Creating Cover
Letters
for Teachers
CMU Career Services
University Center, Room 107
970
-
248
-
1404
career@coloradomesa.edu
Suzanne
Bergeln
,
CMU Career
Services
A cover letter/letter of interest sets the stage for
the reader to accept your resume and moves you
to the next step of the hiring process…
What Does a Cover Letter (or
a Letter of Interest) Do?
Your Cover Letter Must:
• Reflect your personality and teaching values
• Demonstrate your communication skills
• Show your specific interest in the district
• Evoke desire in the employer to know more about
you
• To write a good cover letter, you need to be
knowledgeable about the district (and the area!)
• Research will assist you in finding out who to address
your cover letter to (usually the principal of a school or
the school administrator)
• Best sources of Information:
• Internet
• Telephone call
• Library
• Word-of-mouth
• Experience
Do Your Research!
• No generic cover letters!
• Know the job description well!
• Tailor your letters to the position and the district
• Provide examples of your skills/experiences that
demonstrate your ability to fulfill the job requirements
• Your letter should reflect your voice, and enhance the
information on your resume – DO NOT SIMPLY REHASH
YOUR RESUME!
• One page maximum
• Typically 3-5 paragraphs
GUIDELINES
Components of a Cover Letter
• Heading
• Paragraphs
• First: Introduction
• Second: Skills, education, experience, training,
achievements, etc.
• Third: Why you are the best fit for the company
• Fourth: Closing
Your address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone Number
Email
Date
Dr. Robert Bennett
Director, Human Resources
Academy School District 20
300 Academic Boulevard
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Dear Dr. Bennett:
Your complete address, phone, and e-
mail OR use the same heading from
your resume at the top of your cover
letter
Current Date
Complete Business Address
Greeting (Use Dear Mr., Mrs., Ms. If you are 100%
certain this is the correct name. Typically, you would
address it to the school principal. Use “Search
Committee” of a specific job or “Hiring Manager” if
you are unsure)
Cover Letter Heading
• State exactly what job you are applying for at the district
• If the ad provided a job ID number be sure to include that as well
• It’s a good idea to mention where you heard about the opening
• Explain why this position interests you – Why this specific
company?
Example:
“Please accept my application for the position of General Science
Teacher with Mesa County Valley School District #51. I learned of the
position through the district website, and am excited to be part of an
organization that provides such a variety of growth opportunities for its
new staff members.”
First Paragraph
• Sell yourself!
• Make sure you address the specific job requirements
• Summarize your credentials and relevant accomplishments from
previous jobs, internships, or volunteer work
Example:
“I am very interested in opportunities to utilize learning groups in my
classroom. In my quest to learn more, I met with several teachers
during my internship to discuss and observe methods they used and
found successful. I believe I can adapt to those practices”
Second Paragraph
• Discuss other pertinent skills and personal attributes that would
set you apart
• Explain why you are the best fit
• Why you want to work at this particular district
Example:
“In addition to my education and experience, I bring to the
classroom an ability to organize things well. During my student
teaching, one of my goals was to learn and develop an efficient
method for keeping track of and grading homework in a timely
manner….”
Third Paragraph
“My background and career goals match your job requirements well, and I am
confident that I will be an asset to your district. Because of your excellent
reputation for providing staff development, I am genuinely interested in
working for Academy School District. Thank you for considering my
application. I look forward to a meeting at your convenience and can be reached
at by phone 970.555.5555 or by email at johndoe@coloradomesa.edu.”
Sincerely,
(signature)
Your name typed
• Two spaces below your last line, type in “sincerely” or another
appropriate closing
• Leave four spaces for your signature’
• Type your name
Ending your Cover Letter
Sincerely
• Use the same heading & font that you used on your resume
• Should be clean, neat, and direct
• Show specifically how you meet the job requirements
• Read, edit, and re-read your letter for mistakes
• Have others read it as well
• Show enthusiasm and a positive attitude
• When noting your achievements, be confident, but don’t exaggerate,
brag, or fib
• Discuss how you can fill the district’s needs, not why you need the job
• Be yourself
• Check for correct information (names, phone numbers, e-mail)
Tips
Keep a hard and an electronic copy of the packet (resume, cover letter, reference page or
reference letters) sent to each employer.
• If submitting a
print copy
of your credentials:
• Print your cover letter on the same quality paper as the resume
• Remember to sign your letter!
• Assemble your materials
1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Letters of Recommendation
4. Transcripts, if requested
• Only print on one side of the page
• Don’t fold or staple - Paperclip everything together
• Include the employer’s complete name, title and address on the front of the envelope
• If submitting an
electronic copy
:
• Convert each page to a PDF
Final Steps…
Career Services
Events
§ Fall and Spring Job Fairs
§ Grad School/Major Fair
§ Etiquette Dinner
§ Teacher Fair
In-Person Services
§ Resume/Cover Letter Review
§ Mock Interviews
§ Career Assessments
§ Major/Career Exploration
§ Job Search
Workshops
§ Choosing a Major
§ Job Search Strategies
§ Resume/Cover Letter
§ Interviewing Skills
§ Internship Preparation
§ Employment Readiness Boot Camp
University Center 107| 970.248.1404 | career@coloradomesa.edu
