Hi moms; this question may be strange but I was wondering if anyone would be willing to look over my cover letter? I am currently a long-term sub. for the class I student taught. The position will be opening any day and I would like to be one of the first to apply. I feel like I am in a unique situation, as I have been working in the school for a year and want to put that in my letter. I saw awhile back some great advice from some very savvy moms on resumes and was hoping for some of that great advice! I would even be willing to pay for any help! I also need help just developing a generic cover letter for some of the other schools I am applying for.
Here is what I have: ***NOTE****There are probably typos; I just typed this and haven't really looked over it and it's really annoying on here to try and see what I have wrote. So I don't need help with spelling; just content:)
It is with great interest that I am applying for the second grade teaching position at XXXX Elementary. As a 2009 graduate of Wichita State University, I have student teaching experience on the kindergarten and second grade level.
I am currently the second grade long-term subsitute teacher at XXX Elementary. (Side note:this is the same school I am applying for this exact job) I instruct both mid-level reading and math groups and utilize a variety of resources and techniques to make learning both challenging and fun. I am an active participant in my PLC, attend all students’ IEPS, and co-plan with the special education teacher weekly. I have a wide range of learning styles in my classroom and I have learned how to adapt all lessons for each indivudual student’s needs.
I am very impressed with XXX Elementary and have throughly enjoyed my experience with this school. The staff at XXX treat each other as “family” and welcomed me with open arms.
I have a passion for teaching students and deeply care for each and every child that walks into my classroom. I have had a wonderful opportunity to work with the staff of XXX Elementary and I would love to continue my relationship with my co-workers. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you in an interview. Thank you for your consideration.
So; what do you think? I feel like I need more, but I'm not really sure what to write. PLEASE PLEASE help!!! Thanks!
***EDIT****SO far great advice!! I do want to mention that I do have a letter of recommendation from the principal, the teacher I student taught under (her classroom is the one I took over), and my university supervisor. I have a parent who is willing to write me a letter of recommendation (her daughter is one that I make accomodations for and she is also our school psychologist) I also have the other two second grade teachers as references and from some of the third grade teachers as well. This is basically my first "real job" and I have never had to have a cover letter before so this is great advice! I also have another question about following up: should I call or not call? I have heard not to call, but I have also heard to call. Let me give you some background on this school district: they are in a hiring freeze, but since the teacher just put in her resignation (she waited until late in the year so I could be with the kiddos) they now legally have to post the job. They have a few other jobs posted as well for different buildings that I will be applying for. The district has to wait on the state to announce if budgets will be cut any further. If that is the case, then they will most likely fill all jobs internally. Soooo it could be awhile before I hear anything or maybe not. No idea....what do you think I should do? My principal I work for is calling weekly to see where they are and what they are planning on doing and is being a great advocate for me so hopefully that will be a big help!
S.H nailed it. She noted the changes I would make as well. I would also take out "it is with great interest". As I have been in the position to hire many people I always want to hear about their acheivments and what they did to add growth. Talk positively about yourself and you sound like you would be an awesome permanent addition to their team. Good luck!!
Yes as the previous poster said, get a "recommendation letter" from a parent if you can.
Also, from other staff members/co-workers. That is the norm, even if you were working else where.
I would delete out the whole paragraph that says "I am very impressed with XXX Elementary and have thoroughly enjoyed..." Because, this is an "opinion" and subjective comment. Not having anything to do with your "job" or skills. And it can be taken as a "critique." etc.
Try not to comment about or use words like "relationships with my co-workers..." but use words INSTEAD like "I have had a wonderful opportunity working with the Staff of XXX Elementary, and have enjoyed being a "team member" with them, contributing to the overall outcomes and progress with each student and carrying out and supporting the school's goals." That sounds more professional and not just a "Mom" writing a paper on what they do.
Use key words like: contributed to the team, successfully managed....., was a part of the teams/Teacher's goals and success with classroom objectives, implemented...., supported success of the team's....., provided continuity for the students of their Teacher and carrying out....,
Show that you were a "positive contributor" to and for the Teacher you Sub for....
just some quick tips,
All the best,
Susan
I do cover letters & resumes for people regularly. This is very good. Definitely don't say more, though. You hit on enough and still leave plenty to discuss in an interview. I suggest you be very direct in asking for an interview. Instead of appreciating the opportunity, assume they'll interview you and simply say, "Please give me a call at your convenience so we can discuss this further in person." Sign off with "Thank you, R. D." Up front, I'd consider eliminating "it is with great interest..." Everyone applying should be doing it out of great interest and on a cover letter it sounds cliche. Try "Please accept my application...."
Good luck!
Could you add a letter from one of the kids parents that you have helped? You say you adapt each lesson for each students needs-a letter from a parent of a student could make you look good since you are applying to the same school
