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Teacher cover letter example

Schools hire teachers for their impact on students and their fit with the school. A teacher cover letter should name your subject and grade level, show student results, and say what you'd add beyond the classroom. The example below is from a UK secondary teacher; the samples after it include a US elementary teacher.

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Olivia Bennett

olivia.bennett@email.com · +44 7700 900287 · Bristol, UK

Mrs. Helen Shaw
Westbury Park School

Re: Application for Science Teacher

Dear Mrs. Helen Shaw,

I'm writing to apply for the Science Teacher position at Westbury Park School. Your school's focus on practical science and outdoor learning matches how I teach, and I would love to be part of it.

I've taught biology and chemistry for six years, from Year 7 to A level. At Redland Academy, targeted intervention groups helped raise our GCSE science pass rate from 68% to 82% in three years. As Head of Year 9 I lead pastoral care for 180 students, and I started a STEM club of 40 students that reached a national robotics final.

I'd be glad to lead a club or support your Duke of Edinburgh programme as well as teach. Thank you for considering my application; I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Olivia Bennett

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Olivia Bennett
olivia.bennett@email.com | +44 7700 900287 | Bristol, UK

Mrs. Helen Shaw
Westbury Park School

Subject: Application for Science Teacher

Dear Mrs. Helen Shaw,

I'm writing to apply for the Science Teacher position at Westbury Park School. Your school's focus on practical science and outdoor learning matches how I teach, and I would love to be part of it.

I've taught biology and chemistry for six years, from Year 7 to A level. At Redland Academy, targeted intervention groups helped raise our GCSE science pass rate from 68% to 82% in three years. As Head of Year 9 I lead pastoral care for 180 students, and I started a STEM club of 40 students that reached a national robotics final.

I'd be glad to lead a club or support your Duke of Edinburgh programme as well as teach. Thank you for considering my application; I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Olivia Bennett

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How to write a teacher cover letter

  1. 01

    State subject and key stage first

    Headteachers sort applications by subject and level. Make yours clear in the first sentence.

  2. 02

    Show student outcomes

    Exam results, progress data or attendance are the clearest proof of good teaching.

  3. 03

    Connect to the school

    Mention something specific about the school's values, curriculum or community.

  4. 04

    Offer something beyond lessons

    Clubs, pastoral roles or trips show you'll contribute to school life.

The letter, paragraph by paragraph

Opening: the post and the school's approach

Olivia names the post and links the school's focus on practical science and outdoor learning to the way she already teaches. Head teachers want to know you've read about their school and would fit it, and one specific link does that.

Experience and range

"Six years, biology and chemistry, Year 7 to A level" gives the panel her subjects and the full age range in one line. Say which key stages and exam levels you've taught, since timetables depend on it.

Student results

Her intervention groups helped raise the GCSE science pass rate from 68% to 82% in three years. A result with a method shows she knows why it improved, which is what interview panels probe.

Beyond the classroom

As Head of Year 9 she leads pastoral care for 180 students, and her STEM club reached a national robotics final. She closes by offering to run a club or support the school's Duke of Edinburgh program. Schools hire people who'll add to school life, not just teach lessons.

Close and tone

She addresses the head by name, thanks them and says she looks forward to hearing from them. One page, formal but warm, which suits most schools.

Teacher cover letter by experience level

Early career teacher

I'm applying for the post of Teacher of English at Hollins Park Academy, starting in September as an Early Career Teacher. On my second placement I taught Years 9 and 10, and the persuasive writing unit I planned raised my Year 10 group's average on the end-of-unit assessment from 54% to 66%. I'd also be glad to help with your debating club.

Elementary teacher (US)

I'm applying for the 3rd grade teacher position at Maple Ridge Elementary. I hold an Ohio K-5 teaching license and have taught 2nd and 3rd grade for five years. Last year I moved my reading groups to daily small-group instruction, and the share of my students reading at grade level by spring rose from 58% to 81%.

Moving to an international school

I'm applying for the IB Diploma Chemistry teacher post at Lakeshore International School. I've taught A-level chemistry in England for seven years and completed IB Category 1 training last year, and I'm keen to teach a curriculum that puts as much weight on inquiry as yours does.

CBSE school in India

I'm applying for the PGT Mathematics post at Ashvatth Vidya Mandir. I've taught Classes 9 to 12 under the CBSE curriculum for six years, and last year 41 of my 48 Class 12 students scored above 80% in the board exam. I also coordinate the school's math olympiad preparation.

Mistakes to avoid in a teacher cover letter

  • Generic praise for the school

    "Your outstanding school with its excellent reputation" could be sent anywhere. Mention something specific: a curriculum choice, a value, a program or your visit.

  • No student outcomes

    A letter about your passion for teaching, with no results, is hard to judge. Add exam results, progress or attendance figures for a class or group.

  • Ignoring the person specification

    Schools shortlist against the job pack. If it asks for experience with SEND or a second subject, address it directly.

  • The wrong school's name

    Reusing a letter and leaving in another school's name or post is one of the most common reasons for a quick rejection. Check every name before sending.

Key takeaways

  • Name your subject, phase and exam levels in the first lines.
  • Link your teaching to something specific about the school.
  • Give one student result and how you achieved it.
  • Offer something beyond lessons: a club, a trip or a pastoral role.

Questions about teacher cover letters

How long should a teacher cover letter be?
One page. Many UK schools ask for a supporting statement instead, which can run to two pages.
What should a new teacher write?
Use your placements: school, year groups, a lesson that worked and what you learned from your mentor.
Should I mention safeguarding?
Yes, briefly, especially in the UK. A line on safeguarding training shows you take it seriously.
What's the difference between a cover letter and a supporting statement?
A cover letter is short, usually one page. A supporting statement, which many UK schools ask for, is longer and works through the person specification point by point with evidence. Read the job pack and write the one the school asks for.
Should I mention a visit to the school?
Yes, if you visited or spoke with the department. One line about what you saw ("I enjoyed seeing your Year 8 practical lesson on my visit") shows real interest and gives the panel something to ask about.

Sources

Duties, pay, education and job outlook for high school teachers in the US: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.

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