You’ve just sent the same cover letter to 60 different job roles, all beginning with “Dear Sir or Madam” and ending with 'Yours sincerely.'
Bad news: you may have just missed your chance to stand out, as generic cover letters are a very common pitfall in job applications.
Did you know recruiters typically shortlist candidates based on how well they meet the job criteria? Failing to address the key requirements can cost you the role.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to tailor your cover letter to align with the job advert or company, ensuring you showcase your value as a candidate.
Cover letter examples for teacher
Explore additional teacher cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Early Years Teacher
- Highlight the "Play-Based Learning Certification" from Coursera as it underscores specialised knowledge in innovative play techniques, directly relevant to Early Years teaching.
- Emphasise the experience leading technology integration projects, like the one at Bright Horizons, which resulted in a significant increase in educational benchmarks, showcasing technical adaptability.
- Mention the notable achievement of a 28% improvement in early reading skills through an innovative literacy programme, reflecting impactful curriculum development skills.
- Include the ability to conduct effective workshops for parents, as evidenced by increased parent participation, highlighting strong communication and engagement skills.
Newly Qualified Teacher
- Highlight Relevant Experience: The cover letter emphasises Jack Taylor’s extensive background in educational roles, including his time at Oakwood Academy and as an Examiner at Pearson UK, which directly relates to the GCE A Level History NQT position and demonstrates his expertise and capability in teaching and assessment.
- Specific Skills and Achievements: The cover letter mentions key skills such as Educational Assessment and Curriculum Development, along with achievements like implementing an innovative history curriculum, which improved student performance by 22%, showcasing Jack’s ability to enhance educational outcomes.
- Emphasise Certifications: The mention of the ePEN Marking System Certification highlights Jack’s proficiency in modern examination procedures, which is essential for the Examiner role and assures the reader of his technical skills in handling exam marking efficiently.
- Research and Publications: Contribution to academic publications and research enhance credibility and demonstrate Jack’s commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of History, an asset for any educational institution looking for an informed and research-oriented professional.
Experienced Teacher
- Highlighting Experience: The cover letter effectively showcases extensive teaching experience and quantifies impacts, such as increasing student engagement by 30% and improving test scores, which provides concrete evidence of effectiveness.
- Focus on Inclusive Education: Emphasising achievements and strategies in inclusive education, like implementing an accessibility policy and leading training for 30 teachers, aligns with current priorities in education for supporting diverse learners.
- Emphasising Proven Skills: The letter highlights relevant skills such as curriculum development, behaviour management, and technology integration, which are critical for a teaching role aiming to enhance student learning and engagement.
- Citing Prestigious Education and Training: Listing a Master of Education from the University of Southampton and specialised courses such as Understanding Autism supports their competence and commitment to both general teaching excellence and specialised knowledge.
Senior Teacher
- Highlighting Key Achievements: The cover letter effectively emphasises significant achievements, such as leading ICT integration strategies that improved student achievement scores and launching digital learning platforms, which provide concrete evidence of the applicant's impact in ICT and SEND environments.
- Expertise in Special Educational Needs: By directly addressing over 10 years of experience in SEND, the letter reinforces the applicant's long-standing commitment to and expertise in special education, a vital qualification for the position.
- Relevant Certifications and Training: The mention of courses like the Advanced Strategies in ICT Integration and the Certificate in Autism and Special Needs Education showcases the applicant's continuous professional development and alignment with current educational practices.
- Quantifiable Results: Using specific metrics, such as a 30% improvement in pupil engagement or a 25% increase in tailored interventions, strengthens the validity of the applicant's claims and demonstrates a results-oriented approach.
Head Teacher
- Emphasises extensive experience in pastoral support and leadership development, aligning with the role requirements and showcasing a proven record of improving student outcomes.
- Highlights specific achievements such as reducing behavioural incidents and increasing graduation rates, providing concrete examples of the candidate's impact in previous roles.
- Mentions relevant leadership courses and certifications, such as "Advanced Leadership in Education," underscoring a commitment to continual professional development in educational leadership.
- Demonstrates strong organisational and communication skills through various initiatives, like enhancing student engagement and parental involvement, which are critical for success in educational leadership roles.
By Role
Primary School Teacher
- Emphasising the candidate's experience in child-centred learning and curriculum development highlights their alignment with current educational trends and student-focused teaching methodologies.
- Detailing specific achievements, such as increasing student engagement and reading proficiency, provides concrete evidence of the candidate's effectiveness in improving educational outcomes.
- Mentioning leadership roles and initiatives, such as leading a project on environmental education and coordinating curriculum revamps, showcases the candidate’s ability to innovate and lead within educational settings.
- Integrating a passion for innovative education methods and community engagement reinforces the candidate's dedication to fostering a supportive and forward-thinking learning environment.
Secondary School Teacher
- Highlighting Experience: Ella Bennett's cover letter effectively emphasises her eight years of experience in SEN education, which is crucial for the role of a Science Teacher with SEN specialisation.
- Specialised Skills: The letter draws attention to her skills in therapeutic learning environments and curriculum design, underscoring her proficiency with the SEN Code of Practice, which aligns perfectly with the needs of SEN students.
- Quantifiable Achievements: The cover letter includes concrete achievements such as improving student performance by 30% and enhancing parent satisfaction by 20%, offering proof of her impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
- Continual Professional Development: By mentioning certifications in Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices and Advanced SEN Teaching Strategies, Ella showcases her commitment to ongoing learning and skill enhancement, a valuable trait for educational professionals.
Special Education Needs Teacher
- Highlighting Relevant Certifications: The cover letter includes specific courses such as the "EdTech Certification Programme" from FutureLearn, which showcases expertise in educational technology—an essential aspect for an Online Educator role.
- Demonstrating Quantifiable Success: By providing percentages like a 30% increase in student engagement or a 35% boost from redesigned courses, the applicant effectively quantifies their achievements, making a compelling case for their skills and impact.
- Showcasing Leadership and Mentoring Skills: Mentioning the mentoring of new educators and leading projects highlights leadership abilities, which are critical for advancing in educational roles beyond standard teaching.
- Tailoring Skills and Experience: Skills like "Digital course development", "Platform management", and "Online collaboration tools" are explicitly aligned with the expectations for roles in remote teaching and online education, demonstrating a well-suited candidate profile.
Physical Education Teacher
- Highlighting the "Certificate in Digital Teaching" from Coursera showcases a commitment to leveraging digital tools effectively, a key requirement for an online educator role.
- Emphasising the achievement of "Excellence in Remote Education" demonstrates a proven track record of maintaining high student retention rates through innovative teaching strategies, which is highly valuable for online education positions.
- Mentioning proficiency in "Online instruction" and "Curriculum design" aligns directly with the job title and illustrates the candidate's readiness to design and teach engaging online courses.
- Highlighting the role as a "Curriculum Designer" at Khan Academy underlines experience in developing comprehensive curriculum modules that meet diverse learner needs, showcasing capability in handling varied educational content.
Music Teacher
- Highlighting Virtual Experience: The cover letter effectively emphasises Sophia's extensive experience in virtual education roles, showcasing her ability to design and deliver engaging online courses with high retention and satisfaction rates.
- Emphasising Educational Achievements: Specific achievements, such as increased student retention rates and improvement in assessment scores, are highlighted, reinforcing her impact and success in online education.
- Showcasing Technological Integration: The integration of interactive technology and feedback mechanisms in curriculum development is underscored, demonstrating Sophia's skill in leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes.
- Relevant Educational Background: Citing the Master of Education Technology from University of London supports her qualifications, aligning her academic background with her professional expertise in educational technology.
Art Teacher
- Emphasis on Impactful Achievements: The cover letter highlights specific accomplishments such as a 40% increase in student engagement and a 60% rise in community attendance, showcasing a proven track record of success that is compelling to potential employers.
- Relevant Experience: By detailing roles such as "Media and Art Project Coordinator" and "Art and Design Educator," the letter positions the applicant as versatile with considerable experience in various educational and community settings, which is vital for an Art Teacher focused on creative curriculum design.
- Education and Continued Professional Development: The emphasis on advanced degrees like a Master of Arts in Education and additional courses from reputable institutions like the University of Cambridge highlights the applicant's commitment to ongoing professional growth, important for maintaining teaching excellence.
- Skills and Cross-Disciplinary Approach: Through skills such as art curriculum design and cross-disciplinary learning, the letter demonstrates a multidimensional approach to teaching that aligns with modern educational demands, making it attractive in an innovative academic environment.
Mathematics Teacher
- Quantifiable Achievements: Highlighting specific improvements in student performance, such as the 95% student pass rate and the 20% increase in Further Math enrolment, effectively demonstrates the candidate's impact and effectiveness in the education sector.
- Curriculum Innovation: Emphasising the implementation of a Singaporean-styled Curriculum and its resulting improvements highlights the candidate's ability to adapt and enhance teaching methods, which is crucial for educational advancement roles.
- Mentorship and Leadership: Showcasing mentoring of early-career teachers and leading initiatives like mathematics clubs or workshops demonstrates leadership skills and a commitment to professional development within the educational community.
- Integration of Technology: Mentioning the collaboration on projects to integrate technology into the classroom underlines proficiency in modern teaching techniques, which is increasingly important in contemporary educational environments.
Science Teacher
- Relevant Experience: Highlighting over 7 years of experience as a Science and Biology teacher demonstrates a depth of knowledge and capability in the field, crucial for prospective employers.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Mentioning specific statistics, such as improving student performance by 20% or achieving an 85% rate of A and A* grades at GCSE level, effectively shows the candidate's tangible impact.
- Innovative Teaching Practices: Emphasising innovative practices, such as project-based learning and implementing digital tools, is essential for roles that require a modern approach to education.
- Professional Development: Highlighting continued education through courses like "Effective Biology Teaching Strategies" and "Integration of Technology in Education" underscores a commitment to professional growth and staying current with educational trends.
English Language Teacher
- Highlight Specific Achievements: Isabella effectively showcases her accomplishments, such as increasing student proficiency by 25% through interactive teaching modules, demonstrating her impact and competence as an ESL teacher.
- Emphasise Relevant Experience: The cover letter details her progression from a TEFL Teacher to a Senior ESL Teacher, showing career growth and providing context to her skills and achievements in language education.
- Specify Leadership and Collaboration Skills: By mentioning her roles in leading curriculum redesign and mentoring junior teachers, she highlights her ability to work collaboratively and lead initiatives, essential for fostering a productive educational environment.
- Showcase Educational Background and Certifications: Isabella includes her Master’s degree in Education and relevant courses (e.g. TESOL strategies), indicating her qualifications and continuous professional development pertinent to her teaching role.
Foreign Language Teacher
- Relevant Experience: The cover letter effectively highlights over 4 years of experience in teaching Business English, showcasing expertise in pronunciation and presentation skills which are crucial for the specified role.
- Tangible Achievements: Demonstrates quantifiable successes such as a 30% improvement in language proficiency among trainees, enhancing credibility and proving effectiveness in previous roles.
- Relevant Certifications: Mentions relevant certifications such as TEFL, emphasising specialised training and understanding of the field.
- Customisation and Adaptability: Highlights the ability to customise lessons for corporate and government clients, showcasing a tailored approach which is vital for meeting diverse client needs.
Supply Teacher
- Highlighting Specialised Experience: The cover letter effectively underscores the applicant's specialised experience in Science and English tutoring, especially focusing on students with medical needs, which becomes a critical selling point for educational roles.
- Showcasing Quantifiable Achievements: The use of specific metrics to illustrate accomplishments, such as a 25% improvement in academic performance and a 90% return rate to mainstream education, effectively supports claims of success and impact.
- Emphasising Educational Technology: By highlighting the integration of digital tools into lesson plans, the cover letter aligns with modern educational trends and demonstrates the applicant’s capability to leverage technology for enhanced learning experiences.
- Demonstrating Collaborative Efforts: Reference to collaborations with schools and communication with parents and school officials underscores the applicant's ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders in the educational process.
Drama Teacher
- Relevant Experience: The cover letter highlights significant experience in drama education, particularly the role as a Senior Drama Teacher at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, demonstrating expertise which is crucial for the role.
- Certification and Courses: Emphasising certifications, such as the Advanced Theatre Techniques course, underscores specialised training that enhances credibility for drama teaching positions.
- Achievements and Impact: Notable achievements such as increasing student engagement by 30% through innovative curriculum development are clearly stated, showcasing measurable success.
- Skills and Techniques: Specific skills such as voice and movement, improvisation, and script analysis, which are directly relevant to drama teaching, are thoroughly detailed, indicating the candidate's breadth of expertise.
Business Studies Teacher
- Emphasise relevant experience by showcasing the ability to enhance student performance through strategic lesson planning, which is crucial for an instructional design role.
- Highlight the achievement of increasing classroom engagement and student participation by 25% through collaborative projects, underlining teamwork and leadership skills.
- Include examples of past success in curriculum development and educational content revamps, illustrating a proactive approach to improving academic standards.
- Showcase active participation in professional development initiatives, highlighting a commitment to continuous improvement and collegial support within the educational community.
Geography Teacher
- Highlighting specific achievements such as the Excellence in Teaching Award demonstrates a proven track record in outstanding teaching methods and impactful student feedback.
- Emphasising the implementation and impact of digital tools, such as a 45% increase in class interaction, shows adaptability and innovative problem-solving skills in an online education context.
- Mentioning a Master's in Educational Technology from a recognised institution underscores a strong foundation in integrating technology effectively into teaching methodologies.
- Detailing the creation and success of interactive online sessions that improved learning outcomes highlights the candidate's capability to engage and retain students in a virtual environment.
Teacher cover letter example
[object Object]
+44 1234 567890
help@enhancv.com
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am reaching out to express my interest in the position within your esteemed department, driven by my passion for culinary arts and learning innovation, which aligns with your commitment to educational excellence and student engagement. With over five years of experience in curriculum development at Greenfield Academy, I am eager to contribute my skills to your dedicated team.
During my tenure as Lead Food Technology Teacher, I spearheaded a comprehensive curriculum overhaul for the GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition program, improving student exam pass rates by 20% within two years. My ability to intertwine innovative teaching techniques, such as the use of electronic devices for interactive learning, resulted in a remarkable 95% student engagement rate, demonstrating my commitment to fostering an engaging and effective educational environment.
I am keen to bring my experience and success in curriculum innovation and student growth to your team. I invite you to discuss this opportunity further in an interview setting, where I can share more about how I can contribute to your department's success. I am grateful for the time and consideration you have given my application, and I look forward to the possibility of joining your team.
Sincerely,
Chloe Bell
Teacher of Food Preparation and Nutrition
What’s great about this cover letter:
- Highlighting leadership skills: Chloe effectively showcases her leadership abilities by mentioning her role in spearheading a curriculum overhaul, which is valuable for a teaching position as it demonstrates initiative and the ability to drive positive change.
- Demonstrating measurable achievements: By referencing the improvement in student exam pass rates and engagement rates, Chloe provides concrete evidence of her impact, which is crucial for underscoring her effectiveness as an educator.
- Aligning personal goals with the organization's mission: Chloe articulates her interest in the role by aligning her passion for culinary arts and innovative teaching methods with the school's commitment to educational excellence, making her a compatible candidate.
- Expressing eagerness and professionalism: Chloe concludes her letter by expressing her willingness to discuss her qualifications further, showing both enthusiasm for the role and professionalism in her communication.
Importance of cover letters in the United Kingdom
Cover letters are a vital part of professional job applications, helping shape recruiters' first impression of your profile.
Here’s why they’re important:
- Indicates your genuine interest: A well-researched cover letter reflects your knowledge of the company and role.
- Professionalism from the outset: Employers expect your cover letter to be structured, polite, and formal. If you wish to add a more personalised touch, be sure to address your recipient directly.
- Capture the recruiters' attention: For most roles, candidates tend to have rather similar experience, which is why you should use your cover letter to explain what is unique about your profile.
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 teacher cover letter
Have you ever wondered about the formatting and structure of your cover letter?
Read on to discover some guidance from industry-leading professionals:
- Within the header, include your address and contact details, the employer's name and address, and the date, followed up by a personalised salutation.
- The body should should consist of an opening paragraph, middle paragraphs expanding on your unique experience and skills, and a closing paragraph.
- End with a formal sign-off and your signature.
- Choose modern fonts such as Volkhov, Chivo, or Bitter instead of the more traditional Arial or Times New Roman.
- All of ENhancv's templates maintain single-spacing with approximately 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides to ensure a neat presentation.
- Always send your cover letter as a PDF to keep the formatting intact and prevent any edits once submitted.
Your CV and cover letter maintain consistent formatting. Use the same fonts, margins, and style to create a professional and cohesive look for your application.
Finally, remember that Applicant Tracking Systems (the software some companies use to align job keywords to your experience, also known as ATS) do not read cover letters–it's intended solely for recruiters. Make it stand out by highlighting your achievements and relevant skills for the role.
How to write your teacher cover letter salutation
Now it's time to make it personal—in your cover letter greeting, you should always address the hiring manager directly. Whenever possible, use their name, depending on how well you know them (e.g., 'Dear Mr Smith', 'Dear Abbie').
You can find their name by searching on LinkedIn (start by looking for the job posting and the recruiter), visiting the 'About' page of the company's website, or by calling reception or administration to enquire.
How to write your teacher cover letter intro
Employers do want someone who not only delivers results but does so with enthusiasm.
Thus, a great way to start your cover letter is by showing how your personal passions align with the role.
Highlight one or two aspects of the job description that resonate with you, and explain why this makes you a perfect fit for the company and its culture.
Cover Letter Intro
Having long admired the innovative teaching approach and commitment to fostering a nurturing environment at Greenfield Academy, I am eager to contribute my skills and experience in shaping young minds within such a progressive community.
RIGHT
How to write your teacher cover letter body
You’ve personalised your greeting and introduction—now it’s time to focus on writing the body of your cover letter.
Instead of listing off skills and responsibilities from your CV, focus on one career highlight that’s relevant to the role.
Use your hard and soft skills, success metrics (e.g., percentages or sales figures), and the long-term impact it had on the company.
A concise, well-told story centred on your value as a candidate will make a strong impression.
Cover Letter Body
During my tenure at Greenfield Academy, I initiated a comprehensive literacy enhancement programme that increased student proficiency in reading and comprehension by 35% over two academic years, as evidenced by our standardised testing scores. This achievement was largely due to my ability to apply innovative teaching techniques and differentiated instruction strategies tailored to meet the varied needs of my students. By fostering an engaging and inclusive classroom environment and integrating technology into daily lessons, I was able to significantly improve language arts outcomes for over 150 pupils, thus demonstrating both my commitment to educational excellence and my adeptness in deploying impactful teaching methodologies.
RIGHT
How to write a closing paragraph
You’ve written a brilliant cover letter so far—so don’t undermine it at the very end.
If you think signing off with a polite 'Kind regards' or 'I look forward to hearing from you' will make a strong impression, think again.
A better approach is to make a tangible promise—one that reflects both personal and professional growth—and demonstrates your value to the recruiters.
Alternatively, encourage the hiring managers by asking when you might expect to hear back from them.
Cover Letter Closing
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the educational excellence at your esteemed institution and am confident that my skills and passion for teaching will be a great match for this role. I am looking forward to the possibility of discussing how I can further support the academic success of your students during an interview. Thank you very much for considering my application. I am eager to bring my dedication and expertise to your school and am hopeful for the opportunity to meet with you soon.
RIGHT
Conclusion
Your cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your personality and skills to potential employers. Start by addressing the hiring manager by name and tailoring your content to reflect the role’s requirements.
Include a specific example of your greatest achievement to illustrate your suitability for the position, while also expressing your enthusiasm for the company. Remember to format your letter professionally, ensuring it aligns seamlessly with your CV.
