As you navigate the job application process for a high school teaching position, you may find that a compelling cover letter is just as critical as your résumé. Crafting a cover letter that shares your proudest teaching moment without simply echoing your résumé can be challenging. It needs to strike the perfect balance: formal yet original, detailed yet concise. In this guide, we'll show you how to encapsulate your unique story within a single page, avoiding clichés that could dull your shine.
- Personalize your high school teacher cover letter and get inspired by other professionals to tell a compelling story;
- Format and design your high school teacher cover letter to make an excellent first impression;
- Introduce your best achievement in your high school teacher cover letter to recruiters;
- How to make sure recruiters get in touch with you, using your high school teacher cover letter greeting and closing paragraphs.
What is more, did you know that Enhancv's AI can write your cover letter for you? Just upload your high school teacher resume and get ready to forward your job application in a flash.
If the high school 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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High school teacher cover letter example
PETER CONNOLLY
Arlington, VA
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Emphasizing significant achievements (e.g., "an 80% surge in students' regional historical understanding") demonstrates the candidate's ability to create measurable improvements and offers strong evidence of their past success in similar roles.
- Customizing the cover letter to the prospective employer by showing a willingness to align with the institution's mission and contribute to specific goals ("explore the potential of infusing your students with a deepened appreciation for history") shows a personalized approach and initiative.
- Highlighting experience in innovative curriculum design, especially in key areas like STEM, indicates the candidate's capability to enhance the school's offerings and readiness to address modern educational demands.
- Expressing eagerness for a discussion ("I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss how my strengths…") shows a proactive attitude and readiness to engage further, which can prompt the next step in the hiring process.
What should your high school teacher cover letter look like - formatting and organizing your information
Have you ever wondered what are the must-have sections you need to include in your high school teacher cover letter? Our builder sets those up for you with:
- Header - dedicated to your contact information, the role you're applying for, and the date (don't forget to include your name);
- Greeting and opening paragraph - to create a personalized and memorable experience for recruiters;
- Body paragraph - emphasizing your skill set and knowledge that aligns with the role and helps you to stand out;
- Closing paragraph - leaving a great impression and ending with an optional signature.
Use a cover letter template to discover the best formatting for your high school teacher cover letter: that is single-spaced paragraphs and wrapping your content in a one-inch margin.
Ensure that both your resume and high school teacher cover letter are in the same font. Stand apart from the crowd by using modern, yet simple fonts, like Chivo and Rubik, instead of the overused Arial and Times New Roman.
Did you know that the Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your high school teacher cover letter? Instead, submit your profile in PDF to recruiters to keep the same formatting and the design intact.
The top sections on a high school teacher cover letter
- Header: This section includes your contact information, the date, and the employer's contact information, which is essential for the recruiter to know who you are and how to get in touch with you.
- Opening Greeting: A proper salutation addresses the hiring manager or committee by name if possible, showing that you have taken the time to personalize your application for the specific school.
- Introduction: The introductory paragraph should immediately engage the reader by stating your teaching position interest, your certification, and a brief mention of your teaching philosophy to align with the school's educational approach.
- Body Paragraph(s): These paragraphs are where you highlight your relevant teaching experiences, educational background, successful initiatives, classroom management skills, and commitment to student growth, demonstrating your potential value to the school.
- Closing Paragraph: Conclude with a strong closing that reiterates your enthusiasm for the teaching role, invites the recruiter to review your resume, and expresses your interest in discussing how you can contribute to the school in an interview.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Subject matter expertise: Employers look for individuals with a strong understanding of the subject they will teach, ensuring they can provide a thorough and accurate education to students.
- Teaching experience: Recruiters prioritize candidates with prior experience in leading a classroom, managing student dynamics, and delivering curriculum effectively.
- Classroom management skills: The ability to create and maintain a structured, disciplined, yet nurturing classroom environment is essential for maintaining students' focus and promoting a positive learning experience.
- Passion for teaching and student growth: An enthusiastic approach to education and genuine interest in aiding students' personal and academic development are highly sought after traits.
- Proficiency in educational technology: With the increasing use of technology in the classroom, educators who are adept at using educational software and online resources are in demand.
- Adaptability and cultural competence: The willingness and ability to adapt to diverse learning environments and meet the needs of students from various backgrounds are critical for success as a high school teacher.
How to address hiring managers in your high school teacher cover letter greeting
Goodbye, "Dear Sir/Madam" or "To whom it may concern!"
The salutation of your high school teacher cover letter is how you kick off your professional communication with the hiring managers.
And you want it to start off a bit more personalized and tailored, to catch the recruiters' attention.
Take the time to find out who's recruiting for the role (via LinkedIn or the company page).
If you have previously chatted or emailed the hiring managers, address them on a first or last name basis.
The alternative is a "Dear HR team" or "Dear Hiring Manger", but remember that a "Dear Ms. Simmons" or "Dear Simon," could get you farther ahead than an impersonal greeting.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [School Name] Selection Committee,
- Dear Principal [Last Name],
- Dear [Department Name] Head,
- Dear [Title] [Last Name],
- Dear Human Resources Director,
The high school teacher cover letter introduction: focusing on your unique value, with a creative twist
You are not the only one wondering how to start your high school teacher cover letter. Those first two sentences introduce your profile and should be memorable.
No pressure.
When beginning your high school teacher cover letter, immediately point out the unique value of working with you. In other words, what you promise to bring to the role by using your past track record of success.
Start your high school teacher cover letter with a creative twist by telling a joke or stating something relatable. Select this type of introduction only if it aligns with the company culture.
What comes next: your high school teacher cover letter middle paragraphs
In the next three to six paragraphs (or the body of your high school teacher cover letter) you have to prove your unique value.
Most candidates tend to mess up at this stage. They tend to just copy-paste information from their resume.
That's one big no-no.
Remember that when writing your high school teacher cover letter, it has to be personalized. And, your ultimate aim is to catch the recruiter's eye.
So, look back on key job requirements and write down a list that includes the ones you cover.
Next, select just one key achievement from your professional (or personal) history that meets those advert keywords.
Narrate a story around how you've grown your skill set and knowledge. Also, aim to show the unique understanding or soft skills you bring about, thanks to your past success.
Two ideas on how to end the final paragraph of your high school teacher cover letter
Closing your high school 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.
Is it beneficial to mention that you have no experience in your high school teacher cover letter?
Lacking professional experience isn't the end of the world for your high school teacher cover letter.
Just be honest that you may not have had roles in the industry, but bring about so much more.
Like, your transferable skills, attained thanks to your whole work and life experience (e.g. the skills your summer spent working abroad taught you).
Or, focus on what makes you, you, and that one past success that can help you stand out and impress recruiters (think of awards you've attained and how they've helped you become a better professional).
Alternatively, write about your passion and drive to land the job and the unique skill set you would bring to enhance the workplace culture.
Key takeaways
Summarizing the most important aspects in writing your high school teacher cover letter, remember to:
- Create a personalized high school teacher cover letter for each role you apply for, that includes the recruiter's name in the salutation;
- Format your high school teacher cover letter with single-spacing, one-inch margins, and a modern, yet ATS-friendly font;
- Always start off your high school teacher cover letter with two sentences that reflect what is most important about your application;
- Your high school 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 high school teacher cover letter with a nod to the future with what you aim to achieve in this potential role.
High School Teacher cover letter examples
Explore additional high school teacher cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
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