Sample Cover Letter and Resume for a Teacher

Cover letters for teaching positions should demonstrate that the candidate has the requisite training, education, and certification for the job, as well as any special skills outlined in the job listing.

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

You might want to stress skills like communication, critical thinking, and organization, as well as any specific experience that will help distinguish you from the competition.

Newer teachers can feel free to mention experience gained during their training and education, as long as it applies to the position.

The usual rules for cover letters apply: give the hiring manager a sense of your experience, skills, and philosophy, but don’t try to tell your whole life story in a few paragraphs.

If your resume and portfolio are your highlight reel, your cover letter is the teaser: you want to capture the reader’s attention and make them interested in knowing more. Keep it succinct, and don’t duplicate the information in your resume or CV.

Sample Cover Letter for a Teacher

This is an example of a cover letter for a teacher. Download the teacher cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Download the Word Template

Sample Cover Letter for Teaching Position (Text Version)

Brenda Applicant
123 Main Street
Anytown, CA 12345

August 14, 2020

Rachel Lee
Principal
Acme Elementary
123 Business Rd.
Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Lee,

As a graduating honors education major at ABC College, I have a very strong interest in pursuing a teaching career. With experience working at both the elementary and high school levels, as well as in activities outside of the traditional classroom, I have a diverse background with much to offer.

My first classroom teaching experience was during high school when I served as a volunteer elementary school religion teacher at a local church for three years. In addition, I worked for several summers at Sunny Beaches Arts Camp teaching theater, coordinating and staging a play each season.

I have student teaching experience at the first- and fourth-grade levels in both suburban and urban school districts. During these in-service experiences, I particularly enjoyed working with at-risk children. My careful preparation of lessons allowed me to break down complicated concepts to simple examples that my young students could grasp, which was rewarding for both my students and for me.

Last year, while studying in Madrid, I taught English to high school students. Managing the difference of abilities among my students proved difficult, but gratifying, challenge. I tailored activities to maintain the interest of high-level students without intimidating less-skilled English speakers.

My resume is enclosed; I am forwarding an official copy of my transcript along with references under separate cover. I will reach out to you next week to discuss employment opportunities; in the meantime, please feel free to contact me at [insert telephone number] or [insert your email address.]. I look forward to speaking with you.

Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully yours,

Brenda Applicant (signature hard copy letter)

Brenda Applicant

What to Include in Your Resume

Include your teaching experience, certification, and other work experience on your resume.

It’s a good idea to match your resume to the ad, selecting keywords that appear in the job listing. This will increase the chances that your resume will make it through the applicant tracking system and to a real person’s eyes.

Teacher Resume Example

This is an example of a resume for a teacher. Download the teacher resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Screenshot of a sample resume for a teacher — @ The Balance 2020

Download the Word Template

Teacher Resume Example (Text Version)

Joan Applicant
123 Main Street
Chicago, IL 12345
(111) 333-5555
joan.applicant@email.com

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER

Committed to championing quality education for K-6 students

Leverage training experience in classroom management, lesson planning, parent communications, and event coordination to create positive and supportive learning environments for at-risk students. Fluent in English, Latin, and conversational Spanish.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

TEACH FOR AMERICA, Chicago, Ill.
INSTRUCTOR (August 2019—Present)
Taught fourth-grade English students at P.S. 123. Developed lesson plans, reviewed and graded in-class and homework assignments.

Notable accomplishment:

Coordinated monthly “Family Fun Night” to build community and raise funds for classroom supplies.

STANISLAUS COLLEGE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER, Saratoga Springs, NY
STUDENT TEACHER (January 2019—April 2019)
Responsible for leading educational activities for day care-aged children, including building skills in interactive software and basic reading and writing. Assisted with classroom and administrative duties.

CAMP RAMAPO FOR CHILDREN, Rhinebeck, NY
COUNSELOR (May 2019—July 2019)
Counseled, supervised, and chaperoned special-needs teens throughout daily activities.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

STANISLAUS COLLEGE, Saratoga Springs, NY
Bachelor of Science in Education Studies, 2019
Bachelor of Arts in Classic Literature, 2017

UNIVERSIDAD AUTONOMA de MADRID, Madrid, Spain
Advanced studies abroad in education, 2018

Certifications

Provisional certification in elementary education
Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST) and Content Specialty Test (CST)
Teach for America training and certification

How to Get Your Application Noticed

Emphasize Your Experience: If you don’t have much teaching experience, include volunteering, internships, and student teaching on your resume.

Use Keywords: Highlight soft skills, teaching skills, and any qualifications listed in the job description.

Customize Your Cover Letter and Resume for Every Job: Your resume and cover letter should emphasize the skills that make you an excellent candidate for this specific job.

More Teaching Resume Examples

Review more examples of resumes for teachers and educators, with tips for writing application materials that will help you get the interview.