In the dynamic field of education, a well-crafted education cover letter can set you apart. Whether you're an uplifting teacher who shapes young minds, a resilient substitute ensuring seamless education, or an efficient administrator who conducts the orchestra behind the scenes — this guide was made for you.
With our expert tips, inspiring examples, and customizable templates, crafting your ticket to your dream role has never been easier.
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In this guide, we'll teach you some key steps for writing a cover letter as an education professional. Keep reading and learn how to:
- Format your education cover letter header & headline
- Personalize the greeting on your education cover letter
- Create an eye-catching education cover letter introduction
- Describe your accomplishments as an education professional
- End your education cover letter with a strong closing statement
- Access the best job search resources for education professionals
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1. Format properly your education cover letter header & headline
A cover letter header and headline are the first essential elements to add to any well-written cover letter.
The header is where you will list all the important identifying information about yourself (the applicant) and the company you are applying to (the employer). This header can be formatted in many different ways according to your style preferences.
Followign the header is the headline, a short title statement that serves two key purposes: to hook the employer’s attention and to accurately preview the main point of the document.
Below we have included more in-depth explanations and examples of these two cover letter elements:
Formatting the header
As mentioned, your header can vary in formatting depending on your personal style. Some applicants will opt for a more centered header, while others will keep it in a neat block of text in the top-left corner.
Regardless of the style you opt for, your header should always include:
- The name of the company you are applying to (& the department name, when applicable)
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact information (phone number, email address, LinkedIn, etc.)
Here's an example of a well-formatted education cover letter header
To: Buncombe County School District, Curriculum Department
From: Jane Doe, Professional Superintendent & Educator
(123) 456-7890 | janedoe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/jane-doe
Writing the headline
When writing the headline of your cover letter, consider how journalists and media outlets use headlines to grab the attention of readers. For a headline to be effective, it must be equal parts compelling and honest, offering a clear preview of the most important information to come.
To craft your headline, you should always include keyword related to the position, an eye-catching number or trigger word, a powerful adjective or verb, and a promise.
Here's an example of a well-written education headline
My Biggest Success as an Educator & How It Can Benefit Your District’s Students
Trigger Word/Number: Biggest Success
Keyword: Educator, Students
Adjective/Verb: Benefit
Promise: Your District – this detail tells the employer that you will relate your successes and qualifications directly to the needs of their specific school district and students.
2. Personalize the greeting on your education cover letter
Whenever possible, we always recommend using personalized greeting on your cover letter.
A personalized greeting addresses a specific person or department by name, showing the employer you have thoroughly researched their school or business before applying. Additionally, it highlights that you have a go-getter attitude and excellent attention to detail.
If you have done your due diligence but cannot pinpoint exactly who will read your cover letter, try out one of these alternatives:
To the [Company Name] Team
Or
To the [Company Name] Hiring Manager
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3. Create an eye-catching education cover letter introduction
The headline and greeting of your cover letter work together to initially hook an employer’s attention. While this is a crucial part of any cover letter, you need to follow it up with a captivating introduction that keeps the employer interested.
To achieve this, you should aim to include in your introduction:
- A brief overview of your professional history and goals
- A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this company
- A mutual acquaintance (when possible)
Here's an example to help demonstrate how to write an education cover letter introduction
To [Employer’s Name],
I am an experienced Educator with over 5 years specializing in Art Therapy and Youth Rehabilitation. After learning about your school’s community support programs, I felt compelled to reach out to your Assistant Director, Mary Smith, to inquire about openings at the school. Ms. Smith reviewed my resume and strongly recommended I apply for this position.
Not only does this example name a mutual acquaintance but it also highlights an aspect of the school’s programming that the applicant admires — a great start to any cover letter!
4. Effectively describe your accomplishments as an education professional
Following your introduction are the cover letter body paragraphs, where you can offer a more in-depth look at your qualifications and passions. You should aim to include between 2 to 4 body paragraphs that answer these key questions:
- What excites you about working at this company?
- What do you hope to learn from working at this company?
- What accomplishments or qualifications make you stand out as an applicant?
- What key skills do you possess that are relevant to the position?
Placing special emphasis on your relevant accomplishments is always recommended, as they help to show an employer what real-life improvements you can offer and achieve.
Here's an example of how to describe accomplishments in an education cover letter
- As an Education Learning Specialist at [Former Employer], I worked directly with English and Language Arts teachers to develop a new reading program that is adjustable to each student’s current reading level. As a result of this program, average student comprehension scores rose by 45% and average end-of-grade language arts testing scores rose by 60%.
- I successfully implemented a student-centered learning approach that significantly improved academic performance and engagement in the classroom. By incorporating innovative teaching methods and personalized lesson plans, I saw a remarkable 25% increase in student test scores, resulting in several students receiving academic recognition awards.
5. End your education cover letter with a strong closing statement
The final piece of the cover letter puzzle is a strong closing statement that includes:
- An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
- An additional sentence stating you will follow up, including how you will contact them or how they can contact you
- A formal sign-off
Here's an example of an effective closing statement from an education cover letter
As a passionate Education professional, I am eager to get to know your school district, staff, and students better. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss this position and my qualifications with you directly, and am available to meet any weekday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The best way to reach me is at (123) 456-7890.
Yours Truly,
[Applicant Name]
If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two.
6. Valuable job search resources for education professionals
Venturing into the education sector can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to job searching. Navigate this multifaceted field with more ease using the following online resources:
- Specialized job boards: Sites like Education Week, HigherEdJobs, and SchoolSpring cater specifically to education professionals and offer a plethora of job listings from pre-school to university levels.
- Networking platforms: Holidays aren't the only time for connecting. LinkedIn provides year-round opportunities to network with peers, learn about potential employers, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's the teachers' lounge of the digital world.
- Online profile platforms: Indeed, SchoolJobs, and Teachaway let you create a digital profile showcasing your skillset and experiences. You'll also receive alerts for new job postings that align with your credentials. Handy, right?
- Professional organizations: Groups such as the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) offer great resources, including job boards and insightful articles about the educational field. They might even bring cookies (or just useful knowledge, but that's good too).
Rest assured, your ideal job is out there, waiting for you to teach it a lesson, or two.
Education Cover Letter FAQ
How should I address my education cover letter if I don’t know the recipient's name?
If a job posting doesn't provide a contact name, it's best to use a professional, generic greeting. Options include "Dear Hiring Manager," or "Dear [School Name] Team."
Can I mention my teaching philosophy in the cover letter?
Yes, including a brief mention of your teaching philosophy can be beneficial. However, ensure this remains concise and relevant to the job description and the school's values.
What if I'm switching from a different career to education?
In cases like this, focus on transferable skills in your cover letter. Make a clear case for why your past experiences are valuable in an educational context.
How do I highlight extracurricular involvement in my cover letter?
If you've mentored a club, coached a sport, or led other school activities, be sure to include these experiences. It shows your willingness to contribute to the school community beyond classroom hours.
Could my cover letter exceed one page if I have a lot to offer?
While you may have a lot of experiences and talents, it's best to keep your cover letter as concise as possible. Aim to not exceed a single page. Highlight your most pertinent and impressive attributes in relation to the job you're applying for.
