Let’s be real, writing a cover letter for a teaching job is more than just putting words on a page. It’s your one real shot to tell your story. It’s a chance to jump off the resume and show the hiring committee, those super busy faculty members and administrators, who you are as a person and an educator.
Think of it as your personal pitch. This is where you get to show your real passion for education and how you see yourself fitting into their school’s unique community.

What to Put in a Teacher Cover Letter
Every great teaching cover letter does one thing really well: it bridges what you bring to the table and what the school actually needs.
Finding the Right Person to Address
Getting the name right is a small detail that shows you’ve done your homework.
- Do some digging: Start with the school’s website to find the principal’s name.
- Don’t be afraid to call: A quick call to the school office can confirm the principal’s name and exact title.
- Use professional titles: Stick with “Mr.,” “Ms.,” “Dr.,” or “Principal [Last Name].”
- For specific subjects: You might address it to the Department Head if you can find their name.
- If all else fails: “Dear Hiring Committee” is a perfectly fine fallback.
Writing an Introduction That Grabs Their Attention
Your opening paragraph needs to do a few things quickly:
- State the exact job you’re applying for.
- Mention where you saw the job posting.
- Let your real enthusiasm for the role shine through.
- Give them a quick peek into your love of teaching.
- Briefly explain why you’re a good fit.
Showcasing Your Teaching Experience
This is where you bring your resume to life. Don’t just list what you did; focus on the impact.
- Use numbers: Talk about measurable achievements, like “improved test scores by 15%.”
- Tell a mini-story: Share a brief, specific anecdote about a classroom success.* Show your range: Mention different types of experience, like working with diverse learners or in different school settings.
- Focus on the students: How did you make a difference for them?
- Talk about curriculum: Have you developed or adapted curriculum? Mention it.
- Highlight teamwork: Include any collaborative projects with other teachers.
Showing You’re a Fit for the School’s Vision
Schools want to hire people who “get” them. Here’s how to show you do:
- Read their website: Really read their mission statement and “About Us” page.
- Name-drop programs: If they have a well-known STEM program or a focus on project-based learning, mention it and connect it to your skills.
- Reference their philosophy: Show that you understand and share their educational approach.
- Show you get their students: Acknowledge their student demographics or community context.
- Connect to their goals: If they have a new school-wide initiative, explain how you can contribute.
Highlighting Your Most Important Skills
Think about the core skills every school is looking for. Examples include:
- Classroom Management
- Differentiated Instruction
- Technology Integration
- Curriculum Development
- Assessment Strategies
- Communication (with students, parents, and colleagues)
- Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
Addressing Their Requirements
Make it easy for them to see you’re qualified.
- Go through the job description with a fine-tooth comb.
- Match your experience directly to the points they list.
- Use their keywords. If they ask for “differentiated instruction,” use that exact phrase.
- Keep it brief and to the point.
- Address any gaps in your experience honestly.
Answering Their Questions Before They Ask
Good cover letters often anticipate a hiring manager’s questions. Consider touching on things like:
- Why are you making a career change?
- What’s your approach to classroom behavior?
- How do you communicate with parents?
- How do you keep your teaching skills up to date?
- What’s an area you’re working on improving? (framed as a strength, of course!)
Formatting and Length
The golden rule? Keep it to one page. That’s usually about three or four paragraphs, or around 400 words. You want it to be readable, not overwhelming.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how each part of your letter works to build your case:
Introduction:
- Your Purpose: This is where you state the job and express your interest. It tells them you’re a serious candidate who has targeted their school.
- Your Experience: By showing impact, you’re not just saying you’re a good teacher—you’re proving it.
- School Alignment: When you mention their programs or values, you show you’re not just looking for any job; you’re looking for a job at their school. This shows much deeper interest.
- Core Skills: Match your skills to the job description with examples and make it easy for them to see you fit the bill.
- Requirements: Use their own words and criteria to get past initial screenings and show you pay attention to detail.
- Questions: Anticipate potential red flags (like a gap in your resume) and address them to build trust and show you’re a transparent candidate.
- Formatting: A clean, professional layout is your first impression. It shows you’re organized and professional before they’ve even read a word about your skills.
Formatting:
- Font: Stick to a classic font like Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri (10-12).
- Margins: 1-inch on all sides.
- Header: Name, phone number, email, maybe LinkedIn.
- Date: Today’s date.
- Closing: Sincerely or Respectfully.
Teacher Cover Letter Template: A Guide
Maya Chen
123 Maple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90001
(555) 123-4567
mayachen@email.com
linkedin.com/in/mayachen (Optional)
4 July 2025
Principal Evelyn Reed
Oakwood High School
123 School Lane
Oakwood, CA 90210
Dear Principal Reed,
It is with immense enthusiasm and a deep-seated passion for fostering scientific curiosity that I submit my application for the High School Biology Teacher position at Oakwood High School, as advertised on EdJoin. Having closely followed Oakwood's commitment to hands-on learning and its impressive achievements in regional science competitions, I am confident that my experience in developing engaging, inquiry-driven biology curricula and my dedication to empowering students as critical thinkers align perfectly with your school's innovative educational philosophy. My goal is not just to teach science, but to ignite a lifelong fascination with the natural world, a point I know resonates deeply with your faculty's mission.
During my five years as a Biology Teacher at Lakeside High, I focused on creating an interactive classroom environment where students felt empowered to explore complex biological concepts through experimentation and discussion. For instance, I redesigned our genetics unit to incorporate real-world CRISPR technology case studies, sparking a tangible excitement in the room and resulting in a 25% increase in student engagement metrics and a notable improvement in average district-wide assessment scores. My commitment to differentiating instruction allowed me to support diverse learners, from those needing foundational support to advanced students pursuing independent research projects. This focus on individual student growth is a core way I approach every lesson, ensuring every learner finds their opportunity to excel.
I was particularly impressed by Oakwood High's robust environmental science initiatives, including the student-led community garden project. My experience extends beyond the classroom; I've successfully implemented school-wide recycling programs and organized field trips focused on local ecosystems, building strong relationships with community organizations. I believe my skills in fostering student-driven projects and my genuine enthusiasm for environmental stewardship would be a significant asset to these ongoing efforts and complement the dedication of your colleagues.
My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that scientific literacy is paramount for all students, regardless of their career aspirations. I am highly proficient in integrating educational technology, including virtual dissection software and data analysis platforms, to enhance understanding and prepare students for future academic and professional challenges. I am adept at collaborating with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units, and I consistently seek information on the latest pedagogical advancements to ensure my methods are current and effective. My qualifications include California Single Subject Credential in Biology (grades 9–12) and extensive professional development in project-based learning.
You might be wondering about my approach to classroom management in a dynamic, inquiry-based setting. My strategy focuses on proactive relationship-building and clear expectations, empowering students to take ownership of their learning and behavior. For example, I implemented a "lab lead" system where students rotated responsibilities, fostering accountability and peer support, which significantly reduced off-task behavior during experiments. This structured freedom provided a safe, inclusive, and incredibly productive environment for all students to thrive and ask questions.
Thank you for considering my application and for this wonderful opportunity. I am eager to discuss how my passion for science education and my proven experience in cultivating engaged, critical thinkers can contribute to the success of Oakwood High School and its students. I have attached my resume for your review and welcome the chance to speak with you further in an interview.
Sincerely,
Maya Chen
Other Application Documents: Completing Your Profile
Your cover letter is just one piece of the puzzle. You’ll need to submit a few more documents to complete your application.### Application Documents
- Resume/CV – The black-and-white facts of your education, experience and certifications.
- Teaching Philosophy – A brief statement of your beliefs and approach.
- Letters of Recommendation – Third-party validation of your skills from people who have seen you teach.
- Transcripts – Official copies of your degrees and coursework.
- Certifications/Licensure – Current, relevant state licenses.
- Teaching Portfolio – Optional but can be powerful way to show your work with lesson plans, student work and photos.
Common Qs About Teacher Cover Letters
Below are common questions we get asked.
What if I have a weird gap in my resume or I’m switching careers? How do I address that in my cover letter?
Just address it head-on but frame it as a strength. For example, if you’re coming from another industry, talk about the skills you gained there (like project management or client communication) and how they will make you a better teacher.
It’s easy to say I’m “passionate.” How do I actually show it?
Show, don’t tell. Instead of saying “I’m passionate about reading,” say “My favorite moment last year was launching a ‘book club’ lunch group that got even my most reluctant readers excited to talk about characters.” Concrete examples bring your passion to life.
How do I make sure my experience matches what they’re looking for?
Treat the job description like a cheat sheet. Mirror their language. If it emphasizes “technology integration,” dedicate a sentence to how you’ve used specific tools like Google Classroom or interactive whiteboards to improve student engagement. Give them brief, tailored examples that speak directly to their stated needs.