Cover Letter HELP!!!

Updated on January 23, 2011
R.D. asks from Haysville, KS
4 answers

Hello mamas!
With your help about a year ago, I landed my first teaching job. I have just become aware of two teaching jobs in the district I would like my own daughter to attend, and I of course would love to teach in that district. I am going to share my cover letter in the hopes that you all will have some great advice! I could not find much info. on this school itself, but I did find a lot out about the district. I shoudl say that I now work at an inner-city school with a totally different population, test scores, everything. It was quite a culture shock to me, but I have learned so much and the only reason I am even thinking of leaving is because this position opened up. I don't know if I should save that kind of info. for an interview, or if I should somehow incorporate that into my cover letter. I wish I could wait until state assesments because then I could show how much I helped my students grow, but I can't wait that long :) I also teach at an Aerospace and Engineering magnet school now, and really want to show that I do a lot with science and technology (we actually teach it three times a week for 45 minutes). I also want to show that I definitely know how to differentiate instruction as we do not levelize or anything for reading and math, so that means I have to teach my super high, my super low, and my med. kiddos all at the same time, while making sure they each get what they need. Any advice/tips/suggestions are welcome! Thanks!
Dear Mr. ______,

Please accept my application for the fifth grade teaching position at ______. I am currently teaching fourth grade at ______ Aerospace and Engineering Magnet. As a 2009 graduate of _____, I have student teaching experience on the kindergarten and second grade level, and was the second grade long-term substitute teacher at ____ Elementary in _____________ during the second term of the 2009-2010 school year.

I instruct all sixteen of my students in reading, math, and science, which requires me to utilize a variety of resources and techniques to make learning both challenging and fun. I am an active participant in my PLC, attend all students’ IEPS, and co-plan, as well as co-teach, a weekly science module with my mentor and colleague. I develop lessons to ensure the success of each student, and integrate science and technology into reading and math. I have a passion for teaching students and deeply care for each and every child that walks into my classroom.

After reviewing the state testing data for ____ Public Schools, I am thoroughly impressed with the high level of success, as well as the level of parental involvement within your district. I am pleased with the small-town atmosphere, while ensuring student success and the use of technology. I share the same core beliefs and values as your district and I would welcome the opportunity to teach at ____ Elementary. Please give me a call at your convenience so that we can discuss my qualifications in person. Thank you for your consideration.

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P.W.

answers from San Francisco on

Three things I noticed:

IEPs should not have a capital S.

Also, this sentence: "I am pleased with the small-town atmosphere, while ensuring student success and the use of technology" is unclear and grammatically incorrect; the second half of the sentence does not logically follow the first half. Rephrase it.

And also, the level of parental involvement is not something you can glean from the state testing data, so maybe you could rephrase that sentence too.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

You are a 2009 graduate of xxxx with a degree in xxxxx.

Second paragraph
I would start that paragraph stating you have a passion for teaching (leave out the word students) and that you deeply care for... Could you then say that in addition to teaching all core subject matter you incorporate science and technology into your reading and math lessons by doing xxxx?

I would leave out the number of students you teach (16) unless you think they really need to know that. Just say I instruct my students in...

I would say that you ... co-plan and co-teach a weekly science module. It does not matter that it is with your mentor and colleague.

last paragraph..Say I believe I would be an asset to the district because xxx. Do you know what the districts core beliefs and values are? If so state them and say that "I too share the belief that xyz.
reword the sentence about small town atmosphere, student success and use of technology. They seem like different thoughts to me.

Instead of saying please give me a call...say I am available to discuss my qualifications further at your convenience.

Good luck! Also, just want you to know I thought your letter was great the first time I read through it. Then per your request I went through and picked it apart. I seriously doubt the SD will be a critical as I was:)
You sound like a great teacher that would be an asset to any district!

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R.M.

answers from Portland on

Speaking as a retired Principal, I think your cover letter includes the essentials: it tells where/what you are currently teaching and includes a bit about your teaching philosophy.

Suggestion: Don't be afraid to begin with your personal interest in their district rather than the formal "please accept my application.." You might even say "I have just become aware of two teaching jobs in your district and would love to teach there. As a parent, I would be proud to have my own daughter to attend a _____ district school." That was the intriguing info in your question to us, and it sounds more passionate about your interest.

I agree with Page W.'s comment about a little revision aimed at clarity. If you researched the District and admire it, tell them why. Remember, too, it is assumed that all teachers who co-teach will co-plan so you can leave that out in the cover letter... but if you say that you develop lessons that "ensure" the success of each student, as an interviewer I would want to see exactly how you define success, how you ensure it and what data you use. Just be able to support that statement if you plan to use it.

Lastly, don't go into why you would consider leaving your present position in a cover letter. The screeners won't expect that until an interview. If you get one, speak well of the school you are leaving but it is always okay to say you are looking for an even closer match to your own family (and professional) expectations. Good luck to you!

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T.M.

answers from Columbus on

Instead of concluding with "Please give me a call..." say something like "I look forward to speaking with you and discussing the current opportunities." or "I welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications in person."

Also, you might want to include a sentence about what contribution you could make to the school/district. If it is an extremely successful district, I'm sure many people would like to teach there. What makes you an ideal candidate in addition to sharing their core values and beliefs?

Last sentence of the second paragraph - you can delete "students."

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