cover letter can mean the difference between landing an interview and receiving no response. Though there are common elements all cover letters share, those for teachers must address some additional considerations. For one thing, you need to show your passion for teaching and how it aligns with the position you're applying for. You also want to talk about your credentials — not just degrees and credentials but also classroom experience or what makes you a strong candidate in general. And finally, you'll want to differentiate yourself from other candidates (most often by emphasizing different qualifications). The following list of suggestions will help turn that blank document into a persuasive introduction that gets results.
1. Highlight your degree
If you have a Master's degree, make sure you mention it. If you have multiple degrees, emphasize the one that is most relevant to the position. For example, if you have a degree in data analytics, but are applying for an administrative position at a high school, focus on your Bachelor's and Master's in education instead. Also, the subject of your degree might help you stand out from other applicants if the job requirements and education level specified in the original ad don't sound like they align (for instance, if you are applying for a high-level position but only have a two-year diploma).
2. Discuss relevant experience
If you have relevant experience, such as teaching related to the job you're applying for, then definitely include it. If you don't have recent classroom experience, think about what other kinds of teaching or education-related experience you have – perhaps outside of a classroom? And remember, if your degree is not in education but you've spent time working with or in schools and/or helping children out on your own (such as working as a tutor), this should be mentioned.
3. Show how your qualifications align with the position
This is where a cover letter comes in handy. You can talk specifically about how your skills and abilities match the qualifications requested by the employer. This is where your research will come in handy; you should have a good idea of what the employer is looking for based on the job ad. Then you can use the cover letter to demonstrate how your background makes you a good fit.
4. Highlight another qualification that contrasts with other candidates
Talk about something that sets you apart from other candidates, perhaps a new or different skill or some other relevant experience. If there are multiple applicants for the job, this helps to demonstrate why hiring you would be a better investment than hiring someone else and paying to train them from scratch (which might be an especially important consideration if you are applying for an entry-level position).
5. Make sure you include all the necessary elements
Although many of the required elements will be similar to those in a regular cover letter, you must make sure to include things like information about your education, relevant working experience (if applicable), and especially details about any teaching experience you have. Also, if this is your first time applying for a position as a teacher – whether at the K-12 or college level – you might want to talk briefly about how this fits into your long-term career goals. And finally, always check the company's website for information on their letter or application specifications before sending off a job application.
If you follow the above guidelines and make your cover letter specific to the employer's requirements, you are likely to get a response to your application.
*This article was written in collaboration with Becca Strehle. Becca is an editor at Grademiners, an academic writing service that helps students write better papers and land better grades. With thousands of satisfied clients in more than 150 countries, Grademiners is one of the most trusted academic writing services in America. Visit Grademiners for all your content editing needs.*
NOTE: THIS CONTENT IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT TO BE TAKEN AS SPECIFIC LEGAL OR HR ADVICE.
Title: Special Cover Letter Considerations For Teachers
Posted On: December 8, 2017 at 9:52 am
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Conclusion
Hopefully this article was helpful in providing you with some insight into the special considerations that need to be made when writing a cover letter specifically directed at educators or jobs where education experience can be an especially positive factor.
In addition, if you have any questions about what to include in a cover letter for a job application, feel free to look over our other articles on resume and social media tips for teachers.
I wish you the best of luck as you move forward with your job search and preparation! Please be sure to let me know how this article helps (or doesn't) you.