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25 Teacher Cover Letters Examples To Help You Get Hired

Your guide to a killer cover letter that will get you that interview.

Whether you are sending out resumes hoping to land your first teaching job or looking to shift to a new school or district, one fact remains the same: All the best credentials, experience, and passion will go unnoticed without a strong cover letter. The main rule? Sell yourself the way a publicist would. Cover letters aren’t a time for modesty. They’re a time to highlight your accomplishments and make your passion for teaching known. Below you’ll find our tips for creating the best cover letter possible and our top teacher cover letter and CV examples.

3 top tips for crafting a teacher CV or cover letter:

Keep it short and sweet..

You’ve only got about 30 seconds to capture a hiring director’s attention, so start with what we call “the elevator pitch.” Imagine you have the time between the elevators closing on one floor and opening again on another floor to sell yourself. Instead of rehashing everything on your resume, use the space to craft a paragraph or two that will convince them you are a standout candidate and are worth moving on to the next step.

Emphasize why you’re a great match.

Read the job description and find the overlap between the skills you bring to the table and the skills they need. 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 say, “You’ve got a problem? I’m the ideal person to solve it.” Be professional and use concrete examples.

Individualize!

Tailor each and every cover 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 candidate for the position.

Top teacher cover letter examples:

1. first-time teacher.

This letter is friendly and enthusiastic. It uses concrete examples and experiences related to student teaching while showcasing exactly why the applicant wants to become a teacher.

Learn more: First-time teacher at LiveAbout

2. Another first-time teacher example

This version of a cover letter calls out the specific skills the applicant has and hopes to bring to the table.

Learn more: Another first-time teacher example at OLAS

3. Experienced elementary teacher

Not every teacher stays in their job until retirement. If you’re looking for a new position, your cover letter should clearly state your experience. This example also makes it obvious that the candidate researched the new district and discusses why she would be excited to join. The candidate also includes references at the bottom of the cover letter.

Learn more: Experienced elementary teacher at Monster ADVERTISEMENT

4. Another experienced elementary teacher example

It doesn’t hurt to have additional examples! This teacher cover letter clearly showcases the school’s goals and addresses how this teacher specifically can help. She did her research!

Learn more: Another experienced elementary teacher at LiveAbout

5. Summer school teacher

As school lets out for summer, many teachers still need to earn an income. With competition tight, this cover letter stands out as the candidate states her qualifications as well as her ability to train other staff members.

Learn more: Summer school teacher at Cover Letters and Resume

6. 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 will likely scan through a ton of applications.

Learn more: Assistant teacher at LiveCareer

7. Special education teacher

This letter is similar to a standard teacher cover letter, yet it also stresses the specific qualifications and experiences of a special ed teacher. For example, this candidate included how they modified the curriculum to meet the needs of a wide range of learners. In this particular cover letter example, the teacher was looking to move into a leadership role, so this serves as a template for someone looking to transition into management as well.

Learn more: Special education teacher at JobHero

8. School guidance counselor

This cover letter emphasizes the applicant’s academic achievements, especially with regard to the psychology education required for many counselor positions. It also talks about the characteristics that make this person the ideal candidate for this position.

Learn more: School guidance counselor at Great Sample Resume

9. Another school guidance counselor example

We liked this cover letter because it pulls specific metrics that are not in the resume—including the number of students the candidate worked with and the funding obtained for special needs programs.

Learn more: School guidance counselor at Zety

10. Library media specialist

This cover letter oozes confidence! As with any specialist position, the candidate hones in on how her specific skills and background make her qualified for this role.

Learn more: Library media specialist at LiveCareer

11. High school English teacher

This cover letter covers a lot of ground. It points out the candidate’s strengths 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.

Learn more: High school English teacher at Great Sample Resume

12. Technology teacher

Taking a very professional approach to writing a cover letter shows that the contender is serious. This letter points out the specific skills that best prove why this candidate is a great fit for the position.

Learn more: Technology teacher at LiveCareer

13. Music teacher

A music teacher requires knowledge of multiple instruments and a love of music and music theory. This cover letter showcases the candidate’s background and why they feel music is an important part of the education experience.

Learn more: Music teacher at Best Sample Resume

14. Drama teacher

Drama teachers often go above and beyond just teaching a class. They host auditions and rehearsals for after-school productions. This cover letter shows the candidate’s knowledge of curriculum, directing a show, and even marketing efforts.

Learn more: Drama teacher at Great Sample Resume

15. Foreign language teacher

Foreign language teachers need to display their knowledge of the particular language as well as showcase how well they can immerse students in the culture. This cover letter discusses the teacher’s plans to incorporate curriculum as well as help facilitate the induction of students into the German Honor Society.

Learn more: Foreign language teacher at JobHero

16. Sports coach

This cover letter has a terrific opening line that sets the candidate apart from the get-go. It also clearly covers the candidate’s qualifications, from knowledge and experience to attitude and philosophy. This cover letter example also works well for PE teachers.

Learn more: Sports coach at JobHero

17. ESL teacher

Teaching English as a second language obviously requires a distinct skill set. This cover letter showcases key communication skills and lets the hiring director know the specific language fluency.

Learn more: ESL teacher at LiveCareer

18. Math teacher

Touching on the highlights of their resume without rehashing it completely (who wants to read something twice?), this candidate points out their qualifications and certifications as well as their versatility in teaching different types of students.

Learn more: Math teacher at A+ Resumes for Teachers

19. Pre-K teacher

Teaching pre-K takes patience, creativity, and flexibility. This cover letter effectively highlights the candidate’s communication and problem-solving skills as well as the personal qualities that make them great at their job.

Learn more: Pre-K teacher at LiveCareer

20. Business teacher

This cover letter provides excellent background about the teacher in a way that’s appropriate for business. It shares the necessary information clearly and concisely.

Learn more: Business teacher at LiveCareer

21. International school teacher

Working at an international school requires a certain skill set, and this letter highlights the teacher’s language skills as well as their ability to create effective lessons on relevant topics while providing students with the support they need to succeed.

Learn more: International school teacher at LiveCareer

22. Head teacher cover letter

Serving as a head teacher involves a unique blend of leadership and innovation. This cover letter showcases the candidate’s exceptional communication and leadership skills, essential for coordinating with staff, students, and stakeholders to cultivate a thriving educational environment.

Learn more: Head teacher cover letter example at QwikResume

23. Kindergarten teacher

A kindergarten teacher plays a foundational role in a child’s educational journey, blending creativity with core educational principles. This cover letter highlights the candidate’s proficiency in developing engaging lesson plans and materials tailored to young learners, ensuring the fundamentals of various subjects are delivered in a manner that is both enjoyable and educational.

Learn more: Kindergarten teacher at Kickresume

24. Secondary teacher

Secondary teachers help shape the young minds of students as they transition into adulthood. This cover letter exemplifies the candidate’s adeptness in crafting comprehensive lesson plans and teaching materials that cater to the diverse needs of teens, ensuring that the curriculum resonates with their evolving interests and capabilities.

Learn more: Secondary teacher at Resumaker

25. Art teacher

An art teacher embodies the intersection of creativity and education, nurturing students’ artistic talents and encouraging their expressive capabilities. This cover letter highlights the candidate’s proficiency in designing stimulating lesson plans that explore a wide range of artistic mediums and techniques, from traditional painting and drawing to digital art forms.

Learn more: Art teacher at Resume Genius

Do you have more great teacher cover letter examples? Share them in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, check out the most common teacher interview questions and suggestions for how to answer them., you might also like.

Free Teacher Resume Template and Tips, Plus 21 Teacher Resume Examples

Make a great first impression! Continue Reading

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5 Teacher Cover Letter Examples & Templates for 2024

• Teacher Cover Letter
• Elementary Teacher
• Art Teacher
• Special Education Teacher
• AP English Teacher
• Writing Your Teacher Cover Letter 101

Teachers’ duties extend far beyond the 8 to 4 school day, encompassing lesson planning, grading, parent communication, faculty meetings, and guiding student extracurriculars. 

The challenge of finding a new teaching position and the requirement to write a cover letter in addition to your teacher resume can seem daunting given your already full schedule.

We’re here to assist you in your job hunt with five teacher cover letter examples and a comprehensive guide. While it’s impossible to highlight every accomplishment, our resources, which include a free cover letter generator , are designed to help you effectively showcase your strengths and demonstrate to principals and departments why you’re the ideal candidate for the position.

Teacher Cover Letter Example

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

Copy this text for your Teacher cover letter!

123 Pretend Lane Belleville, MI 48111 (123) 456-7890

January 12, 2023

Shaunna Li Belleville High School Principal 501 West Columbia Avenue Belleville, MI 48111

Dear Ms. Li: Belleville High School’s call for teachers who can relate to the pain points of students is why I am motivated to establish a welcoming classroom, foster healthy relationships with students, and lead by example in the geometry teacher position. While a 2014 study cites that only 16 percent of students graduate with proficiency in math, my unique methodology has seen 34 percent of my students master proficiency, and of that number, 17 percent have pursued STEM careers.

My methodology revolves around one central point—showing students why they should care about math. My personal love for math grew out of the recognition that math could be used to solve real-world problems; it is the same for students today. Once they recognize that math is foundational to many fields, including trades, finance, engineering, and so many others, students get excited with the possibilities of the doors math can open for them.

Math can be tedious and frustrating, and the subject does not register easily for many students; this is why you may see me collaborating with the chemistry teacher to lead our classes through a NASA-inspired rocket project or partnering with shop classes to witness students enjoying the reward of their hard work and creations. It is often that students do not actually realize they have relied on math until we debrief in class.

Solving students’ pain points is more than acknowledging their existence. To me, pain points are a starting point to discovery. I firmly believe that some of the most challenging endeavors have the power to yield the most fruitful results. If these results speak to you, I am eager to share more of what my non-traditional classroom looks like and what you can expect from Belleville’s students and from me as their geometry instructor.

Thank you for your consideration,

Marcus DeWitt

Enclosures: Resume Application Transcripts

Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifting to write your cover letter in seconds.

Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your Elementary Teacher cover letter!

123 Pretend Lane Newark, NJ 07103 (123) 456-7890

Bryson Thatcher KIPP Rise Academy Principal 21 Ashland Street Newark, NJ 07103

• Dear Mr. Thatcher:

Responding to KIPP’s core belief that knowledge is power, I am inspired to join the ranks of creative and out-of-the-box thinkers as your next fifth-grade teacher at Rise Academy. I welcome the opportunity to team-teach with another innovative instructor and learning specialists as I value the high-level learning that results when multiple ideas connect and unite for a common cause.

I have served as the reading department head for the past six years, which has equipped me to coach as well as learn from my fellow teachers. The success we have celebrated as a result of our combined efforts—students reading an average of 26 books per year, raising their reading level by a grade or more, etc. —will only soar with the ability to share a classroom with passionate educators.

Additionally, if you look at my track record, you will find me wherever students are. From volunteering to sponsor grade-level field trips and activities to working beside parents for fundraisers, student advocacy is a responsibility I take seriously. Shaping tomorrow’s leaders is only possible when students and families believe that teachers are on their side; together, we are unified and strong.

With over 50 percent of your student population entering Rise below grade level, I am impressed by the academy’s ability to transform young minds so profoundly that by the time they reach high school, they perform just as well as peers statewide. I am sincerely excited about the potential to be part of this transformation process, and I welcome the opportunity to discuss my experience and qualifications with you further. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to our next conversation.

Best regards,

Clayton Reid

Enclosures: Resume Application

Art Teacher Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your Art Teacher cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85001 (123) 456-7890

November 20, 2023

Ava Davis Scottsdale Unified School District 123 Fictional Lane Phoenix, AZ 85001

Dear Ms. Davis:

I’m inspired by Scottsdale Unified School District’s steadfast commitment to fostering creativity and providing a diverse artistic education for students. Witnessing young minds grasp artistic skills and express their vibrant personalities through art is what truly drives me. Today, I can’t wait to bring my passion, creativity, and teaching prowess to your district as an art teacher.

Over the last four years, I’ve taught drawing and sketching at Phoenix Center for the Arts to students aged 6 to 18. My guidance led to a 32% increase in program enrollment, inviting a whole new lot of budding artists. Using tools like Procreate, SketchBook, and various drawing media, I helped students build diverse skill sets and boost their artistic confidence.

Before that, I worked as a printmaker at Creative Printing & Packaging. I mastered printmaking, applying it to custom designs for clients and increasing the center’s clientele by 17% through workshops and events. My expertise grew in multiple printing techniques, such as etching, relief, and screen printing, where I took on expansive projects in lithography and silkscreen art.

My artistic journey kicked off as a mural painter, where I poured my heart into designing and painting commissioned murals across Phoenix. This wasn’t just about livening up buildings; it involved closely collaborating with local businesses and communities to create public art that resonated with Phoenix’s cultural spirit. These mural projects transformed mundane, overlooked spaces into vibrant, inspiring landmarks, leading to an average increase in foot traffic by 12%.

My diverse artistic talents, complemented by my dedication to fostering creativity, align perfectly with Scottsdale Unified School District’s vision for art education. I’m eager to discuss how my expertise can help inspire your students to discover and express their artistic abilities.

Kaito Yamamoto

Why this cover letter works

• Metrics bring your accomplishments to life, painting a vivid picture of your effectiveness for the role. For instance, Kaito reports a 12% increase in foot traffic to his mural projects.

Special Education Teacher Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your Special Education Teacher cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Houston, TX 77001 (123) 456-7890

Olivia Jones The Monarch School and Institute 123 Fictional Lane Houston, TX 77001

Dear Ms. Jones:

Being part of a special education classroom and seeing the profound, positive changes in the students sparked my passion for special education. Like the energetic pace of a volleyball match and the infectious spirit of the athletes, I’ve wanted to be part of this transformative journey, and I’ve successfully done so during the past five years. Today, I’m eager to bring my zeal, skills, and experiences to The Monarch School and Institute as a special education teacher.

In my latest senior role as a behavior analyst at Cypresswood Therapy & Counseling in Houston, TX, I used applied behavior analysis to design plans for 34 clients who exhibited challenging behaviors. The strategies, tailored for each client, alleviated problem behaviors and increased skill acquisition by an average of 38%. Here, data collection and analysis were crucial in assessing progress and adjusting interventions.

Previously, as a special education teacher at Crossroads School, I was responsible for leading 19 students, focussing on conducting functional behavior assessments. We devised customized interventions that fostered a significant reduction in disruptive classroom behaviors. During this time, I utilized resources such as Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and progress monitoring tools like DreamClass to gather data and track student progression.

I began my journey in special education as a teaching assistant at Westchester Academy for International Studies. As part of a team, we improved students’ academic performance by 16% within a year. This experience gave me valuable insights into designing a curriculum accommodating diverse needs, reinforcing my passion for this field.

I strongly believe my theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiences, combined with my dedication to inclusive education, position me uniquely for an engaging role at The Monarch School and Institute. I’m eager to discuss how my expertise can contribute to the growth and progress of the students at your esteemed institution.

• Passion equals commitment and even success. Not only does this align with the role she seeks, but it’s also an excellent trick to captivate the recruiter reading your piece.

AP English Teacher Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your AP English Teacher cover letter!

123 Pretend Lane Denton, TX 75065 (123) 456-7890

Kyndra Marque Ryan High School Principal 5101 E McKinney St Denton, TX 76208

Dear Ms. Marque:

With 12 percent of Ryan High’s student population slotted to graduate with honors, I am eager to lead the initiation of the English Advanced Placement program as stated in the job description. With seven years of experience teaching AP courses, I am confident that Ryan High’s students will excel in my classroom and beyond.

Through frequent collaboration with the English department, mentoring and assessing honors students in the National Honor’s Society, honors-level courses, and other honors associations, I have developed strategic methodologies that both determine a student’s ability and willingness to tackle the demanding coursework. While AP standards are rigorous, 92 percent of students who have taken my class have passed the AP English Language and Composition Exam.

Furthermore, I am inspired by Ryan High School’s mission to build lifelong learners who will contribute to society by seeking answers and sharing those answers with the next generation. As a lover of literature, this is why I choose to teach uncomfortable texts, such as Elie Wiesel’s Night, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, and Carl Sandburg’s poem “Grass.” By building relationships with my students, I successfully facilitate meaningful and real-world connections with them through American and world literature. What students discover in my classroom will impact them for the rest of their lives.

Ultimately, education is much more to me than just teaching the objectives. I believe in cultivating relationships and working with excellence in every area; based on my conversations with the English department head, Ryan High School is just as passionate about education. I look forward to discussing how my skills and qualifications can better serve Ryan High’s honors and AP students. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Stacie Solis

Enclosures: Resume Application 2 letters of recommendation

AP English Teacher Resume

Need a resume to pair with your AP English teacher cover letter?

or download as PDF

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Teaching Job

The key to writing your teacher cover letter can be distilled into two main points: don’t be generic and don’t let it become a repeat of your resume. 

Step 1: Don’t skimp on researching the teaching role

Just as you want to tailor your resume to the school where you want to work and to its accompanying  teacher job description , you should do the same with your cover letter. Sure, this requires extra research, but what’re 20 or 30 minutes when this effort can pay off in dividends? Not only will research ensure your cover letter is relevant—not vague and generic—it’ll also prepare you well for common  teacher interview questions .

Additionally, leverage your research to demonstrate a real interest in the role you’re applying for as well as in the school itself.

• Discuss how your commitment to standardized testing has improved students’ performance at other schools.
• Share how Google Classroom has transformed your STEM projects.

Step 2: Go beyond your teaching resume

Addressing the specific needs and concerns mentioned in the job description will have the desired effect  as long as you go beyond what you included in your resume . Mentioning that you’re a rock star at using Google Classroom isn’t enough; principals have  already  gathered that from your resume bullet points and  skills section .  

This is your opportunity to specifically share what you’ve done with Google Classroom. Many teachers set up Google Classroom for their students but don’t get around to using it. What have you done that sets the standard for every teacher following you? This is when quantifying your experience becomes exceptionally valuable. 

• Demonstrate how this resource has decreased late submissions by 53 percent.
• What did you do exactly to accomplish such a feat? One-on-one tutoring, an after-school club, unique teaching methodologies?

Step 3: Convey the right message

Beyond specific and descriptive paragraphs in your teacher cover letter, keep your document  at  or less than a page. Eliminate wordiness and avoid pleasantries. Be sincere and gracious, but, really, no one likes a teacher’s pet.   

So, consider your tone of voice. Be professional, avoiding clichés, contractions, colloquialisms, and the like. Remember you’re applying for a teaching position, not a quirky tech startup.

Consider your tone. Remember you’re applying for a teaching role, not a quirky tech startup.

And when you think your cover letter is ready to go, hold up! You’re, indeed, almost at the finish line, but what is it you tell your students to do before they submit an essay (which they inevitably  never  do)? 

Yep—it’s time to practice what you preach. Invite a few people you trust to review your cover letter and offer constructive criticism while your eyes and brain rest. Then, return to your work, consider the feedback, and scour for any last content issues and spelling and grammar errors. Make revisions, save your document, and send your best teacher cover letter to the principal and hiring department with your resume, application, and any other requested materials.

Your Teacher Cover Letter Format & Outline

Now, if you’re staring at a blinking cursor on a blank document, not sure how to make the examples and steps work for you, don’t fret. It’ll come together beautifully like a perfectly executed lesson plan.

You just need a comprehensive outline that breaks the cover letter for a teaching position into distinct sections, making it easy to understand what to include in each part.

How to start a teacher cover letter

Your contact info: If you’re using a template, fill in the letterhead to suit your needs. Just ensure you replace all filler text and don’t accidentally exclude critical information like your name, email, and phone number. 

• Formatting:  If you write a block business letter rather than use a template, including your address is standard. Additionally, while your name will be prominently displayed on a letterhead on a template, a basic but professional block letter should omit your name (the principal will find your name easily in your signature line).

Date:  If you write your cover letter today but don’t submit it until next week, edit the date, to reflect the day you submit the letter and other career documents for the specific teaching role. 

• Formatting:  Write out the full date, e.g. January 12, 2023.

Inside address:  This is the contact information for the principal or hiring department at the school. Name the specific person; then, include the school and position title, e.g., Ryan High School Principal. Complete this section with the school’s address.

• Formatting:  Each piece of the inside address should be on a new line. You’ll want a double space between the inside address and the greeting. 

Kyndra Marque Ryan High School Principal  5101 E McKinney St Denton, TX 76208

Greeting:  Your goal is to start on the right foot with your principal, so avoid issuing a generic greeting, also known as a salutation, like:

• Dear Principal,
• Dear Hiring Department,
• To Whom it May Concern:

While it can take some sleuth skills to track down the name of the hiring manager for some jobs,  most, if not all,  schools have staff listings on their website. You’re already researching the school to help you write an amazing cover letter, so take a couple of extra minutes to put a real name to the greeting:

• Dear Ms. Li:
• Formatting:  Err on the side of caution and use a colon at the end of the greeting. A comma is more casual while a colon denotes professionalism, which will likely serve you best for a teaching role.  

How to write your teacher cover letter

Body:  The body of your teacher cover letter should be three to four brief paragraphs that state your interest, demonstrate your teaching credentials, and convey enthusiasm for further discussion. Let’s break it down further: 

• Formatting:  The body of your teaching cover letter should be single-spaced although you’ll need to double-space between paragraphs.

Opening paragraph:  The goal is simple—state your interest in the position and your overarching credentials that reflect your research for the specific role. While the goal is simple, the execution often leaves little to be desired. Too many teacher cover letters start the same way.

I found your posting online and am interested in filling the English III position. 

No. Just no. Bore the principal and the English department right out of the gate, and they’ll wonder whether you’ll hold the attention of your students. Instead, try:

Not only does this signal that you’ve done your homework and researched the school’s unique standing and areas for growth, this opening paragraph hooks the reader. Clearly, you’re interested in the role, offer valuable experience, and with phrases like “lead the initiation” and “excel in my classroom,” there’s no doubt you’re confident and capable.

Paragraphs 2-3:  If you can squeeze in the third paragraph, we recommend it as each paragraph is an opportunity to demonstrate indisputable evidence of the credentials and qualifications you boldly state in your opening paragraph. 

Each paragraph should not be a repeat of your resume; rather, each paragraph should hone in on  one  clear accomplishment, be it the results of your teaching methodology, values, or something else. Don’t try to tackle multiple topics in a paragraph. Be detailed, specific, and quantify your results when possible. 

Closing paragraph:  Clench an interview with this final paragraph. Now’s not the time to lay your head on your desk and call it a day. Don’t let this be your closing paragraph:

I believe I am the perfect candidate for this teaching position, and I look forward to hearing back from you soon. 

At best, it exudes laziness. At worst, no one will believe you’re actually interested in the job but just need something to put beans on the table. 

Instead, demonstrate that your unique values and qualifications align with the school’s needs, which will indicate a genuine interest in the role— even if you are  desperate to put beans on the table.

Finally, add a call to action that anticipates a follow-up or interview. With the following closing paragraph, it’s clear that teaching is far more to you than just a job:

Solving students’ pain points is more than acknowledging their existence. To me, pain points are a starting point to discovery. I firmly believe that some of the most challenging endeavors have the power to yield the most fruitful results. If these results speak to you, I am eager to share more of what my non-traditional classroom looks like and what you can expect from Belleville’s students and from me as their geometry instructor.  

How to end a teacher cover letter

Signature:  While you can include your gratitude at the end of the closing paragraph, you can also express thanks when you sign off. Keep it professional, and use your real name here just as you will on your resume and application form. 

• Formatting:  Typically, you’ll send your cover letter to the principal’s email; however, if you deliver your career docs in person or—gasp—by mail, be sure to quadruple space and sign your name in blue or black ink between your closing line and typed name.

Marcus DeWitt 

Enclosure(s):  This is important, and most job seekers, including teachers, fail to include it. “Enclosure(s)” means that more documents follow your cover letter.

What information would that be? Well, hopefully, your  teacher resume , likely the school’s application, potentially your teaching license, also your college transcripts, and maybe even a reference letter or two, depending on the requirements detailed in the  teacher job ad . 

After your signature, you’ll include “Enclosure(s),” followed by the exact documents in order of appearance. 

• Formatting:  Use the singular form of “enclosure” if you’re only including one document. Also, include each additional document on a new line. 

See, including this final section is literally easier than writing your own address. Include it, and automatically set yourself apart from other teachers vying for the same role. 

Finish Strong with Your Teacher Resume

Now, that you’ve got the tools to confidently wow principals and departmental heads with your teacher cover letter, have you considered the current state of your resume? Maybe you’ve already updated and polished it, and if that’s you, kudos to you—you’re ahead of the game! 

If you’re blowing out an exaggerated breath because you’ve relegated your resume to the nether regions of your mind, we get it. But teacher resumes are judged more harshly than most. Hiring teams don’t cut a lot of slack when they’re looking for talent who will teach their students to communicate, read, and write well.   

So, if it’s time to think seriously about re-writing or, let’s face it,  writing  your resume  from scratch, take a page from us (literally) and get inspired with our  free resume templates  and  teacher resume examples  like the one below.

Elementary Teacher Resume

Need a resume to pair with your elementary teacher cover letter?

Your career documents are a pain in the tush, we know, but think of us as your biggest cheerleaders. With our  AI resume builder ,  Google resume templates ,  Word resume templates , and expert-approved guidance, your teacher resume and cover letter are sure to win you interviews and secure your next role, where you just might earn Teacher of the Year at your next school. 

Every school you apply to will likely have slightly different teaching styles, cultures, and objectives they would like to achieve throughout the year. You can use your cover letter to connect your previous experiences to their mission and goals. For instance, if you volunteered for an early-age reading program, that would be a great experience to connect when applying to a K-5 position where the school wants to improve student reading scores.

Ideally, you want to match your tone to the feel of each school’s job description. Does the school have a very formal and knowledgeable tone in the description? Then being more formal and factual about your knowledge and experiences in different teaching styles they emphasize would be a great idea. For example, citing factual information about how you used hybrid learning to create 75% higher material retention in math subjects would work well in this instance.

Try to address your cover letter to a specific person in the school. Typically, this will be a principal, superintendent, or human resources hiring manager that would be reviewing teacher resumes . Check through the job description to see if a specific name is listed who will be reviewing applications, or review the school’s website for this information. If you can’t find anything, you can simply address it to “[Name of school] hiring staff” or something similar.

Teacher Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2024

• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Text Examples

How To Write a Teacher Cover Letter

To write an engaging teacher cover letter, emphasize your knowledge and experience with modern learning techniques. Feature professional achievements that demonstrate your ability to help your students excel academically and grow on a personal level. We’ll provide tips and insights to showcase your expertise as an educator and land your next big job opportunity.

Teacher Cover Letter Templates and Examples

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Teacher Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

John Bergsen  Elementary Teacher | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Detroit, MI 12345 | LinkedIn

January 1, 2024

Hideo Araki Hiring Manager Grayson Elementary (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Araki:

I’m interested in applying for the elementary school teaching position at Grayson Elementary. As a student teacher at Carlson Elementary, I taught reading, math, and science lessons to classes of 18 to 25 fifth-grade students. I also utilized differentiated instruction and student-centered learning techniques to maximize academic growth. My secondary education background will help me excel as an educator in your organization.

Grayson Elementary’s reputation for experiential learning methodologies is what draws me to apply for this opportunity. As a secondary education teacher, I have a passion for incorporating cutting-edge learning techniques to help my students grow both emotionally and academically. I can be an asset to your team based on my student teaching experience:

• Planned and delivered lessons to classes of over 18 fifth-grade students, evaluated student performance, and tailored instruction toward individual needs
• Utilized differentiated instruction techniques and student-centered learning techniques, which increased goal attainment by 10% for reading comprehension
• Resolved conflicts among students and taught emotional coping skills to aid personal growth and development

I look forward to telling you more about my knowledge of experiential teaching methods that can benefit your students and organization. Feel free to contact me via phone or email for any additional questions you may have about my background. Thank you for your time and consideration.

John Bergsen

Allison Rosenberg Special Education Teacher | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Nashville, TN 12345 | LinkedIn

Ms. Lori Taylor Hiring Manager Corbin Elementary School (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Ms. Taylor:

I’m reaching out regarding the special education teacher role with Corbin Elementary School. As you can see from my attached resume, I have five years of experience supporting students with a wide range of learning disabilities. My expertise in special education would benefit your students and team.

Corbin Elementary School’s reputation for its devotion to special education draws me to apply for this position. At Branson Charter School, I implemented research-based interventions for students with autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, and behavioral disorders. I can bring similar results to your learning institution based on my previous accomplishments:

• Delivered small group and individual instruction to students ranging from second grade to eighth grade, developed individualized education plans (IEPs), and evaluated student progress
• Coordinated with psychologists, parents, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe learning environments and provide appropriate resources for students
• Provided training to over 15 team members on teaching strategies for special needs students

I would like to schedule an interview to provide more insights into how my expertise in special education can benefit your organization. You may contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Allison Rosenberg

Jasmine Brown  Lead Elementary Teacher | [email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | Philadelphia, PA 12345 | LinkedIn

Mr. Matthew Johnson Hiring Manager Edison Elementary (987) 654-3210 [email protected]

Dear Mr. Johnson:

I’m interested in applying for the lead elementary teacher position with Edison High School that I found on LinkedIn. As an educator with over 10 years of teaching experience, I’ve served in various leadership roles and spearheaded initiatives to enhance the quality of secondary education. I can achieve similar results for your students, teachers, and organization.

Edison Elementary’s reputation for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is what draws me to apply for this opportunity. As the fifth-grade lead elementary teacher, I worked proactively to build safe and inclusive learning environments for students of all backgrounds. I can have a positive impact on your school community based on my career achievements:

• Deliver engaging lessons to classes of up to 25 fifth-grade students using a variety of teaching methodologies, including holistic learning and cooperative learning techniques
• Served as Grade Level Chair for four consecutive years, managed and developed a team of eight teachers, and provided coaching and mentorship to facilitate professional growth
• Conducted curriculum mapping, evaluated student performance data, and collaborated with faculty to ensure alignment with Common Core State Standards

I hope to speak with you further to provide more insights into how my experience as a lead elementary teacher can benefit your organization. You may contact me via phone or email at your convenience. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Jasmine Brown

Writing a great teacher cover letter that stands out in today’s competitive market can be challenging. To truly make a lasting impression on the hiring manager, craft quality content that encapsulates the most compelling aspects of your teaching career. Demonstrate how your instructional approach has helped your students excel. Below, we’ll provide additional tips to guide you through each section of your teacher cover letter:

1. Contact information and salutation

List all essential contact information at the top of your teacher cover letter, including your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL. Greet the hiring manager by name — Mr. or Ms. [Last Name]. If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.” Avoid greetings such as “To Whom It May Concern,” as your greeting should be direct and personalized for each job application.

2. Introduction

Lead with an eye-catching introduction to grab the hiring manager’s attention at the start of your teacher cover letter. Highlight your years of teaching experience and specific learning modalities that match the school you’re applying to. Emphasize your ability to make a positive impact on student’s lives and create value for the organization.

In the example below, the candidate draws attention to their expertise in both student-centered learning and differentiated instruction. By showcasing teaching methodologies that align with the organization’s education standards, the applicant immediately shows they have the qualifications the school is looking for. Using a similar approach will go a long way in bolstering the impact of your teacher cover letter.

3. Body paragraphs

Feature your most compelling achievements, accolades, and qualifications in the body paragraphs of your teacher cover letter. The first paragraph should mention something specific about the school’s reputation or mission statement and why this entices you to apply for the role. Subsequently, create a list of bullet points that reinforce your strongest teaching accomplishments.

Notice how, in the example below, the applicant focuses on tailoring their cover letter to the school they’re targeting. They begin by showing how their passion for experiential learning makes them an ideal fit for the position. The candidate also substantiates the impact of their cutting-edge teaching strategies by incorporating student data. As you build your teacher cover letter, tell a compelling story that captures your unique journey within the education field.

Grayson Elementary’s reputation for experiential learning methodologies draws me to apply for this opportunity. As a secondary education teacher, I have a passion for incorporating cutting-edge learning techniques to help my students grow emotionally and academically. I can be an asset to your team based on my student teaching experience:

• Utilized differentiated instruction methods and student-centered learning techniques, which increased goal attainment by 10% for reading comprehension

4. Teacher skills and qualifications

Rather than simply listing skills on your teacher cover letter, tactically integrate key terms that match the job description. Provide examples of you utilizing specific teaching strategies and methodologies to enhance the quality of education. Below, we’ve compiled a list of potential keywords to consider highlighting on your teacher cover letter:

5. Closing section

Think of the closing paragraph of your teacher cover letter as a call to action (CTA) inviting the hiring manager to interview you. Showcase how your knowledge of cutting-edge teaching methodologies and leadership capabilities can positively impact students and faculty. Be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration in the last sentence.

Teacher Cover Letter Tips

1. emphasize your impact on student development.

The most important aspect of being an educator is facilitating student learning and development. Incorporating academic metrics and data is one way to accomplish this, as it adds to your credibility as an education professional. Also, display how you helped your students grow emotionally, as this aspect of education is equally important for helping children succeed.

2. Feature specific teaching strategies and methodologies

To demonstrate your knowledge as an educator, be sure to mention specific teaching strategies and methodologies that align with the organization you’re applying to. For example, if a school prides itself on its commitment to student-centered learning, make this a focal point of your cover letter using tangible examples from your career.

3. Demonstrate your teaching and interpersonal skills

To interface effectively with your students and colleagues, you need to communicate effectively and build positive relationships. Emphasize your ability to connect with diverse student populations and collaborate with multidisciplinary education teams. Provide examples of you interfacing with parents, students, and fellow educators to improve the quality of education and create safe learning environments.

Teacher Cover Letter FAQs

1. why should i write a teacher cover letter -.

The cover letter carries less weight in some industries but can be incredibly important for professionals within the education field. Principals and school administrators want to gain a better understanding of your values as an educator, and the cover letter lets you show these aspects in a way you can’t on a resume.

2. How do I make my teacher cover letter stand out? -

Featuring specific teaching achievements, learning modalities, and strategies is the best way to help your cover letter stand out during the job search. Rather than only mentioning that you delivered lessons in various subjects, show potential employers examples of you integrating contemporary teaching strategies to maximize student success and academic performance.

3. Align your teacher cover letter with the job opportunity -

Demonstrating how your teaching background aligns with the needs of the school you’re applying to is the best way to differentiate yourself from the competition. Mentioning something specific about the institution’s reputation and mission statement shows hiring managers you’ve done your homework and are the ideal culture fit for their team. For example, if a school is focused on experiential learning methodologies, demonstrate your expertise in social-emotional learning and lesson internalization.

Craft a new cover letter in minutes

Get the attention of hiring managers with a cover letter tailored to every job application.

Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

Check Out Related Examples

Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Examples and Templates

Substitute Teacher Cover Letter Examples and Templates

Special Education Teacher Cover Letter Examples and Templates

Build a resume to enhance your career.

• How To Become a Teacher (The Elementary and Secondary School Teaching Career Ladder) Learn More
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Resume Worded   |  Career Strategy

14 teacher cover letters.

Approved by real hiring managers, these Teacher cover letters have been proven to get people hired in 2024. A hiring manager explains why.

Table of contents

• Special Education Teacher
• Preschool Teacher
• Early Childhood Educator
• Montessori Guide
• Alternative introductions for your cover letter
• Teacher resume examples

Teacher Cover Letter Example

Why this cover letter works in 2024, innovative curriculum development.

The mention of a specific achievement in improving student engagement showcases the candidate's ability to think creatively and adapt their teaching methods to better serve the students they work with. This highlights their commitment to excellence in education.

Social-Emotional Learning Initiative

By sharing the success of the social-emotional learning initiative, the candidate demonstrates their understanding of the importance of a holistic approach to education. This not only highlights their teaching experience, but also their ability to make a positive impact on the school community.

Show Alignment with the Company's Vision

When you mention how you've integrated innovative technologies to enhance the learning process, you're signaling that your teaching philosophy aligns with the company's vision. This shows the employer that you understand their mission and are excited to contribute to it.

Connecting Personal Values to Company Goals

By explicitly stating that your experience aligns with the company's goal of creating a world where everyone can progress through learning, you're not just demonstrating a deep understanding of the company's mission, but also giving them confidence that your personal values align with theirs.

Highlighting Transformational Impact

When you highlight your ability to not just teach, but actively transform the educational landscape, you show yourself as a proactive and driven individual. You're not just a participant in the system, but a game changer. This can really grab a hiring manager's attention.

Showing Enthusiasm for Innovation

Showing your excitement about the innovative aspects of the job position makes you come across as someone who's ready to dive in and contribute. It's a great way to demonstrate your alignment with the company's mission and vision.

Connecting Personal Drive to Job Role

Your eagerness to bring your skills and passion to the table is something that's definitely going to resonate with the hiring team. It tells them that you're not just looking for a job, but a place to make a real difference.

Affinity for Team Collaboration

By stating your interest in collaborating with like-minded people, you're showing your team player spirit. It's a good way to hint at your interpersonal skills and your willingness to work in a team-oriented environment.

Reiteration of Interest

Reiterating your excitement about the job prospect during the closing remarks gives a strong ending to your cover letter. It leaves an impression of a passionate candidate, eager to make a change in the field of education.

Show your passion for early childhood education

When you talk about your passion for the field and how the organization's mission matches your own, it tells us you're not just looking for any job. You're looking for this job.

Highlight your experience with creative lessons

Detailing your hands-on projects like the garden shows you can bring unique and engaging learning experiences to our young students, which is exactly what we're looking for in a preschool teacher.

Demonstrate innovation in teaching

By sharing your success in implementing innovative learning experiences, you illustrate your capability to contribute meaningful and impactful teaching methods to our team.

Value family engagement

Mentioning your efforts to connect with families shows you understand the importance of partnership between teachers and parents in a child's learning journey, which is critical for us.

Express your eagerness to contribute

Ending your letter by reiterating your desire to join our team and contribute to our mission strengthens your application by showing your genuine interest and alignment with our goals.

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Demonstrate your passion for teaching

Starting your cover letter with a declaration of your love for inspiring young minds immediately grabs attention and sets a positive tone for the rest of your application.

Showcase impactful teaching strategies

Providing concrete examples of how your teaching methods have led to increased engagement and parent participation presents you as an effective educator capable of making a significant impact.

Illustrate your commitment to inclusivity

Emphasizing your success in creating inclusive classroom environments highlights your understanding of the importance of diversity and empathy in education, aligning with many schools' values.

Align with the school's educational philosophy

Expressing your alignment with the school's focus on play-based learning and growth opportunities shows you are not only familiar with their approach but are also enthusiastic about contributing to its success.

Convey your eagerness to contribute

Closing your cover letter by expressing your interest in discussing how you can contribute to the community emphasizes your proactive approach and eagerness to be a part of the team.

Show passion for teaching young minds

When you express a strong love for educating and nurturing children, it helps me see your genuine motivation for the job. This passion is crucial for success in early childhood education.

Personal connection makes a difference

A personal story or experience that connects you to the school or its philosophy can make your application stand out. It shows you're not just interested in any job, but you're specifically interested in joining our community.

Highlighting achievements in education

Providing specific examples of your accomplishments, like improving student engagement, offers clear evidence of your ability to make a positive impact in the classroom. This kind of detail is persuasive.

Valuing professional growth and community

Emphasizing your desire for continuous learning and collaboration with colleagues demonstrates that you're a team player and committed to personal and organizational improvement.

Respect and eagerness in closing

Closing your letter with gratitude and a strong interest in contributing positively shows professionalism and respect for the opportunity to make a difference.

Special Education Teacher Cover Letter Example

Highlighting specific achievements.

By mentioning that you've improved students' communication skills by an average of 40% using assistive technology solutions, you're providing a clear and quantifiable example of how you've made an impact in your previous role. This helps the hiring manager understand the tangible results you could potentially bring to their team.

Demonstrating Adaptability and Innovation

When you speak to your ability to adapt and innovate within the educational space, it shows that you're not just a follower of set methods, but someone who's willing to try new approaches to achieve better results. This is particularly valuable in special education where individualized teaching methods are crucial.

Creating Inclusive Environments

When you talk about fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment, it really speaks to your ability as a Special Education Teacher. It shows that you understand the importance of making each student feel valued and empowered, which is crucial in this field.

Aligning with Company's Approach

Sharing your excitement about the company's innovative approach and commitment shows you've done your homework. It also tells me that you align with their values and mission, which is a big plus.

Offering Specific Expertise

When you express your eagerness to contribute your specific expertise in adaptive teaching strategies and educational technology, it gives an idea of what you can bring to the team. It's not just about being eager, it's about being eager and equipped.

Envisioning Collaboration

You paint a vivid picture of what collaboration in the team would look like, which is both engaging and compelling. It tells the team that you're already thinking about how you fit into their structure and how you can contribute.

Aim for the Bigger Picture

Wrapping up your cover letter with a note about making a meaningful difference in the lives of students is heartwarming and impactful. It talks to your dedication to the mission of Special Education and your vision of working together to achieve it.

Preschool Teacher Cover Letter Example

Connect with the school's mission.

Explaining how KinderCare's focus on a nurturing environment aligns with your teaching philosophy immediately shows us you're a good fit for our culture and values.

Showcase your role in child development

Your experience with play-based learning and curriculum development highlights your understanding of age-appropriate educational strategies, a crucial skill for any preschool teacher.

Emphasize positive parent feedback

Sharing that parents have positively recognized your efforts in communication and empathy proves your effectiveness in building crucial relationships with families, an aspect highly valued in our centers.

Express gratitude and honor

Thanking the reader for considering your application and expressing how honored you would be to join their team adds a respectful and humble tone to your application, making you more likable.

Invite further discussion

Inviting the opportunity to discuss how your skills and experience align with the school's needs shows proactive engagement and eagerness to become part of the team.

Express excitement for the role

Starting your letter with excitement shows you're not just looking for any job, but you're passionate about this specific role as a preschool teacher.

Detail your experience with innovative programs

Discussing the implementation and success of a new program highlights your initiative and ability to contribute valuable ideas, making you stand out as a preschool teacher candidate.

Align with the employer's philosophy

When you show that your teaching philosophy matches the employer's, it suggests a good fit. This alignment is crucial for roles like preschool teachers, where the philosophy shapes every day in the classroom.

Ending your letter by welcoming the opportunity to discuss how you can contribute demonstrates both confidence and openness, qualities important for a preschool teacher.

Close with courtesy

A courteous sign-off is essential, reflecting your ability to end conversations on a positive note, an important skill for interacting with children and parents alike.

Early Childhood Educator Cover Letter Example

Show your passion for early learning.

Highlighting your genuine interest in a school's mission can make your application more compelling. It shows you are not just looking for any job, but are specifically interested in contributing to that institution's unique goals.

Detail your curriculum development skills

Discussing specific programs you've created, like a "STEM Explorers" program, demonstrates your ability to design and implement innovative teaching strategies that enhance students' learning experiences.

Emphasize relationship-building in the classroom

Mentioning your effort to build positive relationships with students and their families underlines your commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment, which is crucial for an early childhood educator.

Express dedication to student well-being

Conveying your excitement to bring dedication and care to a new setting shows your commitment to the emotional and educational well-being of your students, an essential quality for a teacher.

Highlight your enthusiasm to join the team

Ending your cover letter with a strong statement of your desire to make a meaningful difference reinforces your dedication to the field of early childhood education and your eagerness to contribute to the team.

When you express enthusiasm for the job and the employer's good reputation, it shows you care about where you work and what you do. This is key for a preschool teacher role.

Highlight a major achievement

Mentioning a specific success, like leading a project that grew enrollment, demonstrates your ability to make a real difference. It's effective for employers to see your impact quantified.

Value continuous learning

Appreciating an employer's commitment to professional development shows you're someone who seeks to grow and improve, a desirable trait for any preschool teacher.

End with a strong call to action

Expressing eagerness to contribute to the team and make a positive impact invites the hiring manager to envision you in the role, making your application more memorable.

Use a professional sign-off

A polite and respectful closing reinforces your professionalism, a necessary quality for any early childhood educator.

Expressing strong interest in early childhood education

Clearly stating your strong interest in the role and the organization helps me understand your enthusiasm and alignment with our mission right from the start.

Demonstrating knowledge and experience

Discussing your educational background and practical experiences in early childhood education showcases your preparedness and solid foundation in key principles of the field.

Sharing impactful projects and recognition

Mentioning specific projects and external recognition not only highlights your innovative approach to education but also your ability to influence beyond the classroom.

Commitment to nurturing and inclusive learning

Your dedication to fostering curiosity and building partnerships with families emphasizes your holistic approach to education, which is highly valued in early childhood settings.

Professional and eager conclusion

Ending your letter by thanking the reader and expressing eagerness to discuss further demonstrates your professionalism and sincere interest in the position.

Montessori Guide Cover Letter Example

Show your enthusiasm for the montessori guide role.

Starting your cover letter by expressing real excitement for the position helps the hiring manager see your genuine interest. It makes a strong first impression.

Highlight your Montessori classroom skills

When you talk about your ability to create a learning environment that encourages independence and love for learning, it showcases your practical skills and understanding of Montessori principles.

Connect with the school’s values

By mentioning your alignment with the school's commitment to both Montessori practices and innovative professional development, you demonstrate that you're not just looking for any job, but this specific role at this specific institution.

Express your desire to contribute

Stating your goal to contribute to the Montessori community at the school underlines your teamwork mindset and dedication to the educational mission.

Ending your cover letter by looking forward to a discussion about your qualifications opens the door for an interview, showing you're eager and ready to take the next step.

Alternative Introductions

If you're struggling to start your cover letter, here are 6 different variations that have worked for others, along with why they worked. Use them as inspiration for your introductory paragraph.

Cover Letters For Jobs Similar To Teacher Roles

• Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Guide
• High School Teacher Cover Letter Guide
• Preschool Teacher Cover Letter Guide
• Substitute Teacher Cover Letter Guide
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Teacher resume examples & templates

Choosing the best resume format for a teacher

Make use of a summary, outline your teaching experience: your career syllabus, list the education that elevates your teacher candidacy, choose the right resume layout and design for a teacher resume, what type of salary you can expect in teaching.

With the right approach and a great resume, you can find a teacher position that is the perfect balance of job satisfaction and good pay. Educating the principal on your qualifications with an A+ resume will put you at the head of the interview class. 

Teaching has always been an important and challenging career path. It can also be one of the most rewarding and financially stable professions. Working as a teacher has the potential to be satisfying, as well as emotionally and intellectually engaging. But with the changing landscape of educational practices and technologies, aspiring education professionals need to adapt to the modern world. 

With the right approach and a great resume, you can find a teacher position that is the perfect balance of job satisfaction and good pay. 

Resume guide for a teacher resume

So, how do you write an excellent resume for a teacher? Resume.io’s expert advice guides and resume examples cover over 500 professions, and our resume builder takes the tough job of formatting and leaves the personalization to you.

This resume guide and corresponding car sales resume example will cover the following:

How to write a teacher resume

• Choosing the right resume format for a teacher
• How to add your contact information (and what to omit)
• Using summaries
• Adding your teaching experience
• Listing education and relevant experience
• Picking the right resume design/layout
• What the teacher market looks like and what salary you can expect

When you teach writing, you probably include an outline step. Consider the necessary sections of any resume for a teacher as your outline. Your resume should contain the following elements:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

One key difference among teacher resumes may be a publications section. Those who teach at the university level are much more likely to need to include their professional writing.

A resume is a type of persuasive essay that needs to offer strong evidence for your suitability for the position. The best arguments target the reader directly with points that are sure to hit home. Your teacher application is no different.

Research the school, its demographics and philosophy as well as the open position to understand as clearly as possible what the role entails and how your teaching expertise will enhance the student body, faculty and community as a whole.

What does this mean in practice, for you as a teacher seeking a job?

• Tailor your resume for a specific position and purpose. Start with a general resume but make sure you research the employer and customize your resume to address its needs.
• Analyze the job application/listing for specific requirements that are emphasized or mentioned multiple times.

Honing your resume for the ATS

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are automated software applications used by most medium and large employers to process the hundreds or thousands of resumes before they reach their recruiters or hiring specialists. Most ATS systems work by scanning resumes and ranking them for keywords. 

These keywords may be related to certifications/licenses, specific skills or qualities, job experience or other factors. ATS software is widely used by educational institutions, both in the general variety (services like RecruitCRM, TalentCube, JobItUs and others) and even the specialized variety (ATS specifically developed for schools like eTeach). In fact, many schools use school management software that helps with all operational aspects of education. These programs often have built-in ATS.

HR surveys show that, in general, 75% of resumes (U.S. data) are never seen by human eyes because they fail the ATS test, falling into a resume black hole.

Getting specific is the key to mastering the ATS.

• Instead of “Taught reading”
• Use “Implemented Mathology program and realized 11% jump in standardized test scores.

Naming software and curriculum mentioned in the job listing boosts your chances of beating the ATS and shows the hiring department that you understand the requirements of the job.

Your resume format is vitally important no matter the type of teaching job you are aiming for. Not only does the resume formatting impact ATS filtering of your teacher resume, but the template visuals will affect how much attention your teacher resume receives from recruiters. 

Similar to the use of keywords and your summary description, your resume format presents a dual challenge: pass the ATS filtering and win over the hiring manager. The best format for a teacher resume is reverse chronological order . This puts the information that recruiters seek – mainly your most recent position and your contact information – right where they are expecting to find it. The ATS is also designed to look for this format when it scans your education resume.

Career changers should consider a hybrid or functional style resume since they expand the space for transferable skills, or skills that you used in your previous career that will make you a great teacher.

Include your contact information

How many times have you drilled into your students’ heads that papers with no names on them will receive zero credit? Of course, you wouldn’t do that on your teaching resume, but there are considerations for your header . 

The goal of the header is to provide the best methods to contact you using the most professional presentation. Definitely include the following:

• Full name and title. List your first and last name. If you have earned a doctorate, feel free to use Dr. Also list the title of the role you are pursuing.
• Professional email address. If you don’t have one, create an email address with a format such as [email protected] .
• Phone number. Avoid using your work number and instead choose your cell phone, making sure you check it frequently.
• Address. Your street address should not be included. List only your city and state. If you are applying to positions outside your commutable area, let your prospective employer know that you are willing to move by stating that here.
• LinkedIn. If your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date include it here.

Do not include any personal information such as your social security number, marital status or date of birth. Definitely don’t put a portrait on your header. HR personnel want to avoid any appearance of bias.

Dr. Hannah Jonas

Professor of integral calculus

(415) 612-0045

[email protected]

San Mateo, CA

Willing to relocate

Looking for position as professor of integral calculus

914 24th Street, San Mateo, CA

The summary (or profile) section of your teacher resume is a snapshot of both your personality and your professional qualities. It allows you a bit of leeway (about four sentences) to tell your teaching story and express your classroom style. Give it some energy.

The summary (also known as the profile or the personal statement ) is the only place on your teacher resume where you can realistically employ some creative writing skills, adding energy and personality to gain a competitive edge.

Here are two goals for your teacher resume summary:

• Convey the most important hand-picked information about your past career, qualities and achievements.
• Tell your future employer how you can contribute to its school or business as an amazing teacher.

In most cases, the summary is going to be prominently featured at the top of your resume. It’s prime “real estate” on your single page of professional characteristics. Make it count. The idea is to have it describe an actual living person, avoid clichés and provide a window into your professional character as a teacher. Action verbs are great for this. Here are some sample sentences that you may be able to adapt to your own teacher resume summary:

• Established a warm, caring and friendly environment for kids to develop and learn in the classroom.
• Supported parents and children in my class in navigating through early childhood development.
• Employed advanced teaching techniques based on kids’ neurobiology and childhood psychology to make sure my pupils had the best learning environment possible.
• Published paper detailing research results in professional journal.

Don’t include obvious phrases like “able to rise to the challenge” or “can adapt to stressful situations.” Phrases like these are either expected by the employer as a given or make it sound like you have nothing real to say about your professional qualities/achievements.

If you’re feeling a bit lost when trying to come up with your 3- to 4-sentence summary, try looking at your experience, skills and certifications, and cherry-pick the most impressive ones. Additionally, try to evaluate what aspect of your career or professional personality is strongest. Is it your knowledge and education? Is it your skills and qualities? Is it your experience as a teacher? Based on this, you can determine whether your resume summary is one of the following examples:

• Knowledge-oriented: if your strongest professional features are your education, expertise in certain areas, certifications and so on, mention these first and make them prominent.
• Skills-oriented: If you’re a natural or acquired talent in some areas and tasks, proven by your former coworkers, students and students’ parents, highlight these aspects of your career.
• Experience-oriented: If you’re a seasoned veteran, with a wealth of experience in numerous jobs and schools, underline this fact to show how valuable and reliable you would be.

Need inspiration for your summary? Check out our more specific teacher resumes: 

• Early Childhood Educator resume sample
• College Student resume sample
• Student resume sample
• Academic Librarian resume sample
• Health Educator resume sample
• ESL Teacher resume sample
• Tutor resume sample 
• Teacher Assistant resume sample 
• Substitute Teacher resume sample
• Middle School Teacher resume sample
• Elementary School Teacher resume sample
• College Professor resume sample
• Internship resume sample
• High School Teacher resume sample
• Academic Tutor resume sample 
• College Admissions resume sample
• Academic resume sample
• Education resume sample
• Research Assistant resume sample
• Teen resume sample
• School Counselor resume sample
• Instructional Designer resume sample
• Camp Counselor resume sample
• Special Education Teacher resume sample

You can find adaptable teacher resume example summaries below:

Enthusiastic middle school science teacher brimming with ideas and ready for my own classroom. Strong belief that every student is a budding scientist who simply needs inspiration. Experienced in data collection, curriculum differentiation, and consistent communication with parents, guardians, and colleagues.

Dedicated and dynamic certified Childhood Educator with several years of experience working to facilitate the highest level of learning possible. Adept in differentiating curriculum to meet the needs of all students, while ensuring the mastery of specific learning standards. 

Experienced and passionate Teacher with a love for educating today's youth. Adept in creating a comprehensive and well-rounded curriculum that meets education requirements and standards. Able to act as a facilitator of powerful learning experiences, while allowing students to dictate certain lessons and lead with curiosity. Familiar with many renowned educational philosophies aimed at supporting a child academically, emotionally, and socially. Bringing forth dedication, skill, and the desire to positively impact the lives of children.

The employment history section is the core of an experienced teacher resume. It ties everything together by listing and quantifying (when possible) the successes you have already achieved in your teaching career. Make sure it’s the most robust and detailed resume section you have. 

Each of the entries in this section should ideally include the following:

• Position / job title
• Organization / workplace name
• Dates of employment
• Short descriptive examples of the most important duties, achievements, metrics, projects

The best way to show how productive and industrious you are as a teacher is to offer facts, figures, numbers and project names wherever possible. 

Here are ideas for a preschool teacher resume employment section. Note the strong action words and variety of skills demonstrated.

• Served as a passionate and dynamic Lead Teacher for students ages 3-5.
• Created and implemented stimulating curriculum, aimed at supporting the appropriate learning standards.
• Supported the academic, emotional, and social growth of students.
• Maintained positive communication habits with parents and families.
• Collaborated with staff and administrators to enhance programs and remain united in our goals.

And for an elementary school teacher:

• Worked to empower two classes of fourth grade students by motivating them to become lovers of learning.
• Created and implemented lesson plans that supported fourth grade learning standards.
• Developed and implemented cross-curriculum lessons to support multiple academic disciplines simultaneously.
• Communicated with parents and families using an online portal, complete with documentation of class learning experiences, activities, and events.

Below you will find a sample teacher resume work experience section.

Early Childhood Teacher at The Seed, Brooklyn September 2015 - Present

• Provide optimal care and academic support to students aged 1-3 years.
• Create and implement lesson plans based on child-led interests and curiosities.
• Encourage students to actively play and explore new things with fellow classmates.
• Maintain organized files for each student containing documents indicative of their progress.
• Facilitate outdoor learning experiences and the involvement of nature as much as possible.
• Follow school policies and regulations regarding safety and school procedures at all times.

Early Childhood Teacher at The Ridge Hill School, New York September 2013 - May 2015

• Developed and implemented a well-rounded curriculum designed for students aged 1-3.
• Encouraged the social development of students by facilitating meaningful opportunities for play.
• Encouraged students to engage in the world by introducing them to interesting and thought-provoking subjects.
• Created and fostered positive relationships with parents and family members of students.
• Provided various hands-on activities to promote critical thinking skills.
• Monitored and recorded the progress of students and created plans for improvement.

Build a snapshot of your key teaching skills 

The skills section is one of the shortest parts of your teacher resume. There isn’t much room to elaborate. Make each item count towards your shining professional teacher toolbox. Recruiters are likely to scan this section first to see if they want to read on.

The skills section is used by recruiters (as well as ATS software) to evaluate how productive and versatile you will be as a teacher in both your day-to-day activities and in challenging situations. Unlike the summary, you don’t have much room to be creative in this resume section. There isn’t much “real estate” here to expand upon, so each skill needs to be carefully evaluated to determine whether it should take up precious space on your resume. 

According to DATA USA, the most highly valued skills by employers of elementary and middle school teachers are related to these general categories: 

• Learning Strategies
• Instructing
• Social Perceptiveness

For preschool teachers, the skill categories are similar but with an additional emphasis on Organizational and Monitoring skills, as young children require constant attention.

You’re likely familiar with the concept of hard and soft skills , but to reiterate the general rule of thumb: hard skills relate to very specific and pragmatic activities, for example: knowledge sets, software, sciences or methodologies. Soft skills mostly relate to personal interaction – examples include emotional intellect and communication . Try to aim for a good balance of both categories in your teacher resume. 

Teaching skills

The education section of a teacher resume should be crafted with care, as this is your field, but keep it short, listing only your schools and degrees . If you have earned a postsecondary degree, it’s generally considered unnecessary to mention your high school.

Be meticulous in ensuring you have clean formatting in this resume section, clear and concise descriptions and any relevant licenses and educational awards that demonstrate your aptitude as a teacher. Teaching is a profession that places a certain amount of emphasis on certifications and licenses. The most prominent of these should be mentioned in your resume summary, and the rest should go here.

Professional development and publications

All teachers must complete hours of professional development to maintain their certifications. If you are particularly active, have designed and presented at seminars or completely relevant seminars or coursework outside your degree, include a separate Professional Development section.

Postgraduate teachers are often required to publish, but even if you are work at a lower level, any academic or education articles you have published are worthy of highlighting. If you have the space, create a separate Publications section.

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Hunter College, New York August 2013 - May 2017

High School Diploma, St. Catherine's High School, New York September 2009 - June 2013

• Graduated with High Honors.

While you want to gain the attention of recruiters, you should also exhibit restraint in the design of your teaching resume, especially if you are teaching at the high school level or above. Elementary and preschool teachers can be a bit more creative.

To optimize the design of your educator resume for recruiters and HR departments, follow these tips: 

• Make sure to include some white space between your resume sections. A resume that is completely covered in text leaves no room for the brain or eyes to rest.
• Make sure the sections of your resume are clean, symmetrical and well-placed. An aesthetically pleasing format will make recruiters more likely to read your resume.
• Use professional resume templates that have been tested and designed by experts. Make sure your template expresses your values and personality as a teacher.

Keep it simple - there is no need for your resume to be creative. Clear and concise is all that is required.

Ensure your resume is spaced out well and that it is clear and easy to read.

Write a resume that is more than two pages long. Recruiters simply don't have the time to read pages and pages.

Use tables and graphs, or any images on your resume. Text only is fine.

Because your resume format is so important in creating a great first impression as a teacher, you're going to want to place a lot of emphasis on its design and style. If you have graphic design experience, you might enjoy designing a CV yourself. If not, professional templates can make putting together your resume a much easier affair. 

Resume.io offers a variety of teacher resume templates for all types of positions: Professional for formal workplaces, simple for new teachers or teaching assistants and modern or creative templates for more forward-thinking employers. 

Choose the resume template that works for you and then edit the sample sentences inside of our convenient resume builder. Our resume templates are designed to provide a foundation – you make them your own!

Teacher job market and outlook

Teachers are one of the most varied and flexible professions out there, both in terms of job experience and the varied backgrounds that teachers come from. According to National Center for Education Statistics data, while the average age of elementary, middle and high school teachers is around 42, the age range is quite wide: from 19 all the way to 86. If you’re just starting out or are making a career change to education from another field, it’s completely acceptable to list marginally related work experience. 

Remember that schools are not the only organizations that hire teachers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the three runner-up employer categories are: the executive branch of the federal government, educational support services and performing arts companies. If you’re submitting a resume to one of these alternative categories, make sure to tailor it to your potential employer. Do your research.

Let’s start at the beginning and take a look at some sample data from the teacher job market of recent years. Here’s what the ranking of different categories of teachers looks like based on job market growth (according to U.S. Labor Department statistics):

• Elementary school teachers (+1% jobs per year)
• Secondary school teachers (+1% jobs per year)
• Preschool teachers (+3% jobs per year)
• Special education teachers (no change)
• Postsecondary teachers (8% per year)

A teaching resume for a postsecondary professor will look different from that of an elementary school teacher. Keep the environment in which you want to teach at the forefront as you develop your application.

Key takeaways for building a teacher resume

• To land an interview and a great teaching position, tailor your teacher resume for each application. This will greatly increase your chances.
• Pay attention to your teacher resume format and choose the right resume template both for the sake of passing the ATS test and impressing hiring managers.
• Your summary/personal statement is there to convince your potential employer you are a productive, knowledgeable and reliable teacher.
• Craft a robust employment history section by using reverse chronological order and supplying examples of results, facts and achievements.
• In your skills section, try to organically use sample keywords found in the job description.
• Show some love to your education section, as this is your own field as a teacher.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

High School Teacher Cover Letter Sample

Kim had developed her own high school teacher cover letter and resume for a teaching job but it wasn't generating many responses. In this educator cover letter sample, you can see that Kim has excellent teaching skills, a beneficial teaching style, a strong passion for teaching, and measurable accomplishments — we put them front and center.

In case you didn't know, a cover letter could also be referred to as an application letter, letter of introduction or letter of intent. Remember that your cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself to a potential employer. So, put your best foot forward!

Kim had just finished her student teaching practicum at a high school and is now ready to be a first-year teacher in a classroom of her own. So, even though she lacks experience, it's important to showcase the passion as a new teacher, as well as her teaching philosophy and style so that a school can determine whether she will be a good fit.

This sample secondary teacher cover letter highlights Kim's goal and ability to provide a stimulating classroom environment, which optimizes the learning experience to help all students reach their full potential.

We made sure this academic cover letter written to secure a high school teaching position matches her high school teaching resume  in format and style, ensuring consistency and visual appeal.

As well, when writing a cover letter for a teaching position, you want to have a strong introductory paragraph that clearly states what position you are applying to, as well as a closing paragraph that discusses follow-up and thanks your reader for their time and consideration.

Your body paragraphs should be two or three paragraphs total and should not be too long or wordy in order to keep your reader's attention. And, unless specifically stated otherwise by the school you are applying to, your cover letter should always be kept to one page in length.

At the end of the cover letter, below her name, you will notice that Kim has the word 'enclosure'. This is so she can specify what other documents have been enclosed with her job application letter. This will ensure that her application remains together for this teaching job position.

View this application letter for a teacher in high school in PDF format.

All resume and application letters examples on our website are fictionalized.

Don't forget to scrutinize the matching resume for this high school teacher cover letter sample to examine how we formatted and wrote about her student teaching experience and accomplishments.

Read in-depth teaching job application writing tips with examples to gain some modern ideas to enhance your high school teacher application letter.

While you are visiting the blog you can read 12 excerpts from sample application letters for teachers .

KIM A. SMITH 10710 – 90th Street • Sacramento, CA 99999 Phone: 555-590-2444 • Email: [email protected]

<Date>

Mr. Todd Blair, Superintendent DEF School District 4589-27th Ave, East Sacramento, CA 99999

Dear Mr. Blair:

It is with great interest and anticipation that I am seeking to secure a Secondary School Teacher position with your school district. As an enthusiastic and dedicated new educator with hands-on student teaching experience, I would love to be a member of your academic team. I believe that my instructional abilities, combined with my strong interpersonal skills and work ethic can greatly benefit your educational program. I believe that experiential, inquiry-based education is the key to success for high school students. As a teacher, I hope to motivate students in ascertaining their inner strengths and abilities and discovering what truly inspires them. I aim to provide a stimulating learning environment that encourages students to trust their own opinions, while fostering confidence in order for students to realize their full potential.

As a teacher, I am committed to doing anything I can to help my students learn and achieve their goals. I will work hard to come up with lessons that will help every student better retain the subject matter. To this end, I will incorporate participatory activities, technology, guided practice, problem-based learning, and real-world applications to help students make progress and build on their skills. Through my teaching experience thus far, I have found that facilitating rather than dictating is a highly beneficial style of teaching. I have learned that if students construct their own learning experiences, they will not only retain information longer, but they will also become more confident in their abilities.

I love working with students and will continue to strive to be a positive influence in their lives. I realize how vital education is in the preparation for young people to achieve success in all endeavors set before them. I hope to instill a love of learning and a desire for constant knowledge within each student.

Being a highly motivated and passionate educator, I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how my teaching style and skills would benefit your educational program. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kim A. Smith

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Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Example

Elementary Teacher cover letters need to grab attention fast if you want to get the best jobs available. Find out now how to make your application A-grade with the help of ResumeCoach’s expert example cover letter and how-to guidance.

You probably remember when you were a student how nervous you felt when you needed to hand in a term paper. 

Do you feel the same when you’re about to hand in your application to a school principal or superintendent?

With the perfect cover letter to go along with your resume crafted using our resume builder , you can be confident that you’re handing in an A+ application . 

In this guide we’ll tell you:

• How to structure your cover letter
• Unique Elementary Teacher skills to set you apart from the other candidates
• Tips for writing an Elementary Teacher cover letter with no experience 
• Which teaching equipment is best to mention in your cover letter

By learning which specific teaching skills and expertise you should add and how to list them, you’ll give yourself a better chance of landing your educational dream job as soon as possible.

The Perfect Structure for an Elementary Teacher Cover Letter

When it comes to writing an exceptional cover letter as an elementary teacher, establishing a detailed structure is vital. A cover letter can make a huge difference after all.

A well-defined structure will ensure it’s easy to follow and understand . This not only helps in organizing your thoughts coherently but also in representing a professional image to your potential employers. 

The ideal structure should discuss the following:

• Introduction : Start your intro with a warm, professional greeting. Mention the position you are applying for, then briefly state how you learned about the job opportunity. Make sure to communicate your excitement for teaching young minds in a sentence.
• Body : Highlight one or two unique initiatives or experiences you bring to the table, such as introducing a “Creative Curriculum Design” or “Literary Character Days.” Also, share an example that summarizes your passion for the role.
• Conclusion : Reaffirm how much you’d like to contribute to their educational institution and express gratitude for the consideration. Sign off with a professional and courteous closing.

By shaping your cover letter according to this structure, ensure each point portrays the fresh perspectives that you are prepared to bring to the role.  For a well-written example, study the Elementary Teacher cover letter sample below.

Elementary Teacher Example Cover Letter

[Employer’s name]

[School name] 

[School address]

Dear Mr/Ms. [Hiring Manager Name]

I would like to apply for the Elementary School Teacher position currently being advertised by [Potential Employer]. As a state-certified Professional Educator with over 6 years’ experience in helping 3rd and 4th-grade students grow academically and in confidence, I think I’m perfectly suited for the role.

Over my career, I have mastered the basics of class planning, managing tricky student behavior successfully, and teaching in classes of all sizes. I also make it my personal mission to research and adapt to new, incoming teaching technologies. This approach has helped me to become adept at teaching using SMART board tools and Google Classroom.

In my current position with [Current Employer], I have been successfully leading classes of 25 third-grade students. My work creating engaging and creative classes that uphold the quality standards and course curriculum has led to 85% of students under my tuition achieving A-C grade results in their annual reports.

Please find my resume enclosed. I would, naturally, be delighted to explain my credentials in more detail in a face-to-face meeting with you.

Thank you again for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Address [Phone number] [Email address]

How to Show Off Your Classroom Management Skills

Any teacher worth their salt needs to be able to control and organize their students . That’s why your classroom management skills must be communicated in both your cover letter and resume. 

Why is adding these types of skills so important for a cover letter?

Simply enough, it shows that you can:

• Create a nurturing environment
• Manage students behaviors

By mentioning your management skills you’ll be able to give insight into how well you can handle typical childhood behaviors and how you can foster an environment that encourages young learners. 

Some management skills and expertise that you can list include:

• Inclusive teaching
• Positive reinforcement
• Conflict resolution
• Community building
• Promotion of self-regulation

Here’s an example of how you can include these skills in the body of your letter:

In my previous role, I actively fostered community building by organizing group projects and peer mentoring, which not only nurtured a harmonious environment but also minimized conflicts. I consistently implemented positive reinforcement strategies, celebrating students’ achievements and encouraging a culture of recognition and appreciation. My commitment to conflict resolution empowered students to navigate disagreements constructively, promoting a respectful and collaborative classroom atmosphere.

Elementary Teacher Skills to Set Your Cover Letter Apart

Many teachers are extremely well-rounded and if you have some out-of-the-ordinary skills then you can seem like a unique candidate . 

Certain skills that are used in the classroom nowadays can be fostered outside an educational setting. 

For example, a hobby of yours or your experience with your own children can be used while working as an Elementary Teacher, which is why you can also add them to your cover letter.

Review the following ideas that can show that you have a unique skill set. 

If you want to further prove your distinct talents , a certificate can prove that you’re qualified in any of the following areas.

Storytelling Ability

Detail how your storytelling has been used in your teaching methodology to enhance student engagement and comprehension.

In my previous role, I initiated a ‘Storytelling Friday’. I would weave elements of our week’s lessons into a vibrant story, incorporating puppets and visual aids to engage the students and reinforce the learning objectives in a fun and memorable way.

Outdoor Learning Initiatives

Highlight any outdoor learning initiatives you have mastered, and how they fostered a dynamic, hands-on learning environment.

I developed an outdoor learning program, incorporating nature walks and scavenger hunts to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world while tying in elements of science and geography curricula.

Listing Yoga Skills for Your Elementary Teacher Cover Letter

Share how you’ve incorporated yoga and mindfulness practices into your classroom routine, perhaps starting the day with a brief session to help students focus.

I integrated short yoga breaks between lessons, teaching students simple poses and breathing exercises to help them refocus and re-energize, promoting a calm and focused classroom environment.

Entry Level Elementary Teaching Position Cover Letter Tips

Are you a first-time teacher trying to impress an employer when you don’t have much experience to mention? 

Luckily there are still ways to show that you can be an effective Elementary Teacher and make sure your application ends up on the honor roll. 

Some strategies include:

• Highlighting your work in the community
• Discussing your proficiency with teaching equipment
• Talk about your student teaching experience

These are all relevant skills that should catch the attention of a school principal or superintendent but the ATS as well.  If you’re able to correctly touch on subjects like these you should be able to impress an employer even if you lack years of teaching experience.

First Time Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Sample

To further understand the ideal structure your letter should follow as a new teacher, you can examine the sample below. 

You can also use our cover letter editor to simplify the process even more. 

[Employer’s name] 

Dear [hiring managers name],

I am eager to apply for the elementary teacher position at [School/Organization Name], bringing with me a fresh and technology-integrated approach nurtured through my recent Bachelor of Education degree and hands-on student teaching experience.

During my training at XYZ Elementary School, I developed lesson plans embracing diverse learning styles, utilizing modern teaching equipment like interactive whiteboards and tablets to enhance student engagement. This experience, coupled with my adeptness at utilizing technology, prepares me to foster a dynamic and contemporary learning environment.

Beyond academia, I have fortified my connection with the community through educational outreach programs, fostering a strong foundation to understand and cater to diverse student backgrounds. The community-focused philosophy of XYZ School deeply resonates with me, aligning with my aspiration to foster a nurturing educational space grounded in communal values and modern educational tools.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to discuss how my educational background and community involvement can be an asset to your team. Thank you for considering my application.

[Your Name]

[Phone number]

Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Community Engagement Projects

In the world of elementary education, community engagement projects can prove that your attention to young learners goes beyond the walls of your classroom. 

Usually, these include volunteering, which can show that you are motivated and care about your students and the community.

That’s why, as an entry-level Elementary Teacher, incorporating your understanding and potential contributions toward community projects can significantly enhance your cover letter. 

Here’s how you can do it:

• Showcase your involvement : Discuss any relevant experience or coursework that showcases your ability to integrate community projects into your teaching approach.
• Highlight the benefits : Explain how community engagement projects can foster skills such as teamwork, leadership, and a sense of responsibility among students.

Of course, try to only include examples of projects that you’ve participated in with children . 

Demonstrating an understanding of the benefits of community engagement speaks to your enthusiastic approach to education.

Examples of Community Projects to Mention

Now that you know why and how to add community projects you have or will be involved in it’s a great idea, it’s good to know which ones will stand out .

Here are some ideas of projects that you can list:

• Community clean up
• Garden projects
• Coach for a youth sports team
• Intergenerational programs
• Summer camps
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America

If you have never done a community project or have thought about taking part in one, these are great examples to choose from to add to your letter.

Mention Your Expertise with Advanced Teaching Equipment

Classroom technology keeps advancing, and a first-time Elementary Teacher should know exactly how to manage different tools to enhance the educational experience.

In your cover letter, you should bring up the various teaching tools you are familiar with and any training or coursework you have completed. It will show that you are adaptable and modern. 

Apart from explaining how you’ve used technology in the past, you can also explain how you plan to use it in the future . 

Some educational technology includes:

• Interactive whiteboards
• Learning management systems
• 3D printers
• Student response systems
• Document cameras

These tools not only show that you can work in a classroom but also help students who learn from home. 

In my future classroom, I envision leveraging a variety of advanced teaching equipment such as VR tools to create immersive learning experiences and utilizing digital assessment tools to foster a responsive and adaptive learning environment. Additionally, I am eager to explore the educational potential of 3D printers to bring creativity and hands-on learning to the forefront of my teaching approach.

Teaching is sometimes an undervalued profession, but we can help you display your experience and skills to make a hiring manager more likely to fall in love with your qualifications . 

If you keep in mind what was discussed in this guide you’ll give yourself a great chance . Just remember to keep the following points in mind:

• How to structure your letter the right way
• Different community projects to list 
• Which skills you should showcase to be unique
• Discussing your mastery of educational technology

A well-written resume will also help you craft your cover letter by helping ensure you have your strong points all in one place . 

With these tips in mind, you should be able to draft a cover letter that puts you at the head of the class. 

Trouble getting your Cover Letter started?

Beat the blank page with expert help.

Jobscan > Resume Examples > Education Resume Examples, Skills, and Keywords > High School Teacher Resume Examples, Skills, and Keywords

High School Teacher Resume Examples, Skills, and Keywords

High school teachers are in high demand. Writing a solid resume can help you get a position where you'll receive the pay and respect you deserve. Here’s how to produce a resume that can help you get a job you'll love.

High School Teacher Resume Sample

High school teachers are an essential part of the educational world. They help teach teenagers, run extracurricular activities, and handle administrative tasks around their schools. As a teacher looking for a new job, you need to demonstrate soft skills like classroom management and hard skills like knowledge of your subject area.

‌ You can do more than just state the facts in your resume. It’s better to demonstrate your skills than to explain them, but doing both is best of all. With the right strategy, you can develop a resume that gets the attention of school administrators without sounding generic .

This high school teacher resume example shows how the writer used their work history and skills section to both show and tell the reader about their experience in the field.

Seattle, WA 98101 • (555) 876-5432 • [email protected] • linkedin.com/in/willow-obrien

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER

Dedicated educator with 5 years’ experience and a proven ability to ensure student success through differentiated instruction and creative methods of motivation. With a compassionate drive for student success, consistently crafts engaging lesson plans and supports students in exceeding expectations (even their own) and achieving goals.

Lesson Planning | Classroom Management | Performance Assessment | Student Development Student Rapport & Relationship Building | Cross-Functional Communication | Conflict Resolution Microsoft Office 365 | Smartboard | Chromebooks | Google Classroom | Zoom | Quizizz | Kahoot

Plan and coordinate daily classroom activities, design rigorous lesson plans to meet student needs, and deliver instructional activities utilizing appropriate curriculum resources and incorporate district standards. • Conducted ongoing assessment of student achievement and compiled and analyzed student performance data to guide further instruction

• Provide opportunities for all types of learners and direct daily classroom discussions by asking compelling questions and taking the time to work with students to clarify points of confusion
• Consistently cultivate a positive educational climate and facilitate classroom activities which engage students by blending levity with learning and making math engaging and useful in every lesson
• Arrange teaching materials, develop lesson plans, conduct assessments of student achievement, and assist students in improving work techniques and study methods
• Serve as Chess Club Coach and attend school extracurriculars and activities to support students
• Conducted ongoing assessment of student achievement and assist students in analyzing and improving study methods and habits
• Worked collaboratively and communicated effectively with students, administrators, teachers, parents and community members in order to ensure student success
• Served as an integral part of the educational team, consistently developing and improving on teaching expertise while maximizing the learning experience for students
• Maintained a positive and invested attitude toward academic direction and progress of students, and the goals, objectives, and mission of each school
• Taught curriculum and lessons which were age- and skill-level appropriate, fostered student engagement, and focused on student success
• Served as Chess Club Coach, provided after school tutoring, facilitated learning opportunities for all types of learners, and encouraged student ownership and accountability of their own learning

Assisted primary Teacher in all aspects of daily operations, classroom teaching responsibilities, and after-school tutoring.

• Prepared classroom for each new day, readily assisted with unexpected issues, and provided support in preparing assignments for each lesson

7-12 MATHEMATICS CERTIFICATION, 2020

Resume written by Lezlie Garr

Why this resume works

High School Teacher Resume Skills and Keywords

School administrators have a lot on their plates, and adding hiring to the mix only makes their jobs harder. To lighten the load, many schools use applicant tracking systems (ATS) . These filter out applications based on specific high school teacher resume keywords . Administrators only need to look at the candidates the ATS has chosen, saving them time. If you want to make it past these filters, you need to include the right resume skills in your application.

Top HIgh School Teacher Resume Skills

• High school education
• ‌Lesson planning
• ‌Curriculum development
• ‌Classroom management
• ‌Standardized testing
• ‌Instructional skills
• ‌Smartboards
• ‌Creativity
• ‌Collaboration
• ‌Leadership
• ‌ Critical thinking
• ‌ Verbal and written communication
• ‌Microsoft Office
• ‌Learning management systems
• ‌Attention to detail
• ‌Resilience
• ‌Differentiated instruction
• ‌Parent/teacher relationships
• ‌Student assessments
• ‌Diverse classrooms
• ‌Student accommodations
• ‌Conflict resolution
• ‌Subject knowledge (chemistry, math, history, etc.)
• ‌Organization
• ‌ Time management
• ‌Digital media
• ‌Spring framework
• ‌Behavior analysis

When you know what skills and keywords will get your resume seen, you can build a better resume by putting these five tips to work.

1. Focus on formatting

As a high school teacher, you understand the importance of following standards and producing documents that are easy to read. Just like you expect your students to turn in quality work, school administrators expect to receive well-written resumes. Following standard resume formatting makes it easy for administrators to read your application. It also ensures that you’re not ignored because of bad design.

Along with checking your formatting, you should always proofread your application before you send it off. Typos and errors aren’t acceptable to most schools. High school teachers are expected to pay attention to detail in the classroom and when grading. Administrators assume that mistakes in a resume show that you’re not the right fit for their school.

2. Use your resume summary to make an impact

Your resume summary , or personal statement, is the first full paragraph after your header information. Like the introductory paragraph of an essay, this is where you introduce yourself and your skills. Many school administrators use the resume summary to decide whether to keep considering a candidate.

This is a great high school teacher resume summary: “Knowledgeable and enthusiastic high school teacher seeking to provide differentiated education at West High School. Seven-plus years of experience include implementing two new AP courses, raising average SAT English scores by 6%, and managing parent-teacher relationships.”

‌ The writer has achieved several goals with this summary. It offers a strong resume objective right off the bat, explaining what they want out of the job. It also lists accomplishments using hard numbers so school administrators understand what the applicant has done. This combination gives hiring teams a solid motivation to keep reading.

3. Adjust your resume for the job

High school teachers are called on to teach many subjects. During your job search, you may apply for positions with wildly different requirements. Submitting the same resume for both a math teacher and English teacher position will probably lead to at least one school ignoring your application.

Always take the time to refine your resume to make it relevant to the job posting . If the description mentions specific skills or qualifications that you have, mention them verbatim in your resume. When you make minor adjustments to your resume before applying somewhere, you give yourself a better chance of getting hired.

4. Separate your skills

Every high school subject requires its own skillset for teachers. Adding a dedicated skills section to your resume lets you highlight your most important abilities. You can use keyword variations to target ATS filters or mention skills that may not have been relevant in your recent positions.

Your skills section is also a great way to separate them from the rest of the document. When your skills are neatly collected, school administrators can quickly scan your resume to check for the abilities they require. This is the perfect place to mention things like speaking multiple languages or understanding a learning management system.

5. Use action verbs

Keywords aren’t the only words that matter in your resume. Once someone is actually looking at the page, you want to keep their attention. That means replacing bland and generic terms like “responsible for” and “participated in” with more specific, energetic words. This swap helps school administrators understand what you actually did in your past jobs instead of leaving them guessing.

For example, swap out generic phrases for resume action verbs like:

• ‌Accomplished
• ‌Implemented
• ‌Increased/decreased

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Building Substitute Teacher at Propel Montour High School

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• Compensation : $40,000
• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision plan options at a low cost for individual employees and families.
• Retirement: New hires participate in a 403(b); Propel contributes 5% automatically and matches up to 4%. This increases after 5 years.
• Paid Leave: In addition to 2 paid Wellness Days annually, all teachers receive 5 sick days and 10 Personal Days
• Tuition Assistance: Reimbursement of up to $3,000 annually upon completion of course and receipt of grades for coursework that meets our eligibility requirements.
• Wellness Benefit: Reimbursement of $20 per month for wellness activities including Gym Memberships, health programs, etc. Additionally, staff have the ability to earn up to $300 for participation in a Wellness Program each year.
• Professional Development: At Propel, we believe in supporting teacher growth and provide substantial school-based and network-wide professional development support for teachers, including an extensive onboarding process called Induction for new teachers with on-going annual support during the school year called Immersion. All teachers receive 11.5 network-wide Professional Development days annually in addition to school-specific Professional Development.
• Leadership & Career Development: Leadership opportunities are extensive at Propel, both in and outside of the classroom. Staff have the opportunity to apply for Leadership Pathways as content, grade level or other school-based support roles which allow for experience in many different areas including Content, Wellness, Technology and more.
• Design coherent instruction using prescribed unit and lesson structures that align with state standards and emerging best practices.
• Develop and continually update learning resources and actively participate in professional development .
• Create an instructional environment characterized by respect and rapport that promotes a culture of learning.
• Use a variety of instructional strategies that engage students in age-appropriate learning, e.g., computer-assisted, cooperative learning, and various student-centered approaches.
• Manage student behavior and classroom procedures effectively which promotes a safe learning environment.
• Assess student learning using formal and informal assessment techniques and utilize that information to drive instruction.
• Implement student IEPs and participate in the special education process as needed.
• Maintain accurate and up-to date records and report student progress in accordance with school policy and procedure.
• Prepare and achieve annual performance expectations as prescribed or approved by administration.
• Communicate with families on a regular basis and reply to family initiated communication in a timely manner.
• Own It. Our teachers are instructional experts who hold high expectations for themselves and their scholars. We work hard, set goals, and take responsibility for our scholars learning.
• Walk Through the Door. Our teachers are professional with their scholars, families, and colleagues. We show up on time with a positive mindset and never give up on what's possible for our scholars.
• Look in the Mirror. Our teachers value feedback and work to continuously improve for our scholars. Our staff is accountable, dedicated and honest.
• Treat Others the Way You Want to be Treated. Our teachers are culturally competent. In all interactions they are courteous, engaged and empathetic.
• Do Your Part. Our teachers are relationship builders. We make connections with our scholars, our families, our colleagues and our community and realize that education is a team effort.
• Valid PA certification in corresponding content area that is being taught.
• Strong instructional and classroom management skills
• High level of personal organization and planning
• Ability to develop rigorous lesson plans and assessments
• Deep content area knowledge
• Strong communication and relationship building skills
• Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development
• Ability to utilize data to differentiate instruction
• A commitment to the Promising Principles of Propel
• Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competency, high degree of emotional intelligence and self-awareness with the ability to reflect and adapt to diverse environments.
• Skilled in the use of Google Suite and willingness to experiment and work with new technologies.
• Must be able to walk around the classroom at least 75% of the time while engaging with scholars.
• The person in this position constantly operates a computer and other technology in the classroom to support instruction.
• The person in this position frequently communicates with various internal and external stakeholders regarding curriculum, instruction and assessment. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• When deemed age and/or developmentally appropriate, assist students in daily personal tasks (i.e.-tying shoes, assisting with coats, escorting to busses, and etc.)

Perks and Benefits

Health and wellness.

• Fitness Subsidies
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability

Parental Benefits

• Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
• Birth Parent or Maternity Leave

Vacation and Time Off

• Leave of Absence
• Personal/Sick Days
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation

Financial and Retirement

• Performance Bonus
• 401(K) With Company Matching

Professional Development

• Learning and Development Stipend
• Promote From Within
• Mentor Program
• Shadowing Opportunities
• Lunch and Learns
• Tuition Reimbursement

Diversity and Inclusion

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program

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80% Dance Teacher - Sierra Middle School (60%) and Ramona High School (20%) at Riverside Unified School District (RUSD)

Application Deadline

9/29/2024 4:30 PM Pacific

Date Posted

Number of openings, add'l salary info, length of work year, employment type, about the employer.

With schools dating back to the 1870s, the award-winning Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) is now the 16th largest school district in California. RUSD educates nearly 42,000 students across 50 schools in Riverside. The District serves a large portion of Riverside as well as the unincorporated areas of Highgrove and Woodcrest. RUSD is led by its 12th Superintendent, Ms. Renee Hill and is governed by a Board of Education comprised of publicly elected officials who serve five different trustee areas.

Requirements / Qualifications

Valid California Single Subject PE credential with English Learner Certification effective prior to January 1, 2022 OR Single Subject Dance credential with English Learner Certification. 1. Online EdJoin Certificated Application 2. Letter of Interest, résumé, and three (3) current letters of recommendation 3. Copy of CBEST, CSET Scores 4. Copy of all current credentials held, or evidence of qualifying 5. Copy of transcripts with degree(s) posted Placement on the July 1, 2023 Teacher Salary Schedule: One year of step credit for each year of previous experience equivalent to public school experience, not to exceed 14 years. $72,213-$129,574 (Reflects a 100% Contract) plus health, dental, vision, life insurance and Employee Assistance Program

Comments and Other Information

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• NonDiscrimination/Uniform Complaint Policies and Procedures
• Best of Riverside
• View Other Job Desc. / Ess. Elem.

CalSTRS Links

• CalSTRS Info for New Educators

Riverside Unified School District (RUSD)

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Sexual assault trial against former Rondebosch Boys Prep School teacher resumes

Wares is facing multiple charges related to sexual abuse of boys in south africa and the united kingdom during his 40-year teaching career..

• Sexual assault
• Sexual abuse
• United Kingdom

Picture: Pexels

CAPE TOWN - The sexual assault trial against former Rondebosch Boys Preparatory School teacher Iain Wares is expected to resume at the Wynberg Regional Court on Thursday.

Wares is facing multiple charges related to sexual abuse of boys in South Africa and the United Kingdom (UK) during his 40-year teaching career.

In August, Minister of Justice Thembi Simelane approved Wares's extradition back to Scotland to face more than 70 sexual and physical abuse allegations.

In South Africa, a former pupil at Rondebosch Boys Preparatory School, known only as Stephen, is accusing Wares of abusing him in 1988 while he was a teacher there.

Stephen has finished giving his evidence, and the State is expected to call its next witness to the stand.

Also, it's not clear yet whether Wares will be appealing or reviewing his extradition to the UK to face sexual abuse charges.

However, the State has indicated that it will  oppose any appeal or review brought by Wares's lawyers .

Women and Men Against Child Abuse said the net is closing around Wares, with survivors finding their voice and making it heard.

Philip Polkinghorne murder trial: Jury to resume deliberations today

WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT

The jury in the Philip Polkinghorne murder trial has resumed deliberations at 11am today and have indicated “most do not believe Pauline Hanna died by suicide.”

Jurors have returned to the High Court at Auckland to continue deliberating in the Polkinghorne murder trial following a three-day weekend due to one juror’s commitment on Friday. They spent six hours deliberating on Thursday.

They filed back into the courtroom at 11am this morning for the judge to address a note they sent out late Thursday afternoon.

The question: “Most of the people on the jury do not think there is enough evidence to support Pauline having committed suicide. However, some people on the jury do not think that the Crown has supplied enough evidence that we can answer yes to the question, ‘Has the Crown made you sure that Dr Polkinghorne caused the death of his wife, Ms Pauline Hanna, by intentionally strangling her?’ Please can we have some direction.”

The judge responded by noting that each question in the question trail begins with “are you sure” and that the defence doesn’t have the onus of proof. “At the end of the day, it’s not sufficient for you to say that Dr Polkinghorne is probably guilty or even very likely guilty,” Justice Graham Lang repeated from his summing-up.

He directed the group to return to the jury room to continue deliberating.

Polkinghorne sobbed in court on Thursday as the jury was again played the 111 call he made after his wife died.

The call was played earlier in the proceeding but the jury requested to hear it before they retired to deliberate their verdict. In the call, Polkinghorne says “She’s blue, she’s cold” and breathes heavily. He made the call from his Remuera home on April 5, 2021. He told emergency services Hanna had hanged herself.

Following the recording being played, Polkinghorne began sobbing into a tissue.

The jury was due to listen to a second recording immediately but were sent back to the jury room at the request of Polkinghorne’s lawyer Ron Mansfield KC so his client could take a break.

A courthouse security officer who has sat next to Polkinghorne for the duration of the trial led him to a holding area beyond the dock as the jury was led out. Mansfield followed.

Polkinghorne has cried before during the trial, including when an email was read aloud that his wife had written to herself in which she revealed her self-doubts and stress. On the previous occasions, he wept quietly enough that jurors wouldn’t have noticed if they weren’t looking at him. This is the first time he loudly sobbed to the point it interrupted proceedings.

After a late start on Thursday, jury deliberations officially started at about 10.20am. The 111 call was played after they began.

Once Polkinghorne returned to court, the jury of eight women and three men listened to a recording made of Hanna telling relatives of the wild sex life of her husband, herself, and other invited parties.

In November 2019, during an accidentally recorded 24-minute conversation with her brother and niece, Hanna called her husband a “sex fiend” and said he was angry at the world but also said at one point “I’ve considered just chucking myself off a bridge”. The Crown said it was an offhand comment, but Polkinghorne’s lawyer Ron Mansfield said it had to be interpreted in the context of all her other self-harm comments.

She told her family there is control, but she’s “living it through” because at the end of the day, she has someone she adores.

He had turned on her recently and told her “all the things” she was. She cried all night and lashed out at colleagues the next day.

”It’s not fair and I’m not going to stuff myself up. I’m not letting him destroy me.

“Please don’t think Phillip’s a beast he’s not... And I am emotionally bullied but I’m not out of control.”

She asked her family not to hate Polkinghorne because he is a good man who is experiencing stress.

Polkinghorne on Thursday morning had his head in his hands and was looking down at the desk as his wife’s voice echoed through the courtroom again. There were no tears this time.

After the recording ended, Justice Lang asked the jury to return to the jury room to deliberate.

Lang told the jury on Thursday morning that after he completed his summing-up, counsel asked him to clarify the timing of Hanna’s injuries. In relation to the bruises on the arms, he said defence pathologist Dr Stephen Cordner couldn’t give an exact time she got them but said 24 hours before her death or slightly after.

Regarding the bruise on her temple, he said Cordner and Dr Kilak Kesha agreed it had to be caused while she was alive. Both pathologists also agreed the scrape on her back could have been caused before death or shortly after. Cordner initially believed the injury to Hanna’s nose could have been caused after death but when he was made aware of the possibility of bleeding he said it made it more likely that it happened while she was alive. Kesha did not believe this injury was caused after death.

Lang has indicated a verdict might take days. He has also said he wants the decision to be made without having regard to the pressures of time.

Judge sums up

On Wednesday, after 51 days, with evidence from more than 80 witnesses, the judge delivered a final summary of the case.

Wednesday’s session began with Mansfield finishing his closing address to jurors before Justice Lang explained to the jury what was required when reaching a verdict and making a final summary of both the Crown and defence cases.

Polkinghorne, 71, has been on trial since July in the High Court at Auckland, accused by prosecutors of having fatally strangled Hanna, 63, inside their Remuera home before staging the scene, to look like a suicide by hanging.

Justice Lang told jurors they must decide the verdict free of any sympathy or prejudice, which he said could be evoked in “numerous ways” in this case.

“Don’t allow emotion, sympathy or prejudice guide or in any way influence your deliberations,” Justice Lang urged. “Simply focus on the evidence.”

Crown points to threatening behaviour before death

Justice Lang said the Crown had submitted Hanna likely received the finger-mark injuries on one of her arms, the bruise on her skull, an abrasion to her nose and a graze on her back during a struggle.

The Crown also pointed to a small cut on Polkinghorne’s forehead, which he did not have the day before Hanna’s death.

Justice Lang said the Crown also said the jury could look beyond the pathology and at Polkinghorne’s conduct before Hanna died.

As far back as October 2018, the Crown argued, Polkinghorne had expressed an interest in moving to Australia and setting up a life with escort Madison Ashton.

The Crown also submitted there was a degree of threatening or violent behaviour before Hanna’s death, Justice Lang continued.

WATCH A SUMMARY OF THE CROWN AND DEFENCE CASES HERE:

For example, he said they pointed to Hanna’s friends the Riordans claiming she told them Polkinghorne had put his hands around her neck before, and she mimed being strangled.

As well as this the Crown highlighted Polkinghorne’s conduct after Hanna’s death, including deleting his WhatsApp history, searching how to delete iCloud history and searching the term “leg edema following strangulation” on covert search platform DuckDuckGo.

The central theme of the defence case, Justice Lang said, was that the police did not have an open mind from an early stage.

He referenced Mansfield’s submission that the evidence does not support homicidal strangulation and that Hanna tragically took her own life.

Justice Lang recalled that Dr Stephen Cordner told the jury that they would normally expect to find significant injuries in the areas where pressure was applied on the neck, which there were not.

Defence argues murder not a ‘realistic prospect’

Mansfield emphasised that the jury can’t read much into Polkinghorne’s dalliances with sex workers, and Hanna had previously participated herself, Justice Lang said.

He told the jury that Mansfield submitted they cannot underestimate the extent other factors were having on Hanna’s mental health at the time of her death.

At times it appeared she was sending emails “all night” then going to work “all day”, Justice Lang said the defence suggested.

Adding to this, Hanna was taking a complicated variety of pharmaceutical drugs, according to the defence. She was on the anti-depressant Prozac, the weight loss pill Duromine, zopiclone for sleep and she was drinking alcohol.

Mansfield argued it was not a “realistic prospect” that Polkinghorne had been able to kill his wife without leaving trace evidence you would expect, like scuff marks or blood on the wall, Justice Lang said.

Mansfield said it was not surprising Polkinghorne deleted his messages as he would not have wanted anyone to see his communications with Madison Ashton and others.

The defence also submitted Polkinghorne had looked up “leg edema following strangulation” as he found Hanna’s legs in a funny position, Justice Lang says.

During the Crown’s day-long closing address earlier this week, Polkinghorne was described as a highly intelligent and arrogant “master manipulator” who also had a concerning methamphetamine habit and a yearning to end his 24-year marriage and start a new life with Ashton. The Crown repeatedly said that suicide “makes no sense” and gave two alternative theories: either Polkinghorne got in an impromptu argument with his wife and lashed out at her or surprised her as she slept in a pre-meditated killing.

In his final response on Wednesday, Mansfield accused the Crown of being derelict in their duties by not pinning down when, where, why or how Hanna was killed in their theory.

“Let’s keep our options open,” he said with sarcasm. “It’s only a murder trial, after all.”

Mansfield also emphasised Hanna’s multiple suicide risk factors that mental health experts who gave evidence agreed on. He said she was a perfectionist, worried about professional disgrace, she was mourning the recent death of her mother, she reported prior thoughts of self-harm and she had a dangerous combination of alcohol and sleeping pills. He blamed Hanna’s work for not proactively reducing her hours when they saw she was sending work emails at all hours of the night.

He noted that taking a meal to friends and taking items to the tip the day before she died might be seen as signs of suicidal thinking, but more likely killing herself was a spur-of-the-moment decision in the middle of the night.

“There is no more lonely place when you’re already feeling low than the early hours of the morning,” he said. “At that time, when you’re that low, it is the darkest place to be. It is dark, it is bleak, it is desperate and that is where Pauline was likely to be woken to.”

He also went through some of the darkest moments found in her emails. In March 2019: “I cannot live if that is the result that I got it wrong,” she said of the prospect her husband didn’t love her. “I am lost.”

Mansfield said: “That sadly tells us a lot.”

Katie Harris is an Auckland-based journalist who covers issues including sexual assault, workplace misconduct, media, crime and justice. She joined the Herald in 2020.

Craig Kapitan is an Auckland-based journalist covering courts and justice. He joined the Herald in 2021 and has reported on courts since 2002 in three newsrooms in the US and New Zealand.

The Herald will be covering the case in a daily podcast, Accused: The Polkinghorne Trial . You can follow the podcast at iHeartRadio , Apple Podcasts , Spotify , through The Front Page feed, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Philip Polkinghorne has been found not guilty of murdering his wife Pauline Hanna in 2021. Video / NZ Herald

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