cover letter teaching philosophy

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Teaching philosophies for faculty job applications

The purpose of a teaching philosophy.

The main goal of a teaching philosophy is to show search committees that you are ready and able to teach the students at their institution. There may be few formal opportunities to get on-the-job training to be an effective teacher once you start in your new role as a faculty member, and it is expected that you will be able to teach with minimal supervision once you start. This means that you should certainly seek out opportunities to gain meaningful teaching experiences as you are working on your PhD or as a postdoc. There are plenty of opportunities to do this as an adjunct, a teaching assistant, a mentor, a journal club coordinator, and in any situation where you are imparting knowledge to others, whether in groups or one-on-one.

A teaching philosophy is a document that describes your general approach to teaching. Can you summarize for the search committee what your goals are when you teach? If you can articulate this, and do so in a way that aligns with that institution’s own teaching philosophy or mission, then you will have done a good job at showing that you understand the role and responsibility that may take up a fair proportion of your life as a new faculty member. Search committees will be interested in seeing how you have improved over time, how you have incorporated new approaches, and even how you have learned from approaches that did not work.

To a certain extent, your teaching philosophy can focus on broad concepts of learning, and it can be philosophical at heart. However, it is helpful to show how your teaching philosophy has developed over time so that any broad concepts can become more tangible and real. For example, where did you get your ideas or inspiration? What has cemented the approaches you take? Was it your experience as a student, as a teacher, or based on research you may have done on teaching theory? Philosophies should not just spring out of nowhere, they develop and evolve as you put them into action and test them. One of the purposes of the teaching philosophy is to show search committees that you have a firm foundation on which you can develop as a faculty member. If your philosophy comes without context or explanation, you are not going to be as convincing.

Really good teaching philosophies quickly turn from general concepts to specific illustrations of teaching in action (whether you are doing the teaching or you are being taught). As search committees are looking for someone who will be able to teach existing curricula, develop new and interesting courses, and who can connect effectively with students (and other faculty), they will be looking for some evidence that you have done something similar already. If you are potentially going to be teaching both graduate and undergraduate students at the institution you are applying to, can you describe experiences where you have interacted with both of these groups that is in some way relevant to teaching approaches? What are the differences between these groups that you have observed, and how have you adjusted your approach? What about teaching students from diverse backgrounds or international students, what evidence can you provide within your philosophy that might show that you have the ability to do this, try to tailor your teaching statement to indicate you can work effectively with the population of students that attend the institutions that interest you.

Ultimately, your teaching philosophy should complement your cover letter, CV, and research statement to illustrate what makes you an ideal candidate for the job. The more specific the illustrations that you provide, the more meaningful your philosophy will become, and the more interesting it will be to read.

Timeline: Getting Started with your Teaching Philosophy

Developing and teaching your own class is not a necessary prerequisite to having your own interesting and informative teaching philosophy (but it can certainly help!). There are many aspects of your academic experience that you can draw upon when thinking about and developing your own philosophy.

As a student, you have seen a range of good, bad, and indifferent teaching styles and approaches. The teaching philosophy is not the place to complain about the negative ones, but it is an opportunity to discuss what you learned from these experiences as a student, how you can integrate what you learned into your own teaching approaches, and why this will make you an ideal candidate. You should mention those approaches you saw to be very effective at achieving teaching goals, and be clear as to what you see these goals to be. As stated above, do not be afraid to give specific illustrations of particular situations where you saw teaching being truly effective. These specific examples will help your teaching philosophy standout from the rest of the philosophies in the application pile.

If you are interested in gaining additional teaching experiences while you are studying at Penn, then consider visiting the Center for Teaching and Learning, which works with graduate students to help them improve their teaching at Penn and to help prepare them to become faculty in the future. It is important to think about teaching as more than just standing in a classroom giving a lecture. Mentoring students, overseeing aspects of your lab, coordinating practical or lab components of courses, participating in journal clubs, all involve teaching to a certain degree, depending on how you choose to define the term. You can certainly use these experiences as the foundation for your teaching philosophy, and expand on how these experiences will translate to more formal lecture-based situations.

It is easy enough for anyone to say that they have a “student-centered teaching style” where they focus on the different learning styles of the students. However, it is much more effective to back-up broad statements like this with specific illustrations of your teaching in action, especially when the examples you choose have some great outcomes you can highlight (e.g., high student evaluation of the course, student retention throughout the class, individuals choosing your subject as a major). Do not spend too much time trying to drop in teaching buzzwords if this takes away from actual examples of you using or experiencing effective teaching approaches. And remember, your teaching philosophy is always going to be subject to change as you continue to have new and different teaching experiences that inform you. There are always new learning theories, new technologies, and new ways of assessing teaching effectiveness, which you can integrate into your philosophy over time. Keep your philosophy statement updated with your new perspectives and new illustrations.

Follow these general steps to begin developing an effective teaching philosophy:

Step 1: Think about your experiences as a student, and any experiences you have had as a teacher, and describe what you see as your teaching goals and what you believe are effective outcomes of learning. Do not be tempted just to make up a philosophy that sounds good, really give some thought as to what you believe teaching actually represents. Additionally, you can try to envision how you would like to be described by your (future) students if they were asked about what kind of teacher you are. Specifically show how effective teaching approaches are tied to outcomes and results as you are describing your experiences. It is OK to talk about learning experiences that you have had or seen that you have improved (in other words, that were not as effective as you had hoped), especially if you describe how you used student or faculty feedback or your own evaluations to do so.

Step 2: Ask faculty in your department if they are willing to share their own teaching philosophies with you. To a certain extent, there will be some subject-specific differences in what is expected from a teaching philosophy, and so it is always a good idea to see how others in your field have done it. You should try to draft your own teaching philosophy first before you review any philosophies shared with you. Your goal is to create a unique philosophy tailored to your experiences and perspectives, not to echo the philosophies of your advisors.

Step 3: Look at the website of the academic institution(s) to which you are applying, and try to find out about their institutional teaching philosophy. You can usually find this in their mission statement, or on departmental homepages. If you can describe your own philosophy in a language that is similar to the way they describe theirs, then you will help them to see how you will fit in as a faculty member. It is advisable to tailor your teaching philosophy for each application, however, more time should be devoted to tailoring your cover letter and CV.

Step 4: Integrate all of this information together in 1-2 pages, remembering to make your philosophy rich with actual examples and illustrations of your teaching experiences and ideas. Schedule an appointment with a career advisor to get feedback on your draft. You should also try to get faculty in your department to review your philosophy if they are willing to do so.  In particular, faculty who have seen you teach or your student evaluations are important resources for feedback (and can serve as references).

Explore other application documents:

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Writing a Statement of Teaching Philosophy 

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Many academic and educational jobs require applicants to submit a statement of teaching philosophy (also sometimes referred to as a teaching statement). This document outlines a teacher's beliefs about teaching and how they put those beliefs into practice in their pedagogy. 

A good teaching statement demonstrates what a teacher brings to the classroom—not only their qualifications and personality, but also specific examples of how they make their teaching align with their values.   In addition to presenting a picture of what someone’s teaching looks like to a reader who’s never seen it, teaching statements also offer an opportunity for teachers to reflect and critically engage with their own pedagogy .  

So, what does a statement of teaching philosophy entail?   T eaching statements should be between one to two pages in length, written in the present tense using language that gestures to a teacher’s specific discipline but avoids jargon. The more specificity, the better—good teaching statements avoid empty, generalized statements about what teachers should or shouldn’t do. Instead, they present examples of individual teachers’ practices, and how those align with that teacher’s values and beliefs about educational best practices. And in making connections between theory and practice—in other words, in giving   the what , how, and why of teaching—good teaching statements also avoid simply rehashing the contents of a CV.  

In terms of content, teaching statements should outline:  

• What beliefs and values a teacher holds regarding education, learning, and teaching  
• W hat goals that teacher has for their students    
• H ow that teacher implements readings, activities, discussions, assignments,  etc.  to help students meet those goal s  
• H ow that teacher evaluates and  asse sses  student work  
• H ow that teacher creates an inclusive teaching environment  

Remember that the goal of a teaching statement is to explain a teacher’s overall vision using specific examples. The document should explain what a teacher believes, what a teacher does, as well as why their actions reflect what they believe.

In other words, a statement of teaching philosophy should ground pedagogical action in values—and explain how values contribute to pedagogy. For example, a teacher should explain how their goals for students, activities, and assessment methods reflect their values and contribute to an inclusive classroom. Making these connections will justify a teacher’s beliefs and practices to their colleagues and potential employers—and writing a statement of teaching philosophy can help teachers better understand those beliefs and practices themselves.   

Looking for more on teaching statements? For a  detailed breakdown of how to address these and other points, including examples of Dos and Don’ts and tips for making your teaching statement stand out, check out our Statement of Teaching Philosophy presentation . 

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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

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

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Teaching Philosophy Statements

Why should you write a teaching philosophy statement?

A teaching philosophy statement is a brief document that summarizes your approach to teaching with both statements of general beliefs and descriptions of specific examples of how you teach. You may wish to write one for personal development, use in self-promotion, or to include in a job application. Here, we focus specifically on how to write a teaching philosophy statement that you include in an application for a faculty or other instructional position at a college or university. The following will be most useful if you are a graduate student or postdoc seeking this kind of position.

By including your teaching philosophy in an application package, you can:

• Communicate your beliefs about teaching and learning and your goals for students, showing how your philosophy aligns with that of the institution to which you are applying.
• Demonstrate your awareness of and commitment to reflecting on your teaching practice. 
• Provide a window into what your classes look like.

A common concern is that you may not have enough teaching experience to write an effective teaching philosophy statement: “How can I state my philosophy when I haven’t taught enough to really have one?”

There are many activities beyond what is commonly considered “teaching” that can inform your teaching philosophy, including:

• Teaching assistantships
• Mentoring undergraduate or junior researchers
• Conducting workshops or other training sessions
• Guest lecturing

We have compiled a list of on- and off-campus teaching opportunities that you might use to augment your current experience.

Moreover, you can also describe how you plan to teach. A thoughtful plan embedded in a broader, reflective philosophy can be just as compelling as a description of a class that has already happened.

In the “Get Started” section below, we provide exercises to identify how these diverse experiences have informed your teaching.

What to include

Your statement should be grounded in the following questions:

• How do I teach?
• Why do I teach the way that I do?
• What goals do I have for students?
• How do I know if students are achieving those goals?
• What is my teaching experience? What courses do I teach?

In answering these questions, you should foreground the impact and effect that your teaching has on students. Instead of describing why you enjoy teaching, describe why the way that you teach is effective for your students and how you know that it is effective.

Make your statement personal and authentic. Only include ideas or commitments in your teaching philosophy statement if you are committed to them. It is obvious when an author has included a teaching concept or buzzword because they think they are meant to and not because it is something they actually believe in or practice.

In addition to authenticity, you can let your personality shine through on a teaching philosophy statement. Unlike a cover letter or CV with relatively prescribed formats, the relative freedom of the teaching philosophy statement may be the only opportunity to show the search committee your personality: what you value and who you will be as a colleague.

Your statement may summarize your teaching experience, but you should not merely include a list of the classes you have taught (this information will be on your C.V.) or only a list of the classes you could teach. While references to your past and future plans can help to ground your philosophy, you should also explain what you learned from the classes you have taught or detail how you plan to teach courses in the future.

Tailor your teaching philosophy statement to each institution. If you refer to a class or department that the institution does not have—or does have, but by a different name—this will signal to the committee that you are not taking the application seriously.

Review any mission statements on the institution’s or department’s website. If available, look at the curriculum descriptions in their course catalog or department website. Identify places where your teaching philosophy overlaps and highlight this common ground in your statement.

If you are applying for many jobs in a cycle, it may help to write your statement modularly: standard sections that stay the same and custom sections that you tailor to each institution.

As you write, imagine your audience: the search committee for the job you are applying for. This group may be diverse, including faculty from outside your specialty or even outside of your discipline. You will want to write about your teaching so that it is accessible to a wide range of audiences.

It is also likely that your audience will be reading possibly hundreds of similar documents. Making your statement personal and unique will help catch the committee’s attention.

Structure and format guidelines

There are no official formatting rules for teaching philosophy statements. Still, we recommend that you adhere to the following writing guidelines:

• Limit your statemen to 1.5–2 pages (single-spaced) . Shorter is better. Remember that the faculty reviewing your statement may be reviewing hundreds of applicants.
• Write in the first person (“I” and “me” pronouns). This is a statement of personal philosophy, not an academic article.
• Use an opening “hook.” This could be an anecdote from an experience as a teacher or student, a story about how you became interested in teaching, or even an inspiring quote that motivates your teaching philosophy.
• Balance your ideals with specific descriptions. Your statement should be neither only examples nor only abstract ideals, but rather a mutually-supportive balance.
• Cite your sources. You do not necessarily need to cite pedagogical research in your teaching philosophy statement, although you may if it genuinely influences your teaching. If there are particular teachers who inspire you, mention this inspiration. The function of “citation” here is as much to show who and what motivates you as it is to accord credit.

Get started

Personal philosophy statements can be difficult to start from nothing. We recommend that you begin with some guided reflection questions to help identify your values and relevant experiences. This brainstorm template can help you gather the data you will in drafting your document. It has questions aimed at helping you reflect in more detail on the following questions:

• How do I know that my teaching is effective?

Don’t try to include all of your responses to the questions on the brainstorming document in the actual statement. Instead, review the document once it is complete and ask yourself:

• What stands out as particularly important or impressive?
• What themes or common threads are there that connect different areas of my teaching philosophy?

These can then be the central thesis of your teaching philosophy statement.

After you have drafted your teaching philosophy statement, return to it a few days later to edit. You may find it useful to use a rubric, like this one , as you review your statement. 

Get feedback on your statement

Peer feedback is an invaluable resource in revising and refining a teaching philosophy statement. Convene graduate students both inside and outside of your department to share teaching philosophy statements and provide feedback to one another. You will likely find that you gain as much from giving feedback as you do from receiving it.

We also host regular TPS peer review sessions. See our event calendar for the next scheduled session.

In addition to peer feedback, you can arrange for a consultation with the Teaching Development Fellow in your department or with our staff. It is expected that you have already participated in a peer-review session before signing up for a consultation with TLL staff.

Additional resources

The University of Minnesota Center for Educational Innovation included additional, self-paced exercises that guide you through the drafting process.

Kaplan, et. al. Have devised this rubric based based on a survey of 457 search chair committees in six disciplines. 

Related MIT offices

MIT School of Engineering Communication Lab : The Communication Lab is a discipline-specific peer-coaching program for MIT’s School of Engineering that helps graduate students with their scientific writing, speaking, and visual design.

MIT Writing and Communication Center : The Writing and Communication Center offers free one-on-one professional advice from communication experts. The WCC is staffed completely by MIT lecturers who are experienced college classroom teachers of communication as well as published writers. The WCC works with undergraduates, graduate students, post-doctoral scholars, faculty, and staff.

Kaplan, M., Meizlish, D. S., O’Neal, C., Wright, M. C. (2008). A Research-Based Rubric for Developing Statements of Teaching Philosophy. To Improve the academy (26). [https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2334-4822.2008.tb00512.x]  

Goodyear, G. E., & Allchin, D. (1998). Statement of teaching philosophy. To Improve the Academy (17). 103-22. 

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How to write your philosophy of education statement

The Philosophy of Education Statement is an important piece in your educator portfolio. It may be requested by hiring personnel at schools to be included with a cover letter and resume. Your teaching philosophy should be thoughtful, organized and well-written. The summary should be between 1-2 pages and should document and support your core educational principles.

• First, state your objectives as a teacher. These need to be achievable through some form of assessment.
• Second, you will want to outline the methods by which you will achieve your teaching objectives.
• Third, you will need to have demonstrated evidence of your achievements. This may take the form of standardized assessments or evaluations.
• Forth, allude to the factors that motivate you to be in the teaching profession. This is where you can be cerebral. State what motivates you to be in the teaching profession. 

Some Important Considerations

Your core values and beliefs.

The statement should reflect your core values and beliefs in terms of teaching. Consider your thoughts regarding the nature of students, the purpose of education and how people learn, and the role of teacher. As you develop your educational philosophy, think about completing the following statements: 

• I believe the purposes of education are ... 
• I believe that students learn best when... 
• I believe that the following curriculum basics will contribute to the social, emotional, intellectual and physical development of my students ... 
• I believe that a good learning environment is one in which ... 
• I believe that all students have the following basic needs ... 
• In order to further the growth and learning of my students, these basic needs will be met in my classroom through ... 
• I believe that teachers should have the following qualities ... 

Why You Teach

• What is the purpose of education? 
• What is your role as an educator?

Whom You Teach

• How will you reach the diverse students in your classroom? 
• How do you define your community of learners?

How and What You Teach

• What are your beliefs about how students learn?
• How will your beliefs affect your teaching? Think about management, instructional strategies, curriculum design and assessment.
• How do you balance the needs of the individual learner with the needs of the classroom community?
• What are your goals for students? 

Where You Teach

• How will you bring a global awareness to your classroom? 
• What will be your relationship with the community, parents, teaching colleagues and administration? 

Completing the Application 

Don't cut corners! As you are completing your applications, keep in mind that they are as important to your job search as your resume, letter of interest and other documents in your application packet. You are encouraged not to rush through completing your applications. Regional applications may be required instead of or in addition to the employer’s individual application.

• Be consistent with the information you provide on the application and on your resume. Make sure there are no contradictions of dates and places of employment and education.
• Do not make up an answer. Be honest. If you embellish, it will eventually catch up with you and you will leave a negative impression on the employer.
• Extra-curricular activities, which you may be willing to sponsor or coach, may be listed on most applications. Your willingness to sponsor activities can sometimes enhance your consideration for positions.
• Follow the application directions exactly. The directions may be different for each application you complete, so read all the directions carefully. Enter the correct information in the correct fields.
• Grammatical rules should be followed at all times. Teachers are held to high standards. Errors are unacceptable.
• Humor in your responses on an application can come across as sarcastic or flippant.
• Remember, an application may be a prospective employer’s first introduction to you; make it a professional one.
• Incomplete applications give the appearance of poor attention to detail. It is always best to respond to each question posed on an application whenever possible. An employer would not ask it if s/he did not want an answer.
• Never answer a question with “See my resume.”

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Do I need a cover letter as a teacher?

If you're a teacher looking to land your dream job, crafting a compelling cover letter is an essential supplement to your resume.

A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume and serves as your professional introduction by highlighting your qualifications and explaining what makes you an ideal fit for the position.

And since 83% of recruiters agree that cover letters are influential when it comes to making hiring decisions, it’s a great idea to include it in your application.

But not any cover letter will do. Your cover letter needs to be well-written, crisp, and compelling.

In this guide, we will showcase some of the best teacher cover letter examples that you can use as a reference to write your own. We will also provide you with some insightful tips and best practices for cover letter writing.

• What is the purpose of a cover letter for a teaching job?
• What to include in a cover letter for a teaching job?
• What are some excellent teacher cover letter examples?
• What are some tips for writing a good teacher cover letter?

What is the Purpose of a Cover Letter for a Teaching Job?

As a teacher, your cover letter’s purpose is to help you showcase your passion for education, your teaching experience, and your skills in the classroom.

It should also provide insight into your teaching philosophy and how you can contribute to the school's mission and goals.

Your teacher cover letter should be tailored to each job you apply for and should highlight the specific skills and experiences that make you the best candidate for the position. It is designed to convince potential employers that you are the best candidate for the role.

A well-written and compelling cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants, increase your chances of getting an interview, and ultimately land your dream job.

Also Read: How to write a teacher's resume in 2023?

The Structure of a Teacher Cover Letter

Your teacher's cover letter should have a clear and concise structure that makes it easy to read and understand. Here's a basic outline you can follow:

Introduction: Begin your letter by introducing yourself and stating the position you're applying for.

Body: In the body of your letter, highlight your qualifications and experiences that make you the best fit for the job. Remember to use specific examples to demonstrate your teaching skills and accomplishments.

Closing: Conclude your letter by expressing your interest in the position and a strong CTA (Call to Action).

Also Read: What are some of the most commonly asked interview questions for special teacher jobs?

Teacher Cover Letter Examples

Given below are some teacher cover letter examples that you can refer to:

High School English Teacher Cover Letter Example

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I'm thrilled to apply for the High School English Teacher position at [School Name]. As a passionate and experienced educator with [Number of Years] years of experience teaching high school English, I believe I have the skills and experience necessary to excel in this role.

One of my greatest strengths is my ability to create engaging and challenging lessons that inspire students to think critically and creatively. I also have experience integrating technology into the classroom to enhance learning and engagement. Additionally, I have experience working with students of diverse backgrounds and abilities, and I'm committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming classroom for all.

In addition to my teaching experience, I have a Master's Degree in Education from [University Name] and have completed [Professional Development Course/Program]. I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to [School Name] and contribute to the school's mission and goals.

I’d appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and suitability with you on call or in person.

Thank you, [Your Name]

New Teacher Cover Letter Example

Dear [Hiring Manager],

As a recent graduate with a degree in Education and a Teacher Training certification, I am writing to express my strong interest in the teaching position at [School Name]. I am confident in my ability to make a positive impact in the classroom and contribute to the success of your school.

During my [Teaching Internship or Student Teaching] experience, I had the opportunity to work with [Grade Level] students at [Name of School]. I was responsible for developing and implementing lesson plans, assessing student progress, and creating a positive and inclusive learning environment. I gained valuable experience in classroom management and learned how to adapt my teaching style to meet the needs of each student.

My educational background and experience have prepared me to be a successful teacher. I have completed courses in [Relevant Subjects] and have a solid understanding of child development, educational psychology, and pedagogy. In addition, I am proficient in [Relevant Technology or Software] and am experienced in using technology to enhance the learning experience.

I’m eager to bring my passion for teaching and enthusiasm for learning to [School Name] and am confident that my skills, education, and dedication make me a strong candidate for this position. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Preschool Teacher Cover Letter Example

Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Elementary Teacher position at your school. As a passionate educator with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and three years of teaching experience, I am confident in my ability to make a positive impact on the learning and development of your students.

Throughout my teaching career, I have honed my skills in creating and delivering engaging lesson plans that foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I have also implemented various teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and ensure that all students receive the support they need to succeed.

One of my greatest strengths is my ability to build strong relationships with my students, parents, and colleagues. I firmly believe that a positive and supportive classroom environment is key to creating a successful learning experience for students.

As an Elementary Teacher, I am committed to providing a well-rounded education that includes not only academic instruction but also social and emotional development. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my enthusiasm and expertise to your school and contribute to your mission of creating lifelong learners.

I look forward to discussing my qualifications further and learning more about the Elementary Teacher position at your school.

Also Read: How to write an impressive teacher resume with no experience?

Tips for Writing a Good Teacher Cover Letter

Now that you’ve seen some great teacher cover letter examples, here are some tips that will help you write an equally good teacher cover letter of your own:

Personalize Your Teacher's Cover Letter

One of the most critical things you can do to make your cover letter stand out is to personalize it. Avoid using generic salutations, such as "To Whom It May Concern." Instead, do some research to find out who will be reading your letter and address it to them directly.

Personalizing your letter shows that you're invested in the position and have taken the time to do your homework.

Highlight Your Teaching Philosophy

Your teaching philosophy is an essential aspect of your cover letter. It showcases your beliefs about education and your approach to teaching.

Use your cover letter to explain your teaching philosophy and how it aligns with the school's mission and goals. Be specific and provide examples of how you've applied your philosophy in the classroom.

Use Specific Examples

When discussing your experience and qualifications, use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and accomplishments.

For example, instead of saying, "I'm a great communicator," provide an example of a time when you effectively communicated with students, parents, or colleagues. Specific examples make your teacher's cover letter more compelling and memorable.

Showcase Your Accomplishments

Don't hesitate to showcase your accomplishments in your cover letter. Highlight any awards, recognition, or achievements you've received in your teaching career.

This shows that you're a dedicated and successful teacher who is passionate about your work.

Keep it Concise

While it's essential to provide enough detail to showcase your qualifications and experience, it's also crucial to keep your cover letter concise.

Hiring managers and recruiters are busy and don't have time to read lengthy cover letters. Limit your letter to one page and focus on the most critical information.

Also Read: How to make an impressive principal resume in 2023?

In conclusion, a teacher's cover letter is a crucial part of the job application process that should not be overlooked. It is an opportunity for teachers to showcase their skills, experience, and passion for education to potential employers.

By following the tips and examples provided in this guide, you can craft a standout cover letter that highlights your strengths and makes you a strong candidate for the position.

Remember to tailor the letter to the specific job and school, showcase relevant experience, highlight teaching philosophy, and proofread carefully. With these tips in mind, you can confidently apply for your dream job and make a positive impact on the lives of your students.

If you want to write a compelling teacher cover letter within minutes, use Hiration’s ChatGPT-powered cover letter builder with 24x7 chat support.

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Philosophy Professor Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

Use these Philosophy Professor cover letter examples and writing tips to help you write a powerful cover letter that will separate you from the competition.

Table Of Contents

• Philosophy Professor Example 1
• Philosophy Professor Example 2
• Philosophy Professor Example 3
• Cover Letter Writing Tips

Philosophy professors teach students about the history of philosophy, ethics, and the nature of knowledge. They also help students develop their own philosophical arguments.

In order to be a successful philosophy professor, you need to be able to think critically and communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.

Use these examples and tips to write a philosophy professor cover letter that shows hiring managers that you’re the perfect candidate for the job.

Philosophy Professor Cover Letter Example 1

I am excited to be applying for the Philosophy Professor position at St. Helena University. I believe that my experience and education would be an excellent fit for the philosophy and resources offered by your institution.

I have been a professor of philosophy for the past 10 years in various capacities and at various institutions. I have also been a visiting professor at several universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. In each class that I have taught, 100% of my students have passed their exams and improved their scores comparatively. I have also received the Teacher of the Year award twice and been highly rated by parents and students alike.

What I enjoy most about teaching philosophy is the challenge of helping students to think critically and to develop their own philosophical arguments. I also enjoy working with students one-on-one to help them to grow as individuals. As a team player, I have joined and participated in committees and school improvement projects to help build a better environment for students and staff alike.

Thank you for considering me for this position. I look forward to meeting you in person and sharing with you my teaching philosophy while learning more about this job opportunity. I am a committed lifelong learner and I will continue to grow as a philosopher and in my knowledge of subject matter throughout my time at your school.

Philosophy Professor Cover Letter Example 2

I am writing to apply for the Philosophy Professor position that was recently advertised on your website. I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications that you are looking for, and I am eager to put my experience to work in this role.

I have been a Philosophy Professor for the past three years, and during that time I have developed a strong reputation for myself as an effective and engaging teacher. I utilize a variety of teaching methods, including visual aids, projects, online resources, and technology, to engage my students and help them learn. I am also well-versed in using various educational software programs.

In addition to my teaching experience, I have a doctorate in philosophy from Boston University. This degree has given me the academic background and research skills necessary to be an effective professor. I am also well-versed in the latest research in the field of philosophy, and I am always up-to-date on the latest trends and developments.

I believe that I would be an excellent addition to your team, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this position with you in further detail. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Philosophy Professor Cover Letter Example 3

I am writing to express my interest in the philosophy professor position at your university. I have been a philosophy professor for the past five years, and I have taught at several different universities. My students have always given me positive feedback on my teaching style, and I have received excellent reviews from my superiors.

I believe that philosophy is an important subject that should be taught to all students. It teaches them how to think critically about the world around them, and it helps them develop their own opinions on important issues. Philosophy also teaches students how to communicate their thoughts effectively, which is an essential skill in today’s business world.

My experience as a philosophy professor has given me the opportunity to work with many different types of students. Some of them are very interested in the subject, while others are only taking the class because they need it for their major. I enjoy working with all kinds of students, and I find that it makes me a better teacher. I can tailor my lessons to meet the needs of each student.

I would love the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you in person. I am available at your convenience during the week or on weekends. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Philosophy Professor Cover Letter Writing Tips

1. show your teaching experience.

When applying for a job as a philosophy professor, you need to show how well you communicate with people from all walks of life. You’ll be communicating with clients, opposing counsel, expert witnesses and your team on a regular basis. So it’s important that you show your strong communication skills to the hiring manager in the cover letter.

To do this, talk about how effective you are at verbal and written communication. The more examples of each type of communication (written and verbal) that you can provide in your cover letter the better!

2. Customize your cover letter

Law firms are used to receiving cover letters—so many of them in fact, that they’re often just skimmed over and not given the attention they deserve. To get noticed, you need a killer opening line and customized content outlining why you want to work for their firm.

To write an effective opening line for a law firm cover letter:

• Reach out to people working at the agency through LinkedIn and ask for advice or help in crafting your resume/cover letter.
• Use specific examples from past work experiences that highlight how you can contribute to this particular company’s goals.
• Ask someone who works there what aspect of the job they found most interesting/challenging. Use this information as inspiration when writing about why you want this position.

3. Highlight intellectual curiosity and motivation

Lawyers are always looking for candidates who have a strong track record of success, but they also want to make sure they’re hiring individuals with the drive to keep learning.

To show that you have what it takes to be successful as an attorney, highlight your intellectual curiosity and motivation in your cover letter. For example, explain how you prepared for exams by reading recent case precedent or how you regularly attend networking events hosted at local law firms.

4. Proofread your cover letter

When applying for a position as an attorney, it is crucial to have a strong understanding of grammar and proper sentence structure. In your cover letter, you’ll want to avoid any mistakes in spelling or grammar. Remember that employers will look at your writing style and see if you have the necessary skills needed for the job before inviting you for an interview.

Environmental Lawyer Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

Power system engineer cover letter examples & writing tips, you may also be interested in..., litigation paralegal cover letter examples, communications specialist cover letter examples & writing tips, laboratory technologist cover letter examples & writing tips, front desk associate cover letter examples.

Teacher Cover Letter Example

Cover letter examples, cover letter guidelines, how to format an teacher cover letter, cover letter header, cover letter header examples for teacher, how to make your cover letter header stand out:, cover letter greeting, cover letter greeting examples for teacher, best cover letter greetings:, cover letter introduction, cover letter intro examples for teacher, how to make your cover letter intro stand out:, cover letter body, cover letter body examples for teacher, how to make your cover letter body stand out:, cover letter closing, cover letter closing paragraph examples for teacher, how to close your cover letter in a memorable way:, pair your cover letter with a foundational resume, key cover letter faqs for teacher.

Start your Teacher cover letter by addressing the hiring manager by name, if possible. If you don't know their name, use a formal salutation like "Dear Hiring Manager." Then, introduce yourself and express your interest in the specific teaching position. Mention where you found the job posting and why you are excited about the opportunity. For example, "I am writing to express my interest in the 5th Grade Teacher position at XYZ Elementary School, which I learned about from your website. With my background in child development and passion for education, I believe I could make a significant contribution to your team." This introduction is professional, direct, and shows your enthusiasm for the role.

The best way for teachers to end a cover letter is by expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity and gratitude for the reader's time. You can say something like, "I am excited about the possibility of bringing my unique skills and experiences to your school and am confident I can make a positive impact on your students' lives. Thank you for considering my application." This shows that you are eager about the job and respectful of the reader's time. It's also important to include a professional closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name. Remember to leave space for a signature if you're sending a hard copy.

Teachers should include several key elements in their cover letter to make it effective and compelling. 1. Personal Information: Start with your name, address, contact number, and email address. 2. Salutation: Address the hiring manager or principal directly, if possible. If you don't know their name, use a general greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager." 3. Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself, the position you're applying for, and where you found the job listing. 4. Teaching Experience: Detail your teaching experience, including the grades and subjects you've taught. Mention any special training or certifications you have, such as special education or ESL. 5. Skills and Qualifications: Highlight your skills and qualifications that make you a good fit for the job. This could include classroom management techniques, curriculum development, or technology integration. 6. Achievements: Discuss any notable achievements in your teaching career, such as improving test scores, implementing innovative teaching methods, or receiving teaching awards. 7. Knowledge about the School: Show that you've done your research about the school and explain why you're interested in working there. This could include the school's teaching philosophy, programs, or community involvement. 8. Passion for Teaching: Express your passion for teaching and your commitment to student success. 9. Closing: Thank the reader for considering your application and express your interest in an interview. 10. Signature: End with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name and signature. Remember, your cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. It's your chance to tell a story about your teaching career and to show your enthusiasm for the job. Tailor each cover letter to the specific job and school to show that you're genuinely interested and that you've taken the time to customize your application.

Related Cover Letters for Teacher

Related resumes for teacher, try our ai cover letter generator.

Teaching Philosophy of Education Examples

Writing a philosophy of education statement to submit with your resume and cover letter is an enormous benefit to your job search. When you put together your teaching portfolio, a teaching philosophy should be a vital component.

Creating a quality, creative teaching philosophy can be difficult; getting started can be the hardest. My first piece of advice for writing this important document is to ensure it reflects who you are as an individual.

A well-written philosophy can help you to secure your first teaching job, a new position, tenure, or promotion. Write it clearly, concisely, and true to who you are as an educator. It can set you apart from the competition and give you an added advantage to securing your dream teaching position.

If you are struggling with ideas these two examples of philosophies may help you get started. Your philosophy statement should be targeted to your area of expertise. These two philosophy samples were focused on an elementary teacher and a special education teacher.

In this first example you will see that Roberta's philosophy statement really shows the enthusiasm she exhibits in the classroom to help students achieve academic and social success. 

View the above philosophy in PDF format .

Writing A Teaching Philosophy Statement

Usually, a philosophy of teaching statement is one page to one and a half pages in length and illustrates an educator's beliefs about education, learning, and working with students. The narrative covers numerous different issues, and, therefore, must be very concise because you don't want to ramble on for more than two pages. You will notice that both of our samples are limited to one page in length.

The writing of the statement can vary, but most use a straightforward, narrative essay approach. More creative educators may use a poem format. Others may pose questions and then their responses. All of these are valid methods. Our statements mainly use a personal essay format with limited use of bullets, bolding/italics, and quotes to help with readability and grab readers' attention.

Have a look at the fictionalized special education teaching philosophy example for Nancy Drew below

To review other teaching philosophy samples and writing tips, click on the links on the left-hand sidebar.

These samples will provide you with some insight into how to create your own strong philosophy to submit to schools of interest.

Please remember that these two samples are not the only styles of philosophy statements we use. Each one is made personalized to you.

At A+ Resumes for Teachers, we can create a philosophy of education that reflects your personal beliefs and teaching style; just let us know your thoughts.

Questions We Use to Help Us Develop a Teaching Philosophy Include:

• Why is education important?
• Why did you decide to become a teacher?
• Define what instructing means to you?
• What teaching style do you use and why do you feel it is effective?
• How do you wish to be remembered by your students?
• Why do you believe an educator is a valuable career?
• What do you do to help your students learn and develop as individuals?
• Was there a person who influenced your life and your career as a teacher, such as a mentor, a theorist, a researcher, or an author?
• How do you think learning occurs?
• What obstacles do students face and how can you help them to overcome these difficulties?
• What are your personal characteristics and approach to instructing and how do they impact the learning and development of your students?

The writing of the statement must be reflective and personal. You will be judged on grammar, spelling, and sentence structure, as well as on your thoughts about teaching. It is critical to have a well-organized, thoughtful, and error-free document, which gives a vivid picture of you as an educator.

After reviewing our teaching philosophy statement examples, you will see why we make the guarantee of 100% satisfaction.

If one of the examples you see appeals to you, just let me know! If you'd like to discuss our service, I'd be happy to talk with you.

Your philosophy of education will help to sell you to potential schools as a talented educator. You need this document to shine and to truly encapsulate you and your teaching style.

Since our inception 17 years ago, A+ Resumes for Teachers has helped thousands of academic professionals worldwide to secure education jobs and advance their careers quickly and with less stress.

Let us help you open doors you never thought possible to secure the future you desire. We can do it!

We have helped educators worldwide – even in the toughest job market or with the biggest career obstacles.

While you are on the website, don't miss this in-depth post on how to write a philosophy of discipline or behavior management.

If you require more information or have any questions - Contact Candace via email or call toll-free 1-877-738-8052. Review our services and pricing to get started to creating a resume, cover letter, philosophy statement, or a LinkedIn profile to land job interviews.

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Internship and Career Center

Preparing cover letters for teaching positions in academia.

Cover letters for teaching positions in academia should be tailored to the position and mission of the institution. For 4-year universities, the emphasis is first on research, then secondly teaching and thirdly service. For Liberal Arts colleges and state universities, the emphasis is on a balance of research and teaching, with the research informing your engagement of students, and service. For community colleges, the emphasis is solely on teaching and service, with research noted as a means to stay informed about the field and engage the diverse student population.

General Tips and Suggestions

• Understanding the expectations of the position and the unique characteristics of the institution are essential to writing an effective cover letter. Research the campus and department.
• In some cases and, only with permission of the department, you can use departmental letterhead for your cover letter. Otherwise, creating a header you can use for all of the application materials you are submitting (e.g., CV, Teaching Philosophy Statement, Research Statement) can help create a unified packet.
• Use the same font and margins as your CV and other materials.
• Review your materials for typos and grammar. Error free is best!

Cover Letter Content

Below describes the general content for each paragraph of your cover letter. Before getting started, review the academic cover letter template and samples .

First Paragraph

State the specific position for which you are applying and where you learned about it. If there is not an advertised position, explain who suggested you write and why you are writing. Let the reader know who you are, what your field is and where you are attending school. Indicate any a special interest or background you have that may be of interest to their department or institution. If your research involves collaboration with a well-known person in your field, or if you come recommended by someone in their department, be sure to highlight that relationship up front .

Middle Paragraphs

These paragraphs will vary according to your field and possibly the types of positions you will be applying for (teaching emphasis vs. research emphasis). If you are applying to research universities, discuss your dissertation or thesis (or most recent search), what it accomplishes, your methodology, conclusions, and the implications of your work. This may take more than one paragraph, but you should write to a general audience as opposed to specialists in your field. Discuss future plans for research or research interest as well. You should also point out supporting fields in which you have expertise or enumerate the variety of classes you could teach. If the position requires teaching, be enthusiastic about your experience and discuss the courses you have developed or your teaching style. If it is solely a teaching position, your middle paragraphs should focus on your teaching experience, philosophy, pedagogical approach and teaching interests. You will also want to describe how your research informs your teaching.

Concluding Paragraph

Deal with logistics, namely, are you having a reference file sent, attaching writing samples or chapter of your dissertation? Mention that you look forward to meeting with the committee and to their inviting you for an interview.

Additional Resources

• The Basics of Cover Letter Writing - for academic positions, Chronicle of Higher Education
• Academic Cover Letters - Purdue Online Writing Lab
• Understanding Cover Letters - for academic jobs, Inside Higher Ed

Academic Cover Letters

What is this handout about.

The long list of application materials required for many academic teaching jobs can be daunting. This handout will help you tackle one of the most important components: the cover letter or letter of interest. Here you will learn about writing and revising cover letters for academic teaching jobs in the United States of America.

What is an academic cover letter?

An academic cover letter describes your experiences and interest as a candidate for a specific position. It introduces you to the hiring committee and demonstrates how your academic background fits with the description of the position.

What do cover letters for academic teaching jobs typically contain?

At their most basic level, academic cover letters accomplish three things: one, they express your interest in the job; two, they provide a brief synopsis of your research and teaching; and three, they summarize your past experiences and achievements to illustrate your competence for the job. For early-career scholars, cover letters are typically no more than two pages (up to four pages for senior scholars). Occasionally, a third page may make sense for an early-career scholar if the application does not require a separate teaching statement and/or research statement. Digital versions of cover letters often contain hyperlinks to your CV or portfolio page. For some fields, cover letters may also include examples of your work, including music, popular articles, and other multimedia related to your research, service, or teaching available online. Typically, letters appear on departmental or university letterhead and include your signature. Above all, a strong cover letter presents your accomplishments and your familiarity with the institution and with the position.

How should I prepare to write my academic cover letter?

Like all writing, composing a cover letter is a process. The process may be as short as a few hours or as long as several weeks, but at the end the letter should present you as a strong candidate for the job. The following section has tips and questions for thinking through each stage of this writing process. You don’t need to answer all of these questions to write the letter; they are meant to help you brainstorm ideas.

Before you begin writing your cover letter, consider researching the institution, the department, and the student population. Incorporating all three aspects in your letter will help convey your interest in the position.

Get to know the institution. When crafting your cover letter, be aware of the type of institution to which you are applying. Knowing how the institution presents itself can help you tailor your letter and make it more specific.

• Where is the institution located?
• Is it on a quarter-system or semester-system?
• What type of institution is it? Is it an R1? Is it an R2? Is it a liberal arts college? Is it an HBCU? Is it a community college? A private high school?
• What is the institution’s culture? Is it teaching-focused or research-focused? Does it privilege experiential learning? Does it value faculty involvement outside the classroom? Is it affiliated with a specific religious tradition?
• Does it have any specific institutional commitments?
• How does the institution advocate for involvement in its local community?
• What are the professional development opportunities for new and junior faculty?

Learn about the department. Knowing the specific culture and needs of the department can help you reach your audience: the department members who will be reading your documents and vetting you as a candidate.

• Who is on the search committee? Who is the search committee chair?
• What is the official name of the department?
• Which different subfields make up the department?
• Is it a dual appointment or a position in a dual department?
• How does the department participate in specific types of student outreach?
• Does the department have graduate students? Does it offer a terminal Master’s degree, Ph.D., or both? How large are the cohorts? How are they funded?
• Does the department encourage or engage in interdisciplinary work?
• Does the majority of the department favor certain theoretical or methodological approaches?
• Does the department have partnerships with local institutions? If so, which ones?
• Is the department attempting to fill a specific vacancy, or is it an entirely new position?
• What are the typical course offerings in the department? Which courses might you be expected to teach? What courses might you be able to provide that are not currently available?

Consider the students. The search committee will often consider how you approach instructing and mentoring the student body. Sometimes committees will even reserve a position for a student or solicit student feedback on a candidate:

• What populations constitute the majority of the undergraduate population?
• Have there been any shifts in the student population recently?
• Do students largely come from in-state or out-of-state?
• Is there an international student population? If so, from which countries?
• Is the university recruiting students from traditionally underrepresented populations?
• Are students particularly active on campus? If so, how?

Many answers to these questions can be found both in the job description and on the institution’s website. If possible, consider contacting someone you know at the institution to ask about the culture directly. You can also use the institution’s course catalog, recruitment materials, alumni magazine, and other materials to get answers to these questions. The key is to understand the sort of institution to which you are applying, its immediate needs, and its future trajectory.

Remember, there is a resource that can help you with all three aspects—people. Reach out to your advisor, committee members, faculty mentors, and other contacts for insight into the prospective department’s culture and faculty. They might even help you revise your letter based on their expertise. Think of your job search as an opportunity to cultivate these relationships.

After you have done some initial research, think about how your experiences have prepared you for the job and identify the ones that seem the most relevant. Consider your previous research, internships, graduate teaching, and summer experiences. Here are some topics and questions to get you started thinking about what you might include.

Research Experiences. Consider how your research has prepared you for an academic career. Since the letter is a relatively short document, select examples of your research that really highlight who you are as a scholar, the direction you see your work going, and how your scholarship will contribute to the institution’s research community.

• What are your current research interests?
• What topics would you like to examine in the future?
• How have you pursued those research interests?
• Have you traveled for your research?
• Have you published any of your research? Have you presented it at a conference, symposium, or elsewhere?
• Have you worked or collaborated with scholars at different institutions on projects? If so, what did these collaborations produce?
• Have you made your research accessible to your local community?
• Have you received funding or merit-based fellowships for your research?
• What other research contributions have you made? This may include opinion articles, book chapters, or participating as a journal reviewer.
• How do your research interests relate to those of other faculty in the department or fill a gap?

Teaching Experience. Think about any teaching experience you may have. Perhaps you led recitations as a teaching assistant, taught your own course, or guest lectured. Pick a few experiences to discuss in your letter that demonstrate something about your teaching style or your interest in teaching.

• What courses are you interested in teaching for the department? What courses have you taught that discussed similar topics or themes?
• What new courses can you imagine offering the department that align with their aim and mission?
• Have you used specific strategies that were helpful in your instruction?
• What sort of resources do you typically use in the classroom?
• Do you have anecdotes that demonstrate your teaching style?
• What is your teaching philosophy?
• When have you successfully navigated a difficult concept or topic in the classroom, and what did you learn?
• What other opportunities could you provide to students?

Internships/Summer/Other Experiences. Brainstorm a list of any conferences, colloquiums, and workshops you have attended, as well as any ways you have served your department, university, or local community. This section will highlight how you participate in your university and scholarly community. Here are some examples of things you might discuss:

• Professional development opportunities you may have pursued over the summer or during your studies
• International travel for research or presentations
• Any research you’ve done in a non-academic setting
• Presentations at conferences
• Participation in symposia, reading groups, working groups, etc.
• Internships in which you may have implemented your research or practical skills related to your discipline
• Participation in community engagement projects
• Participation in or leadership of any scholarly and/or university organizations

In answering these questions, create a list of the experiences that you think best reflect you as a scholar and teacher. In choosing which experiences to highlight, consider your audience and what they would find valuable or relevant. Taking the time to really think about your reader will help you present yourself as an applicant well-qualified for the position.

Writing a draft

Remember that the job letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself and your accomplishments and to communicate why you would be a good fit for the position. Typically, search committees will want to know whether you are a capable job candidate, familiar with the institution, and a great future addition to the department’s faculty. As such, be aware of how the letter’s structure and content reflect your preparedness for the position.

The structure of your cover letter should reflect the typical standards for letter writing in the country in which the position is located (the list below reflects the standards for US letter writing). This usually includes a salutation, body, and closing, as well as proper contact information. If you are affiliated with a department, institution, or organization, the letter should be on letterhead.

• Use a simple, readable font in a standard size, such as 10-12pt. Some examples of fonts that may be conventional in your field include Arial, Garamond, Times New Roman, and Verdana, among other similar fonts.
• Do not indent paragraphs.
• Separate all paragraphs by a line and justify them to the left.
• Make sure that any included hyperlinks work.
• Include your signature in the closing.

Before you send in your letter, make sure you proofread and look for formatting mistakes. You’ll read more about proofreading and revising later in this handout!

The second most important aspect of your letter is its content. Since the letter is the first chance to provide an in-depth introduction, it should expand on who you are as a scholar and possible faculty member. Below are some elements to consider including when composing your letter.

Identify the position you are applying to and introduce yourself. Traditionally, the first sentence of a job letter includes the full name of the position and where you discovered the job posting. This is also the place to introduce yourself and describe why you are applying for this position. Since the goal of a job letter is to persuade the search committee to include you on the list of candidates for further review, you may want to include an initial claim as to why you are a strong candidate for the position. Some questions you might consider:

• What is your current status (ABD, assistant professor, post-doc, etc.)?
• If you are ABD, have you defended your dissertation? If not, when will you defend?
• Why are you interested in this position?
• Why are you a strong candidate for this position?

Describe your research experience and interests. For research-centered positions, such as positions at R1 or other types of research-centered universities, include information about your research experience and current work early in the letter. For many applicants, current work will be the dissertation project. If this is the case, some suggest calling your “dissertation research” your “current project” or “work,” as this may help you present yourself as an emerging scholar rather than a graduate student. Some questions about your research that you might consider:

• What research experiences have you had?
• What does your current project investigate?
• What are some of the important methods you applied?
• Have you collaborated with others in your research?
• Have you acquired specific skills that will be useful for the future?
• Have you received special funding? If so, what kind?
• Has your research received any accolades or rewards?
• What does your current project contribute to the field?
• Where have you presented your research?
• Have you published your research? If so, where? Or are you working on publishing your work?
• How does your current project fit the job description?

Present your plans for future research. This section presents your research agenda and usually includes a description of your plans for future projects and research publications. Detailing your future research demonstrates to the search committee that you’ve thought about a research trajectory and can work independently. If you are applying to a teaching-intensive position, you may want to minimize this section and/or consider including a sentence or two on how this research connects to undergraduate and/or graduate research opportunities. Some questions to get you started:

• What is your next research project/s?
• How does this connect to your current and past work?
• What major theories/methods will you use?
• How will this project contribute to the field?
• Where do you see your specialty area or subfield going in the next ten years and how does your research contribute to or reflect this?
• Will you be collaborating with anyone? If so, with whom?
• How will this future project encourage academic discourse?
• Do you already have funding? If so, from whom? If not, what plans do you have for obtaining funding?
• How does your future research expand upon the department’s strengths while simultaneously diversifying the university’s research portfolio? (For example, does your future research involve emerging research fields, state-of-the-art technologies, or novel applications?)

Describe your teaching experience and highlight teaching strategies. This section allows you to describe your teaching philosophy and how you apply this philosophy in your classroom. Start by briefly addressing your teaching goals and values. Here, you can provide specific examples of your teaching methods by describing activities and projects you assign students. Try to link your teaching and research together. For example, if you research the rise of feminism in the 19th century, consider how you bring either the methodology or the content of your research into the classroom. For a teaching-centered institution, such as a small liberal arts college or community college, you may want to emphasize your teaching more than your research. If you do not have any teaching experience, you could describe a training, mentoring, or coaching situation that was similar to teaching and how you would apply what you learned in a classroom.

• What is your teaching philosophy? How is your philosophy a good fit for the department in which you are applying to work?
• What sort of teaching strategies do you use in the classroom?
• What is your teaching style? Do you lecture? Do you emphasize discussion? Do you use specific forms of interactive learning?
• What courses have you taught?
• What departmental courses are you prepared to teach?
• Will you be able to fill in any gaps in the departmental course offerings?
• What important teaching and/or mentoring experiences have you had?
• How would you describe yourself in the classroom?
• What type of feedback have you gotten from students?
• Have you received any awards or recognition for your teaching?

Talk about your service work. Service is often an important component of an academic job description. This can include things like serving on committees or funding panels, providing reviews, and doing community outreach. The cover letter gives you an opportunity to explain how you have involved yourself in university life outside the classroom. For instance, you could include descriptions of volunteer work, participation in initiatives, or your role in professional organizations. This section should demonstrate ways in which you have served your department, university, and/or scholarly community. Here are some additional examples you could discuss:

• Participating in graduate student or junior faculty governance
• Sitting on committees, departmental or university-wide
• Partnerships with other university offices or departments
• Participating in community-partnerships
• Participating in public scholarship initiatives
• Founding or participating in any university initiatives or programs
• Creating extra-curricular resources or presentations

Present yourself as a future faculty member. This section demonstrates who you will be as a colleague. It gives you the opportunity to explain how you will collaborate with faculty members with similar interests; take part in departmental and/or institution wide initiatives or centers; and participate in departmental service. This shows your familiarity with the role of faculty outside the classroom and your ability to add to the departmental and/or institutional strengths or fill in any gaps.

• What excites you about this job?
• What faculty would you like to collaborate with and why? (This answer may be slightly tricky. See the section on name dropping below.)
• Are there any partnerships in the university or outside of it that you wish to participate in?
• Are there any centers associated with the university or in the community that you want to be involved in?
• Are there faculty initiatives that you are passionate about?
• Do you have experience collaborating across various departments or within your own department?
• In what areas will you be able to contribute?
• Why would you make an excellent addition to the faculty at this institution?

Compose a strong closing. This short section should acknowledge that you have sent in all other application documents and include a brief thank you for the reader’s time and/or consideration. It should also state your willingness to forward additional materials and indicate what you would like to see as next steps (e.g., a statement that you look forward to speaking with the search committee). End with a professional closing such as “Sincerely” or “Kind Regards” followed by your full name.

If you are finding it difficult to write the different sections of your cover letter, consider composing the other academic job application documents (the research statement, teaching philosophy, and diversity statement) first and then summarizing them in your job letter.

Different kinds of letters may be required for different types of jobs. For example, some jobs may focus on research. In this case, emphasize your research experiences and current project/s. Other jobs may be more focused on teaching. In this case, highlight your teaching background and skills. Below are two models for how you could change your letter’s organization based on the job description and the institution. The models offer a guide for you to consider how changing the order of information and the amount of space dedicated to a particular topic changes the emphasis of the letter.

Research-Based Position Job Letter Example:

Teaching-based position job letter example:.

Remember your first draft does not have to be your last. Try to get feedback from different readers, especially if it is one of your first applications. It is not uncommon to go through several stages of revisions. Check out the Writing Center’s handout on editing and proofreading and video on proofreading to help with this last stage of writing.

Potential pitfalls

Using the word dissertation. Some search committee members may see the word “dissertation” as a red flag that an applicant is too focused on their role as a graduate student rather than as a prospective faculty member. It may be advantageous, then, to describe your dissertation as current research, a current research project, current work, or some other phrase that demonstrates you are aware that your dissertation is the beginning of a larger scholarly career.

Too much jargon. While you may be writing to a specific department, people on the search committee might be unfamiliar with the details of your subfield. In fact, many committees have at least one member from outside their department. Use terminology that can easily be understood by non-experts. If you want to use a specific term that is crucial to your research, then you should define it. Aim for clarity for your reader, which may mean simplification in lieu of complete precision.

Overselling yourself. While your job letter should sell you as a great candidate, saying so (e.g., “I’m the ideal candidate”) in your letter may come off to some search committee members as presumptuous. Remember that although you have an idea about the type of colleague a department is searching for, ultimately you do not know exactly what they want. Try to avoid phrases or sentences where you state you are the ideal or the only candidate right for the position.

Paying too much attention to the job description. Job descriptions are the result of a lot of debate and compromise. If you have skills or research interests outside the job description, consider including them in your letter. It may be that your extra research interests; your outside skills; and/or your extracurricular involvements make you an attractive candidate. For example, if you are a Latin Americanist who also happens to be well-versed in the Spanish Revolution, it could be worth mentioning the expanse of your research interests because a department might find you could fill in other gaps in the curriculum or add an additional or complementary perspective to the department.

Improper sendoff. The closing of your letter is just as important as the beginning. The end of the letter should reflect the professionalism of the document. There should be a thank-you and the word sincerely or a formal equivalent. Remember, it is the very last place in your letter where you present yourself as a capable future colleague.

Small oversights. Make sure to proofread your letter not just for grammar but also for content. For example, if you use material from another letter, make sure you do not include the names of another school, department, or unassociated faculty! Or, if the school is in Chicago, make sure you do not accidentally reference it as located in the Twin Cities.

Name dropping. You rarely know the internal politics of the department or institution to which you are applying. So be cautious about the names you insert in your cover letters. You do not want to unintentionally insert yourself into a departmental squabble or add fire to an interdepartmental conflict. Instead, focus on the actions you will undertake and the initiatives you are passionate about.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Ball, Cheryl E. 2013. “Understanding Cover Letters.” Inside Higher Ed , November 3, 2013. https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2013/11/04/essay-cover-letter-academic-jobs .

Borchardt, John. 2014. “Writing a Winning Cover Letter.” Science Magazine , August 6, 2014. https://www.sciencemag.org/careers/2014/08/writing-winning-cover-letter# .

Helmreich, William. 2013. “Your First Academic Job.” Inside Higher Ed , June 17, 2013. https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2013/06/17/essay-how-land-first-academic-job .

Kelsky, Karen. 2013. “How To Write a Journal Article Submission Cover Letter.” The Professor Is In (blog), April 26, 2013. https://theprofessorisin.com/2013/04/26/how-to-write-a-journal-article-submission-cover-letter/ .

Tomaska, Lubomir, and Josef Nosek. 2008. “Ten Simple Rules for Writing a Cover Letter to Accompany a Job Application for an Academic Position.” PLoS Computational Biology 14(5). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006132 .

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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