Follow this writing advice to create a strong cover letter for an assistant teacher position:
1. Heading
Before writing the body of your cover letter, it’s important to add your contact information. Include your name, phone number, email address and any job networking profile links such as LinkedIn.
Similar to a business letter, the hiring manager’s contact information (phone number, email address and company’s physical address) should be written aligned to the left.
2. Salutation
Address the letter to the person or committee who will be reviewing your job application instead of using a generic salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.” Whether it’s “Dear Mr. Smith” or Dear Hiring Committee”, addressing your letter to someone looks more professional.
3. Opening paragraph
Your cover letter introduction should start with your best achievements or skills. This is where you capture the reader’s attention and keep them interested in your application. Once you have a powerful opening statement, you can list other unique factors of your accomplishments or current job responsibilities.
Dear Mr. Smith,
As a teaching assistant with six years of experience, I’ve worked one-on-one with students in second grade to increase their reading abilities while being mindful of any personal setbacks. I’ve also helped teachers write up lesson plans while managing both small and large classrooms. I believe these skills can help me excel in this position and be an asset to your school.
4. Second paragraph
In the second paragraph, you can start to list more of the skills and achievements that make you a good fit for the job. In this section, job seekers should tailor their cover letter to the job posting by giving examples of things they’ve done or accomplished that reflect the job description and what the school administration needs for their students.
In my previous role as a teaching assistant at [Previous Workplace or School], I had the opportunity to work with diverse students and contribute to the academic success of the classroom by implementing innovative teaching methods. One of my key achievements was implementing a targeted support program for struggling students, which resulted in a notable improvement in their test scores. Specifically, I saw a 20% increase in the average quiz scores of the students who participated in the program.
Additionally, I actively collaborated with the lead teacher to develop and implement engaging lesson plans, resulting in a 15% increase in student participation and a positive shift in classroom dynamics. I utilized my strong organizational skills to streamline administrative processes, reducing paperwork errors by 25% and contributing to a more efficient classroom operation.
5. Closing and sign-off
For this paragraph of your cover letter, include a call to action that invites the reader to get in touch with you. Retell why you’re a great fit for the position, express enthusiasm for the teacher assistant position and thank whoever is reading for their time and consideration.
I am particularly excited about the opportunity to bring my passion for education and my proven ability to drive positive outcomes to [School or Institution Name]. The commitment to [mention something specific about the institution that aligns with your values] resonates with my own educational philosophy and I am eager to contribute to the continued success of your students.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my skills and achievements align with the needs of [School or Institution Name] in more detail.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
For more tips, read our How to Write a Cover Letter article.