Cover Letters[1]

Applying for a Teaching Position 2008 Dr. Bob Mroz (Based in part on the work of Ray Bowers)

General Considerations
General letter of application to a school board vs. a specific letter of application to a board or a school
One size does not fit all (need to adapt)
Board vs. School
One school vs. another school
One position vs. another position
Make sure you have the correct name, position and address
Some ads may have a posting number, if so, note this in the letter
Personal Style
Style needs to reflect who you are
Your philosophy should come through
Edit and re-edit the letter. Have someone else edit the letter. Minimum 3 edits.

Responding to the Advertisement
Read it very carefully and respond as requested
Send exactly what is asked for
Honour the closing date and time
If it is a specific position, make sure your letter and resume include “key words” from the Advertisement

Format
Business letter format
Written in paragraphs
One page maximum
Size 11 to 12 font
Number of Paragraphs 3 to 4
Any one (1) paragraph should not be more than six (6) lines long
The longest paragraphs should be the middle one or two paragraphs
The shortest one being the final, summation paragraph.
The idea is to make the document brief and easily readable while still demonstrating a professional, thoughtful manner.

Address
Address letter to the intended person
Ensure the return address is the same as the one on your resume
1842 King St. E.
Hamilton, ON
L8K 1V7
January 5, 2008
Mr. Bob Frost
Superintendent, Human Resources
Nowhere District School Board
Nowhere, ON A1B 2C3

Covering Letter Format (Ideas will vary)
Opening Paragraph
Lets the employer know what position(s) you are applying for
Responding to an AD, or making a general application
Identify the position sought or preferred areas of teaching
If you will be taking (registered – no may’s or might’s) an additional qualifications course you can note it at the end of this paragraph

1 st Paragraph - Samples Only
Please consider this as an application for a full time teaching position with your Board. I am currently a teacher candidate in the Intermediate/Senior program at Brock University. (Modify this with subjects you want to teach or are qualified to teach)
In the Spring of 2009 (or be more specific) I will complete my Bachelor of Education from Brock University. I am looking forward to beginning my career as a teacher and would welcome the opportunity to teach for… Please consider this letter as an application for…..
It is with great excitement as teacher new to the profession that I submit my application for a teaching position with your Board. I am seeking a position as ….
I am a determined and energetic beginning teacher who is interested in a teaching position….. I will be graduating in June 2009 and I am interest in….

Second Paragraph
Knowledge of employer (DO YOUR HOMEWORK)
Demonstrate some knowledge of the prospective employer
Why you want to work for this board and/or school
Show in this paragraph how you can connect to the board and/or school
If you are applying to a Catholic Board you can speak to the faith dimension OR
If you are applying to a Public or Catholic Board speak to your practice teaching in a diverse community .
This paragraph is also one you can let them know (if applicable) that you were a graduate of the school system OR you had the opportunity to practice teach….build this up a little

2 nd Paragraph – Samples Only
Becoming a contributing member of the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board learning community is of great interest to me. In keeping with the Board’s vision, I am committed to helping all students reach their full potential…….
Being a graduate of …….secondary school, my interest in teaching for the NAME Board originates from my love of the community I grew up in and the proximity to my family and friends. I value the education I have received which has enabled me…..I would now like to give back…..

Third Paragraph
Speak to some of the personal characteristics you have to offer
How you can contribute to the learning community
Make a connection to something you might have already done

3rd Paragraph –Samples Only
I am committed to creating an inclusive and flexible classroom learning environment and will work hard to be a dedicated teacher who contributes to the life of the school. I have experience in ….and would love to be involved in….
I am a confident and determined individual with a wide range of skills including….NAME them. I would love to contribute to helping students identify their own interests and passions especially in the areas of …..
I am confident and qualified to take on the challenges that teaching offers and I am committed to helping each student become a successful learner. I am eager to contribute to the learning community of a school through sharing my skills and expertise in …..
I am certain that my enthusiasm for challenging students, my knowledge of a variety of learning methods and my dedication to helping each student be successful would be an asset to your school. In addition, I am eager to contribute to the learning community of a school through sharing my skills and expertise in …..

Closing Paragraph
Concise summary statement
Request for interview
Contact information (include summer if possible)
Closure
Sincerely yours OR respectfully submitted
Type your name and sign over it

Closing Paragraph - Samples
I have enclosed my resume and application for your consideration. I would welcome the opportunity for an interview. I may be reached at…….phone number or numbers (Same as resume). Thank you for consideration of this application.
I am confident that I can be an asset to a school and most importantly the students. I welcome an opportunity for an interview. I may be reached at…….phone number or numbers (Same as resume)

Things Not To Do
Use tiny font to squeeze letter on to one page
Do not rewrite your resume
Avoid quotes. Use your thoughts and information
Do not use “I think”, “I might”, “Maybe”
Do not use abbreviations, acronyms or jargon

Lessons from the Three Bears
Do not sound stiff, stuffy or like you copied the words from a script
Do not over do it and sound gushy. Don’t get caught up in your words
Be you . Let them sense you are about kids, learning, you care, you can work with others, and, you will contribute to the learning community
Do not open or close with personal
comments even if you know the person
Do not wish them well or happy holidays

Phone Message
Make sure the phone message you have is appropriate
If someone else is answering the phone have a message pad available to make sure they write down the correct information
Suggest how the phone might be answered especially around critical times in the application process

Making Career Decisions
Employment Considerations
Location of your choice
Fulltime, Part time, Occasional
Subject and grade preferences
Board needs and openings
Public (60%), Catholic (25%), French Language (10%), Private (5%)
Personal Considerations
Family
Lifestyle/Environment
Access to interests

http://www.drcamillerutherford.com	2393
http://www.brocku.ca	178

Cover Letters[1]

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