Embarking on your job search, you've likely discovered that a standout substitute teacher cover letter can be as crucial as your resume. While your resume lists your experience, your cover letter should weave a compelling narrative around your proudest professional moment without spilling over into cliches or a simple resume rehash. Remember, brevity is key—a single page will do. Let's guide you through crafting a cover letter that captures your unique story and teaching passion, setting you apart in the crowded field of education.
- Write a substitute teacher cover letter that helps you stand out (and get the job);
- Understand how to start and end your substitute teacher cover letter with the appropriate greeting;
- What to include in the body of your substitute teacher cover letter to put your best foot forward;
- Your most important achievements - how to present them as part of your substitute teacher cover letter.
And if you want to make your life even easier, simply drag and drop your substitute teacher resume into Enhancv's AI cover letter generator, and it will write your cover letter for you in just a few moments.
If the substitute teacher isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
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Substitute Teacher cover letter example
Andrew Clark
NYC, NY
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Highlighting quantifiable achievements ("an 80% improvement in student learning") demonstrates the candidate's effectiveness and provides a clear metric of success.
- Expressing alignment of personal values with the institution’s values ("My commitment to fostering an enriching learning atmosphere aligns with the values of your institution") helps establish a cultural fit and shows that the candidate understands and appreciates the school's mission.
- Mentioning a clear willingness to contribute to the team's objectives ("I am eager to bring my background to your respected school") emphasizes the candidate's team-oriented mindset and readiness to be a collaborative staff member.
- Providing a call to action for an interview ("I am available at your earliest convenience for an interview") shows proactivity and a serious interest in the position, which can encourage a prompt response from the hiring manager.
What are the basics of the design or format of your substitute teacher cover letter?
To start, here's a reminder for you: the Applicant Tracker System (or software that is used to assess candidate profiles), won't be reading your substitute teacher cover letter.
Recruiters enjoy reading substitute teacher cover letters with a standardized format that uses:
- the same font as the resume (e.g. modern ones like Raleway or Volkhov are prefered over the clichéd Times New Roman or Arial);
- single spacing to keep the content concise and organized (this is all ready for you in our cover letter templates);
- a one-inch margin to wrap around the text, like in our cover letter builder;
- PDF as a file format, as it allows your design (and visual element) to stay the same.
Finally, we can't go on without mentioning the key sections of your substitute teacher cover letter.
In the top one-third, make sure to include a header (with your contact information, name, role, and date), a salutation, and an introduction.
Next, follows the heart and soul of your substitute teacher cover letter or its body.
End your substitute teacher cover letter with a closing paragraph and, if you wish, a signature.
The top sections on a substitute teacher cover letter
- Header: This section should include the substitute teacher's contact information, the date, and the recipient's details, establishing professionalism and ensuring the letter reaches the right person.
- Greeting: A personalized salutation addressing the principal or hiring manager by name shows the substitute teacher has researched the school and is genuinely interested in the position.
- Introduction: The introductory paragraph should mention the specific substitute teaching position applied for, how the candidate learned about it, and a brief statement about their enthusiasm and qualifications for teaching.
- Body: This section must highlight the substitute teacher's relevant experience, classroom management skills, adaptability to different learning environments, and ability to quickly implement lesson plans, which are crucial for a substitute's role.
- Closing: The closing paragraph should reiterate the substitute teacher's interest and fit for the position, include a call to action such as requesting an interview, and thank the reader for their consideration, leaving a positive and professional final impression.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
Adaptability to different learning environments and student needs: Essential for smoothly transitioning into various classrooms and effectively managing diverse student populations.
Strong classroom management skills: Critical for maintaining order and a productive learning atmosphere, especially when jumping into a new classroom where established routines might not be familiar.
Subject matter proficiency in various areas: Valued for the ability to competently substitute across a range of subjects and grade levels, providing continuity in education.
Excellent communication skills: Necessary for clearly conveying lesson plans, engaging with students, and providing feedback to regular teaching staff.
Positive and approachable demeanor: Helps in establishing a comfortable learning environment quickly and gaining the trust of students and faculty alike.
Experience with special education or differentiated instruction: Beneficial for addressing individual student needs, adhering to Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and ensuring accessible learning for all students.
Personalizing your substitute teacher cover letter salutation
Always aim to address the recruiter from the get-go of your substitute teacher cover letter.
Use:
- the friendly tone (e.g. "Dear Paul" or "Dear Caroline") - if you've previously chatted up with them on social media and are on a first-name basis;
- the formal tone (e.g. "Dear Ms. Gibbs" or "Dear Ms. Swift") - if you haven't had any previous conversation with them and have discovered the name of the recruiter on LinkedIn or the company website;
- the polite tone (e.g. "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear HR Team") - at all costs aim to avoid the "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam", as both greetings are very old-school and vague.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [School Name] Team,
- Dear [Principal's Name],
- Dear [HR Director's Name],
- Dear [Superintendent's Name],
- Dear Members of the [School District Name] Board,
How to start your substitute teacher cover letter introduction
The opening paragraph of your substitute teacher cover letter can seem like a real enigma.
Where do you start writing?
In your substitute teacher cover letter introduction, focus on yourself by stating what:
- gets you motivated and excited about the role;
- you like best about the company, from culture to awards.
Write no more than two sentences, which are both authentic and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
What to write in the body of your substitute teacher cover letter
Now that you've got your intro covered, here comes the heart and soul of your substitute teacher cover letter.
It's time to write the middle or body paragraphs. This is the space where you talk about your relevant talent in terms of hard skills (or technologies) and soft (or people and communication) skills.
Keep in mind that the cover letter has a different purpose from your substitute teacher resume.
Yes, you still have to be able to show recruiters what makes your experience unique (and applicable) to the role.
But, instead of just listing skills, aim to tell a story of your one, greatest accomplishment.
Select your achievement that:
- covers job-crucial skills;
- can be measured with tangible metrics;
- shows you in the best light.
Use the next three to six paragraphs to detail what this success has taught you, and also to sell your profile.
Two ideas on how to end the final paragraph of your substitute teacher cover letter
Closing your substitute teacher cover letter, you want to leave a memorable impression on recruiters, that you're a responsible professional.
End your cover letter with how you envision your growth, as part of the company. Make realistic promises on what you plan to achieve, potentially, in the next six months to a year.
Before your signature, you could also signal hiring managers that you're available for the next steps. Or, a follow-up call, during which you could further clarify your experience or professional value.
What to write on your substitute teacher cover letter, when you have zero experience
The best advice for candidates, writing their substitute teacher cover letters with no experience, is this - be honest.
If you have no past professional roles in your portfolio, focus recruiters' attention on your strengths - like your unique, transferrable skill set (gained as a result of your whole life), backed up by one key achievement.
Or, maybe you dream big and have huge motivation to join the company. Use your substitute teacher cover letter to describe your career ambition - that one that keeps you up at night, dreaming about your future.
Finally, always ensure you've answered why employers should hire precisely you and how your skills would benefit their organization.
Key takeaways
Summarizing the most important aspects in writing your substitute teacher cover letter, remember to:
- Create a personalized substitute teacher cover letter for each role you apply for, that includes the recruiter's name in the salutation;
- Format your substitute teacher cover letter with single-spacing, one-inch margins, and a modern, yet ATS-friendly font;
- Always start off your substitute teacher cover letter with two sentences that reflect what is most important about your application;
- Your substitute teacher cover letter body should feature your biggest accomplishments and the job-relevant skills it has taught you;
- Instead of opting for the "Sincerely yours" ending, close your substitute teacher cover letter with a nod to the future with what you aim to achieve in this potential role.
Substitute Teacher cover letter examples
Explore additional substitute teacher cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
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