When you start applying for jobs, you quickly realise that including a cover letter with your CV is a excellent way to stand out. But what should your cover letter focus on?
Should it emphasise your key achievements or simply list your responsibilities? And how can you effectively demonstrate that you're the ideal fit for the role?
One of the most common mistakes candidates make is either underselling themselves or overstating their experience.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to craft a compelling cover letter by showcasing your most significant professional achievement and telling the story behind it.
Cover letter examples for esl teacher
Explore additional esl teacher cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Entry-level ESL Teacher
- Highlighting Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively showcases Theodore Green's extensive experience in ESL teaching across multiple institutions, highlighting roles and achievements that speak directly to the responsibilities and expectations of an ESL Teacher.
- Specific Skill Set Emphasis: Emphasises crucial skills such as "ESL Teaching Methods," "Bilingual Communication," and "Lesson Planning," which are essential for an ESL Teacher and align with industry standards.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Utilises specific metrics and percentages to highlight accomplishments, such as increasing student proficiency rates and expanding programme enrolment, providing concrete evidence of success and impact.
- Certification and Education Credentials: Clearly presents relevant educational qualifications and specialised certifications, such as the TESOL Certification, which underscore expertise in the field of ESL education.
Mid-level ESL Teacher
- Highlighting the ESL Certification and specific courses like "Advanced ESL Teaching Strategies" and "Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)" underscores the applicant's specialised knowledge and qualifications for the ESL teaching role.
- Emphasising data-driven instruction and its impact, such as increasing student language proficiency scores by 20%, showcases the candidate’s ability to leverage data for improving educational outcomes.
- The inclusion of crisis management skills, with evidence of ensuring 100% student safety, demonstrates the applicant's ability to handle high-pressure situations effectively, which is crucial in an educational setting.
- Detailing past achievements, such as leading professional development sessions that boosted colleague effectiveness by 40%, illustrates the applicant’s leadership skills and contribution to enhancing teaching standards.
Senior ESL Teacher
- Experience and quantifiable achievements: The cover letter effectively highlights Theodore's rich experience in ESL education with over 8 years in the field. It includes specific achievements such as improving language competency by 30% and student engagement by 25%, providing tangible evidence of his impact.
- Relevant skills and courses: The mention of skills in curriculum development, digital learning tools, and cross-cultural communication aligns well with the role of an ESL Educator. Additionally, mentioning certifications like CELTA further solidifies his qualification for the position.
- Leadership and collaboration: Theodore’s experience leading teams and mentoring new ESL teachers showcases his leadership abilities. Collaborating with local schools and international teachers demonstrates his capacity for building effective partnerships in educational settings.
- Passion and personal interests: The inclusion of Theodore’s passions, such as exploring language and culture and innovative teaching methods, provides insight into his personal motivation and commitment to the role, making him a compelling candidate.
ESL Department Head
- Highlighting Expertise: The cover letter effectively showcases over 10 years of experience in digital marketing and data analytics, underscoring strategic skills that align with the senior marketing consultant role.
- Project Success and Metrics: Emphasises tangible achievements such as increasing audience growth by 200% and facilitating significant sales increases, illustrating the candidate's ability to deliver impactful results.
- Leadership and Team Management: Points out experience in leading cross-functional teams and mentoring junior marketers, crucial for a high-level consulting role.
- Advanced Certifications and Education: Features relevant advanced courses and degrees, underscoring ongoing professional development and expertise in advanced data analytics and SEO, applicable to digital strategy and marketing roles.
ESL Teacher Trainer
- Personalised Lesson Plans: Highlighting the creation of customised lesson plans that resulted in improved student engagement and learning outcomes shows a tailored approach to teaching, which is crucial in an ESL setting.
- Utilisation of Digital Tools: Emphasising the implementation of digital tools that increased student interaction and satisfaction aligns with the modern demand for technology-enhanced learning experiences.
- Award and Recognition: Mentioning the Exemplary Teaching Award and contributions to professional development underlines not only proficiency in teaching but also peer recognition, enhancing credibility.
- Diverse Cultural Experience: Demonstrating experience with diverse nationalities and the promotion of inclusive learning environments showcases cultural sensitivity and adaptability, key components for success in ESL instruction.
By Role
ESL Kindergarten Teacher
- Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively highlights Grace Bailey’s experience in ESL instruction, showcasing her success in tailoring lessons to improve student language proficiency, which is crucial for an English teaching role.
- Specialised Certification: Emphasising the "Advanced Online Teaching Strategies" certificate from FutureLearn demonstrates her dedication and readiness for virtual instruction, a key aspect of modern ESL teaching roles.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The letter includes specific, quantifiable outcomes such as increasing student engagement by 25% and enhancing English language skills by 40%, providing concrete evidence of her teaching effectiveness.
- Passion and Engagement: Highlighting passions like "Language Teaching Innovation" and "Creative Writing" illustrates her enthusiasm for education and her capability to enrich her teaching content, which is appealing for roles involving curriculum development.
ESL Business English Teacher
- Highlight the TEFL certification as it is essential for teaching English as a foreign language and demonstrates specialised training.
- Emphasise cross-cultural communication skills, which are crucial for creating an inclusive learning environment and enhancing cultural exchange.
- Include the achievement of a high student satisfaction rate, showcasing an ability to connect with students and meet their educational needs effectively.
- Mention the development and implementation of a successful blended learning programme, reflecting expertise in innovative teaching methods.
ESL Online Tutor
- Highlight Relevant Experience: Isabelle's cover letter sets a strong precedent by showcasing specific roles and accomplishments in online ESL and German tutoring, demonstrating her suitability for a language specialist role.
- Emphasise Measurable Outcomes: The inclusion of precise metrics, such as a 95% student satisfaction rate and 30% improvement in language capabilities, effectively quantifies her success and impact as an educator.
- Include Relevant Skills and Certifications: By mentioning her proficiency with e-learning software and relevant certifications from Cambridge Assessment English and Goethe Institute, Isabelle aligns her credentials with the expectations of an online tutoring position.
- Display Passion and Dedication: The cover letter effectively communicates her enthusiasm for language education and e-learning technologies, which are pivotal in conveying genuine interest and commitment to the role.
ESL Secondary School Teacher
- Emphasise your experience in student growth and curriculum development, as demonstrated by Chloe Bell's role as Lead Teacher at John Lewis Academy, where she increased student engagement by 30%.
- Highlight your ability to collaborate with other educators, as seen in Chloe's work with special education teachers to develop inclusive curricula, leading to increased student satisfaction and inclusivity.
- Include specific achievements, such as Chloe's Technology Integration Award and her successful implementation of technology in classrooms, which boosted engagement rates by 40%.
- Demonstrate a commitment to professional development by mentioning certifications or courses relevant to the role, such as Chloe's Advanced Educational Technology Certification.
ESL Curriculum Developer
- Highlighting extensive experience in curriculum development, showcasing over five years of expertise in creating engaging English Language Arts curricula.
- Emphasising specific achievements, such as leading a team to create a highly successful 15-lesson course and implementing new testing standards that improved student performance.
- Pointing out specialised skills in edtech integration and student engagement strategies, demonstrating a modern and forward-thinking approach to teaching.
- Showcasing a commitment to ongoing professional development with courses like "Advanced Teaching English as a Foreign Language" and "EdTech for Teaching and Learning", which align with the technological aspects of the role.
ESL Teacher for Adults
- Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter effectively uses quantifiable metrics such as a 30% improvement in student language proficiency and a 50% increase in access to educational materials, showcasing the candidate’s impact and success in previous roles.
- Specific Certifications and Courses: Highlighting the CELTA certification and advanced ESL methodologies course not only demonstrates the candidate’s qualifications but also their commitment to continuous professional development in teaching.
- Diverse and Comprehensive Experience: The cover letter outlines a well-rounded teaching experience, including roles that involve curriculum development, test preparation, and new staff training, which is beneficial for educational roles that require both classroom expertise and administrative skills.
- Cross-Cultural Communication: Emphasising cross-cultural communication and cultural workshop initiatives illustrates a strong capability to engage with diverse student populations and foster an inclusive learning environment.
ESL Summer Camp Teacher
- Experience Highlight: The candidate effectively showcases relevant experience, with specific achievements such as a 20% improvement in student performance scores, which aligns with the role of an EFL Teacher.
- Skills and Tools: Demonstrates proficiency in digital literacy and incorporation of digital tools, essential for modern EFL teaching environments and enhancing classroom engagement.
- Cultural Awareness: Emphasises passion and experience in cultural exchanges, which is a crucial aspect of teaching EFL, fostering a more comprehensive learning environment.
- Relevant Education and Certifications: Lists a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and advanced TESOL techniques, highlighting specialised knowledge beneficial to EFL roles.
ESL Teacher for Immigrants
- Emphasise Relevant Certifications: Highlight the CELTA Certification and TESOL Master's degree, as these are crucial qualifications for ESL teaching roles, showcasing your formal training and depth of knowledge.
- Quantify Achievements: Use specific metrics and percentages to demonstrate measurable success in previous roles, such as increasing student proficiency and engagement, to provide evidence of your impact.
- Highlight Teaching and Technological Integration: Discuss experience with integrating digital tools in ESL teaching, which is important in modern educational environments, showing adaptability and innovation in teaching methods.
- Showcase Published Research: Include mention of any research publication, especially in a renowned ESL journal, to highlight your contribution to the academic field and your commitment to continuous professional development.
ESL Teacher for Refugees
- Highlighting Gospel-teaching skills and missionary training experience is crucial, as these are core competencies for a language teacher working within a missionary context.
- Mentioning specific achievements, such as the successful improvement of language proficiency among over 150 missionaries, directly demonstrates the tangible impact and effectiveness of the candidate's teaching methods.
- Emphasising the integration of virtual teaching tools during the pandemic showcases adaptability and the ability to maintain educational standards in challenging circumstances, a key attribute for a modern educator.
- Including advanced degrees in Linguistics and Modern Languages reinforces the candidate's academic foundation in language mastery, which is a significant advantage for a language teaching role.
ESL Special Education Teacher
- Highlighting Experience with Curriculum Design: Emphasising expertise in curriculum design aligns with the role and demonstrates the candidate's capability in improving educational experiences and student performance.
- Emphasising Instructional Strategies and Student Assessment: By mentioning these key skills, the candidate showcases their ability to tailor teaching methods and effectively monitor student progress, which are crucial for an impactful teaching role.
- Showcasing Leadership Roles and Collaborative Initiatives: By detailing leadership positions such as Senior Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator, the candidate illustrates their aptitude for managing teams and working collaboratively on impactful projects.
- Incorporating Achievements and Results: Highlighting quantifiable achievements, such as improving student performance scores and enhancing teaching proficiency, provides tangible evidence of the candidate’s effectiveness and contribution to educational settings.
ESL Corporate Trainer
- Highlighting Specialised Experience: Chloe effectively emphasises her 8 years of experience in English language training and corporate communication, establishing her credibility in the field—vital for building trust with potential employers.
- Showcasing Measurable Impact: The cover letter includes quantitative data such as "70% improvement in communication efficiency" and "60% increase in client satisfaction scores," making the impact of Chloe's work clear and compelling.
- Emphasising Professional Development: Courses like "Advanced Corporate Communication Strategies" and certifications from the British Council underscore Chloe’s commitment to ongoing learning and staying current with industry trends, enhancing her value as a candidate.
- Recognising Achievements: Chloe's awards, such as "Best Corporate Trainer," highlight peer and industry recognition, demonstrating her expertise and the positive outcomes of her innovative training strategies.
ESL Teacher for International Students
- Emphasising the TESOL Certification can demonstrate specialised training and competence in teaching English as a second language, which is crucial for ESL Teacher roles.
- Highlighting experience as a Cultural Integration Project Leader at the British Council illustrates leadership capabilities and success in fostering cultural understanding, aligning with the goals of promoting cultural integration.
- Including quantitative accomplishments, such as a 40% increase in class participation or a 30% improvement in student satisfaction, provides tangible proof of effectiveness and impact.
- Stressing skills such as Cultural Sensitivity and Cross-Cultural Communication shows the ability to engage diverse student backgrounds, which is vital for roles focused on cultural exchange and education.
ESL Examination Preparation Teacher
- Technology Integration: The cover letter highlights the ability to leverage technology for effective learning, which is crucial for an online English teaching role. Skills such as TESOL and online teaching methodologies are prominently mentioned, aligning well with the job's requirements.
- Experience and Outcomes: Demonstrating a 95% student satisfaction rate and a boost in class attendance by 40% underlines the candidate’s effectiveness in improving student engagement and attendance, which are key metrics in online education.
- Cultural Exchange Facilitation: The demonstrated experience in facilitating cultural exchange for over 1,200 students and coordinating cultural programmes with participants from 10 countries positions the candidate as someone who values and enhances cross-cultural communication, a vital aspect of teaching languages.
- Professional Development: By listing advanced courses, such as the "Advanced TESOL Course" and "Online Teaching Strategies", the applicant shows commitment to professional growth and staying updated with innovative teaching techniques, which is appealing for educational roles.
ESL Private Tutor
- Highlighting specific certifications and training, such as the TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA, which are directly relevant for an ESL tutoring position, reinforces professional credibility and targetted skills for the role.
- Emphasising a high student exam success rate and the use of innovative teaching techniques helps demonstrate effectiveness and a results-oriented approach, which are critical in educational roles.
- Including specific achievements, such as developing custom lesson plans and leading community initiatives, showcases a proactive approach to role responsibilities and a commitment to educational excellence.
- Integrating experience with multimedia and digital tools indicates adaptability and modern teaching capabilities, aligning with current educational trends and expectations.
ESL Teacher in Language School
- Emphasise the CELTA certification as it demonstrates formal training and expertise in teaching English, which is crucial for an ESL teaching role.
- Highlight successful student proficiency improvements, such as a 30% increase through engaging lesson plans, showcasing effective teaching strategies and dedication to student success.
- Mention the design and implementation of innovative learning programmes, like the junior ambassador programme, indicating leadership skills and the ability to inspire and engage students beyond traditional teaching methods.
- Showcase the ability to work in diverse classroom settings and adapt teaching methods, which is essential for catering to mixed proficiency groups and enhancing overall classroom dynamics.
ESL Teacher cover letter example
Harry Williams
Glasgow
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
Having followed your company's pioneering language programs and dedication to innovative education, I am keen to contribute my extensive experience in ESL teaching and creative curriculum development. Your emphasis on enhancing linguistic creativity aligns perfectly with my professional background and passion for integrative learning.
At Global Language Solutions, I led the development of a comprehensive language curriculum that significantly enhanced student engagement and proficiency, by 25% and 40% respectively. This achievement was driven by my commitment to creating an immersive learning environment using multimedia resources and technology integration. My role also involved managing large student groups and collaborating with fellow educators to uplift the overall quality of English language instruction.
I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss how my skills and experiences align with your team's objectives. Please feel free to contact me to schedule an interview at your convenience. Thank you for considering my application; I look forward to contributing to your esteemed organization's mission in advancing English language education.
Sincerely,
Harry Williams
ESL Teacher
Breaking down what makes this cover letter good:
- Highlight your experience in creative curriculum development that aligns with the company's focus on enhancing linguistic creativity.
- Provide specific achievements (e.g., boosting student engagement and proficiency percentages) to demonstrate effectiveness in previous roles.
- Emphasize the use of innovative teaching methods, like multimedia resources, which resonate with the company's educational approach.
- Mention collaboration with other educators to show ability to work well in a team and contribute to communal goals.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
A well-crafted cover letter can significantly strengthen your job application by emphasising why you’re an ideal fit.
Here are some reasons why it matters:
- Personalisation: Employers expect your cover letter to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the company’s needs and/or values.
- Addresses what is omitted from your CV: If your career path includes gaps or changes, your cover letter is the best place to address these positively and explain their relevance.
- Opportunity to stand out: Many applicants have similar qualifications, so a tailored cover letter can show your unique attributes and experience.
What UK employers expect from a cover letter
Your UK employers will appreciate your application if you've taken the effort to tailor your cover letter to their job requirements.
Here’s how to ensure yours ticks all the right boxes:
- Research the company thoroughly: It's not enough to have only read the job advert. Look into the company's history, products, services, and recent achievements to demonstrate your genuine interest and knowledge.
- Connect with the company’s values: Every company has core principles that shape its culture and operations. Identify these values and use your cover letter to show how they align with your professional conduct and ethics.
- Emphasise your relevant skills: Highlight specific skills that match the job description and are most in demand. Use examples from your previous experience to support your claims and set yourself apart from other candidates.
How to format a esl teacher cover letter
Your cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong impression, so its structure must be professional and clear.
Here's an overview of how a UK cover letter should be structured:
- Begin with your address and contact details at the top.
- Include the employer’s name and address directly below.
- Add the date to the left or right of the page.
- Use an appropriate greeting, such as 'Dear Mr Smith' or 'Dear Sir/Madam.'
- Open with a strong introductory paragraph.
- Develop your points in the middle paragraphs, focusing on relevant skills and experience.
- Close with a concise conclusion, reiterating your interest and suitability for the role.
- Sign off formally with your name and signature.
The software used to match your profile to the job, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), won’t scan your cover letter. Instead, the cover letter reads as a more personalised note to the recruiter.
When it comes to choosing a font, consider modern options like Lato, Rubik, or Chivo, which should also be applied to your CV to maintain a consistent appearance.
Additionally, your cover letter should be single-spaced with 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides (our templates are pre-set with these specifications so you can focus on your cover letter content).
Finally, always send your cover letter as a PDF to preserve the formatting and prevent edits.
How to write your esl teacher cover letter salutation
Imagine you're a hiring manager reading through countless cover letters—which would catch your attention: being addressed directly by name, or reading 'Dear Sir or Madam'?
The first option shows you've made the effort to learn about the company and the role.
To find the hiring manager's name, try LinkedIn, check the company's website, or even reach out to the organisation on social media.
How to write your esl teacher cover letter intro
One of the best ways to grab a hiring manager's attention? Show them the unique value you'd add to the team.
Review the skills or requirements listed in the posting and draw connections to your previous work experiences.
Focus on specific (and quantifiable) accomplishments and qualifications that align with the job description to make a strong first impression.
Cover Letter Intro
Having closely followed Sunnyfield Language School's commitment to innovative teaching methods and cultural immersion, I am thrilled at the prospect of contributing to your team of passionate educators dedicated to encouraging holistic language learning experiences.
RIGHT
How to write your esl teacher cover letter body
A well-written cover letter body goes beyond the content of your CV, expanding on your greatest achievement to form your compelling case.
The narrative you tell within it could focus on a few key elements:
- A concrete and noteworthy achievement: Backed by data and relevant to the job.
- Your hard and soft skills: Presented with measurable outcomes and results.
- A successful project: Showing how you contributed to the final result.
The goal is to tell a story that aligns with the company’s needs and adds a more human touch to your application.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure at Greenfield Language Academy, I designed and implemented an innovative curriculum that significantly improved student engagement and proficiency levels. By incorporating interactive digital resources and tailored lesson plans, I was able to address the diverse learning needs within my classroom. This initiative led to a remarkable 40% increase in the overall test scores of my students within a single academic year. Furthermore, this approach fostered a collaborative learning environment that empowered students to actively participate in their language development process. My dedication to cultivating a supportive and dynamic classroom atmosphere has not only enhanced my students' academic performance but also their confidence in using English as a second language.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
When ending your cover letter, you have two options:
Option one is to promise how you’d contribute to the organisation—whether that’s improving a target or achieving a specific goal—or how the company could help you grow professionally. Always emphasise the tangible impact you can deliver.
The second option is to close by asking when you can expect to hear back from the hiring managers, whether for an update or to arrange an interview.
Cover Letter Closing
Thank you ever so much for considering my application. I am genuinely enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your esteemed institution as an ESL teacher. I am confident that my passion for teaching and my dedication to fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment will make a positive impact on your students. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to your team in further detail. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. I anticipate your response with great interest and would be delighted to provide any additional information needed. Thank you once again for your time and consideration.
RIGHT
Conclusion
A standout cover letter is crucial for making an strong impression in your job search in the UK market. Personalise your letter by addressing it to the hiring manager and aligning your skills with the job description.
Use concrete examples to highlight your greatest achievement and convey your enthusiasm for the position. Finally, ensure that both your cover letter and CV are presented professionally for a consistent application.
