But first, a few tips:

Keep it short and sweet.

Realistically, you’ve got about 30 seconds to capture a hiring director’s attention. Don’t use your cover letter as a lengthy rehash of everything that is on your resume. Chances are they’ll lose interest and pass you by. Instead, use your cover letter to craft 3 to 4 impactful sentences that will convince them that you are a stand-out candidate and are worth calling in for an interview.

Emphasize why you’re a great match.

Find the overlap between the skills you bring to the table with the skills they’re looking for and present them with confidence. If the job description calls for certain qualities or uses specific language, repeat them in your cover letter. The ultimate goal for your cover letter is to express, “You’ve got a problem? I’m the ideal person to solve it.”

Individualize!

Always tailor each letter to fit the specific school, district, and job for which you’re applying. Research the school and its culture. That way, you can address their expectations and also use specific examples of achievements in your history to show why you’re the right person for the job.

Here are some great teacher cover letter examples:

1. First-time teacher

This letter is friendly and enthusiastic. It uses concrete examples and experiences related to teaching. It also builds a strong case for why the applicant wants to become a teacher.

2. Experienced elementary teacher looking for a new position

This one is short, sweet, and to the point. It also includes important career information that shows why the applicant is the right person for this job.

3. Assistant teacher

With this letter, the applicant took a slightly different approach. The letter breaks down the most relevant accomplishments into bullet points. Those will jump out at the hiring manager, who has likely scanned through a ton of applications.

4. Special education teacher

This letter is similar to a standard teacher cover letter. Yet, it also stresses the specific qualifications and experiences a special ed teacher has. For example, including how curriculum is modified to meet the needs of a wide range of learners is key. It’s also important to show how small groups are conducted and how students are taught to think critically and problem solve.

5. Reading specialist

Here’s a letter written by a reading service specialist. The basic elements can easily be tailored for any job that goes beyond the traditional classroom.

6. School counselor

This cover letter emphasizes the applicant’s academic achievements. It also talks about the characteristics that make this person the ideal candidate for this position.

7. Library media specialist

This cover letter oozes confidence! Although the applicant is a recent grad, she highlights her qualifications through her learning experiences as well as her previous work.

8. High school English teacher

This cover letter covers a lot of ground. It points out the candidate’s strength for teaching and assessing knowledge in the specific subject. It also presents the special techniques the candidate uses to teach students at the high school level.

9. Technology teacher

Taking a very professional approach to writing a cover letter shows that the contender is serious. This letter points out the applicant’s skills that best prove why he is a great fit for the position.

10. Coach

This cover letter has a terrific opening line, which sets the candidate apart from the get-go. It also clearly covers the candidate’s qualifications, from knowledge and experience to attitude and philosophy.

11. Math teacher

Touching on the highlights of his resume without rehashing the whole thing, this candidate points out his qualifications and certifications as well as his versatility teaching different types of students.

12. Middle school teacher

Many believe that being a middle school teacher requires a highly specialized mindset. This cover letter reveals the applicant’s passion for teaching this age group and outlines his willingness to engage wholeheartedly.