9 Professional Elementary Teacher Cover Letter Examples for 2024

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Your elementary teacher cover letter must immediately demonstrate your passion for teaching young minds. Highlight your dedication to creating a welcoming and engaging classroom environment. Emphasize your adaptive teaching methods and how they cater to diverse learning styles. Include specific examples of your past achievements in educational settings to illustrate your commitment to student success.

All cover letter examples in this guide

Once you’ve crafted an organized, thorough resume, it’s time to write a compelling Elementary Teacher cover letter.

Whether you're new to teaching or an experienced educator, your cover letter is an opportunity to share how your personality, values, skills, and experiences make you an excellent candidate. However, choosing which skills and experiences to highlight without overwhelming your reader can be challenging.

This step-by-step guide, including tips and examples, will enable you to compose a captivating cover letter that:

  • Reflects who you are as a teacher
  • Emphasizes the qualities that make you an exceptional educator
  • Stand out to the schools where you apply

If the elementary teacher isn't exactly the one you're looking for, we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

Elementary Teacher cover letter example

ISABELLE TODD

Tampa, FL

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@enhancv.com


Dear Hiring Manager,

I've had the opportunity to delve into the culture and values pervasive at your esteemed school, and I found myself aligning particularly with your commitment to fostering a child-centric learning atmosphere. It is clear that my professional journey and personal ethos echo with the nurturing environment you've cultivated.

During my tenure at Renaud, I orchestrated a school-wide Self Study, which fostered a collaborative environment among staff and significantly contributed to our pedagogical strategies. A particularly proud achievement was advising the school newspaper, which instigated a marked improvement in students' engagement with current affairs and literacy. Empowering my students to achieve an above 98% pass rate attests to the efficacy of integrating innovative teaching methods with rigorous academic standards. Such successes highlight my dedication to academic excellence and underscore my capability to elevate students' educational experiences.

I am eager to bring my honed skills in creating enriching classroom environments and my proven track record of academic success to your school. I look forward to the prospect of discussing how my background, dedication, and vision can align with the goals of your educational team.

Sincerely,

ISABELLE TODD

Elementary Teacher
What makes this cover letter good:


  • Alignment with School Values: The cover letter effectively communicates the candidate's alignment with the school's child-centric learning philosophy, which is essential for an elementary teacher role.
  • Evidence of Achievements: Highlighting past accomplishments like leading a school-wide Self Study and advising a school newspaper demonstrates the candidate's ability to effectively contribute to school initiatives and improve student engagement and success.
  • Commitment to Academic Excellence: By citing a specific achievement of a 98% student pass rate, the candidate showcases a proven track record of results driven by innovative teaching methods, which is attractive to educational institutions aiming for high academic standards.

How to format an elementary teacher cover letter

Formatting is essential when constructing a cover letter, especially in education. Creating organized and professional-looking materials is a required skill for Teachers. A well-formatted cover letter is an opportunity to demonstrate this skill, quickly making a positive first impression.

Cover letters shouldn’t exceed one page. The goal is to let readers know a bit about you without sharing every detail of your journey in education. Keep your writing focused and concise to avoid surpassing one page.

Grammar and editing are vital to maintaining a positive first impression. Be sure to use standard font and spacing. If you are unsure about formatting, APA style is typically used in education. Remember to proofread carefully before finishing.

Ensure your cover letter is focused and doesn’t ramble. It must include a beginning, middle, and end that flow to communicate a cohesive message.

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Sections to include in an elementary teacher cover letter:

  • Header: Include your name, job title, and contact information (address, phone, professional website, etc.) Creativity is integral in elementary education. Don’t be afraid to get creative by using a little color or adding a headshot of yourself as long as you maintain a professional overall appearance.
  • Salutation: Personalized salutations are best when possible.
  • Introduction: A summary of your background and what makes you a great candidate.
  • Body: Focus on the specific school you’re applying to.
  • Conclusion: Thank the reader and invite requests for further information.
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Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter:

  • Mastery of Basic Subjects: Elementary teachers often teach multiple subjects, from math and reading to science and social studies. Recruiters prioritize educators who have a strong grasp of these foundational subjects to ensure students receive a well-rounded education.
  • Child-Centered Approach: Given the young age of their students, elementary teachers need to adopt a child-centered teaching approach. This means understanding the developmental stages of children and tailoring lessons to be engaging and age-appropriate.
  • Experience with Early Literacy and Numeracy: The foundational years of literacy and numeracy are critical. Recruiters look for teachers who have specific experience and strategies in teaching reading, writing, and basic math to young learners.
  • Skills in Handling Younger Students' Emotional Needs: Young children can have varied emotional needs. Elementary teachers with the ability to recognize, understand, and address these needs can create a more supportive classroom environment.
  • Use of Creative and Play-Based Learning: At the elementary level, play-based and creative learning methods are highly effective. Recruiters prioritize teachers who can incorporate these methods into their lessons, making learning more enjoyable and memorable for students.
  • Parent-Teacher Communication Skills: Especially at the elementary level, regular communication with parents is essential. Teachers who can effectively update and collaborate with parents about their child's progress and needs are highly valued in elementary settings.

How to write your elementary teacher cover letter salutation

A personalized cover letter salutation is always best. It sends a message to hiring administrators that you’ve researched the specific position and school you’re applying to.

Take the time to research who will review applicants. In schools, reviewing candidates may be the responsibility of HR, the superintendent, the principal, or the department head.

If the job posting doesn't state the recipient's name, contact HR to inquire who will review candidates. If you’re still unable to verify the recipient, addressing the letter to the school principal is appropriate.

How to write your elementary teacher cover letter intro

Your cover letter introduction should grab the reader's attention, making them want to learn more about you. Begin your introduction by sharing something the reader couldn’t know by simply reading your resume.

Consider using one of these ideas to hook your reader:

  • Share why you decided to become a teacher
  • Describe what motivates you as a teacher
  • Explain how a non-teaching work experience has given you a unique perspective on teaching
  • Describe your teaching philosophy and how you developed it
  • Explain how a past achievement reflects on you as a teacher
  • Share future goals you hope to accomplish in teaching.

Once you’ve hooked your reader, conclude your introduction with a thesis statement explaining how your teaching skills, philosophies, or experiences align with the school's.

pro tip icon
Pro tip

To be specific about how a school’s values and goals align with your own, you must research the school. The following can be valuable sources of information and inspiration.

  • Information directly from the job posting

    • Keywords used to describe the ideal candidate
    • Information shared about the school community
    • School-wide specialization or focus (Arts, STEM, bilingual education, etc.)

  • The school website

    • The school motto

    • The school’s mission statement

    • An announcements page sharing new initiatives, accomplishments, or upcoming changes

    • Specific information about the community they serve

Cover Letter Intro
I am a skilled elementary school teacher with seven years experience teaching third-grade. For the last two years, I served as the third-grade lead teacher. I have extensive experience in classroom management, project-based assessment, and standards-based lesson planning. I’m seeking a position that values these skills and offers continuing education opportunities.
WRONG

This is an example of the wrong way to write an elementary teacher cover letter because it is completely focused on the applicant. The teacher lists much of the same information available on their resume including background, qualifications, and experience. Additionally, they end the intro by describing their expectations but make no attempt to demonstrate how they align with the specific school or position.

Here is an improved version of this teacher introduction:

Cover Letter Intro
On my first day teaching the third grade, I walked into the classroom confident that I knew everything I needed to and prepared to handle anything. However, over my last seven years of teaching, as I’ve gained experience managing my classroom, planning standards-based lessons and taking on leadership positions, I can honestly say I’ve learned something new every day. Looking back, I laugh at my younger self for believing her education was complete. I’ve learned to appreciate that in education, learning is never finished, not even for teachers. I was thrilled to discover the value Little Elementary School places on the continued education of teachers. Since it corresponds directly with my own goal of ongoing education and improvement.
RIGHT

In this version, the teacher hooks the reader by describing how their perspective has changed since their first day of teaching. They work in detail about their background, experiences, and values as they share the story. Finally, they conclude by drawing a connection between their desire for ongoing growth and the school's dedication to the ongoing education of teachers.

How to write your elementary teacher cover letter body

The goal of the cover letter body is to sell yourself as an exceptional elementary teacher candidate. Use the body section to expand upon your introduction by giving examples, elaborating on details, and sharing. additional relevant information.

Consider including some of these qualities commonly sought by schools hiring elementary school teachers.

  • Organization
  • Leadership
  • Effective communication
  • Planning engaging lessons and activities
  • Setting and achieving goals
  • Meeting established standards
  • Positivity and enthusiasm

When deciding which qualities to include in the body, remember to select skills and values that exemplify why you’d make a great addition to their school community. Teaching philosophies and values can vary significantly among schools. Nevertheless, each school is looking for an applicant whose teaching philosophies and values align with their own.

Check out the following examples of selecting skills to highlight when applying to a school offering a specialized focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics):

Cover Letter Body
I am one of the few teachers in my department who consistently covers every lesson in each unit. I believe in a structured environment where students understand the expectations and learning goals. My students have always responded well to a clear structure. Weekly exams have also enabled me to monitor student's progress toward meeting state standards.
WRONG

This version gives insight into the teacher's philosophies of classroom management and teaching and how they have been successful. These are not necessarily the skills that would appeal to a STEAM-focused school where creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning are highly valued.

The following example demonstrates how a shift in focus can improve the appeal to this particular school.

Cover Letter Body
In my previous position, teaching elementary science, I was well known for my exciting and creative lessons. As a creative person, I enjoy planning and implementing engaging hands-on lessons. In my experience, students learn best when through demonstration and discovery. Allowing them to experience the concept rather that have it explained to them.
RIGHT

In the improved body paragraph, the teacher highlights their creativity and hands-on approach to learning. The philosophies in each example are not independent of one another. The same teacher could easily believe and utilize both approaches. However, by choosing the approach that would be most relevant to this particular school the teacher has demonstrated skills that will be highly valued by this school.

How to write an elementary teacher cover letter with no experience

First-time teachers may feel at a disadvantage writing a cover letter without experience to draw upon to describe their suitability for a teaching position. However, you can still write a compelling cover letter by drawing upon relevant experiences outside of teaching.

Follow these steps to write an Elementary Teacher cover letter without teaching experience.

  • Don’t focus on your lack of experience. Instead, think creatively about how different experiences you’ve had to demonstrate abilities necessary for teaching.
  • When considering alternative experiences, choose examples that are relevant to teaching. A few examples of relevant experiences could be leadership or management roles in past jobs, organizations, or school projects, childcare experience as a babysitter or camp counselor,
  • community service projects demonstrating organizational and community support, or involvement in organizations such as the Scouts, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, or youth groups.
  • Explain how the experience demonstrates a skill or quality relevant to teaching.
  • Select experiences that demonstrate skills or qualities aligned with those sought by the school.

How to implement psychology and writing tools in your cover letter

Teaching children requires more than just the right qualifications. Great teachers also exhibit certain personality traits that enhance their success in the classroom.

Demonstrating these personality traits through the writing in your cover letter can effectively draw the attention of school administrators who understand the necessity of finding the right personality for the job.

Be Confident. Teachers are leaders in their classrooms. They must be competent, self-assured, and decisive. Therefore, your cover letter should avoid uncertain phrases like “I think” “I believe” “could” or “might.”

Cover Letter Body
I believe my teaching style could be an excellent fit for Small Elementary School.
WRONG
Cover Letter Body
My skills and experience align perfectly with those described for the second-grade teacher position at Small Elementary School.
RIGHT

Tell a story. Elementary teachers must be engaging and captivate their student's attention. Telling an interesting and relevant story to captivate your reader's attention demonstrates this skill.

Be human. Elementary teachers must be kind and understanding toward their students. Sharing a time when you made a mistake or failed at something and learned from it demonstrates humility and empathy.

Your cover letter is a great place to let your personality shine through your writing. Telling someone you’re kind is much less effective than showing them through your actions. Following these best practices, you can achieve the same effect with your writing.

How to write your elementary teacher cover letter conclusion

The tone of your cover letter conclusion is what readers will remember best. Rather than ending the letter abruptly, leave readers excited about you by expressing your enthusiasm.

Include the following elements in your teacher cover letter conclusion.

  • Express your excitement about finding a potential match.

  • Convey gratitude for taking the time to review your application.

  • Invite the reader to contact you with questions or to request information.

  • Share your anticipation of further communication.

Cover Letter Ending
Thank you for taking the time to consider my application for the elementary teacher position. I’m excited about the prospect of teaching in a school that values multicultural education as much as I do. I look forward to hearing from you and discussing the role in greater detail. Feel free to reach out with any questions or for additional information.
RIGHT

Elementary Teacher cover letter examples

Explore additional elementary teacher cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

By Experience

Senior Elementary Teacher

Seeking a Senior Elementary Teacher position requires highlighting substantial teaching experience and a track record of curriculum development. Demonstrate your expertise in classroom management and tailored instruction, noting specific strategies employed. Spotlight any specialized training, like 'Differentiated Instruction Techniques' or 'Childhood Literacy Programs,' including their duration. Show concrete examples where your innovative teaching methods substantially improved student learning outcomes, applying a 'strategy-implementation-impact' framework to underscore your qualifications.

Entry-Level Elementary Teacher

When seeking a position as an Entry-Level Elementary Teacher, spotlight any classroom management and lesson planning experience you've acquired. It's important to show your proficiency in educational theory and pedagogy, possibly through your teaching practicum or student teaching engagements. Mention any specific teaching methods or educational technologies you're familiar with. Illustrate your dedication to fostering a positive learning environment by explaining how you used your creativity or interpersonal skills to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes in a 'situation-action-result' format.

By Role

Kindergarten Teacher

When applying for a Kindergarten Teacher position, emphasize any child-centric education or classroom management experience you've gained. It's important to showcase your ability to nurture young minds, referencing specific educational philosophies or teaching methodologies you are proficient in, like 'Montessori' or 'Play-Based Learning'. Include the span of your teaching experience to demonstrate commitment. Illustrate your skills through clear examples, such as developing a particular curriculum that improved children's literacy rates, following a 'skill-action-result' formula.
View Kindergarten Teacher Cover Letter

Elementary Art Teacher

When applying for an Elementary Art Teacher position, emphasize your educational background in the arts, such as a Bachelor's of Fine Arts or a Teaching Credential in Art Education. Showcase your ability to design creative lesson plans that cater to different learning styles and highlight any experience working with children, detailing how you've fostered artistic growth. Also, mention any special techniques or art mediums you're proficient in. Illustrate successes with specific student outcomes, using a 'technique-implementation-impact' structure to underscore the positive influence you've had on students' artistic development.

Elementary Music Teacher

When pursuing a position as an Elementary Music Teacher, be sure to showcase any hands-on experience with music instruction, particularly with children. Demonstrate knowledge of various teaching methods and include any specialized training, such as 'Early Childhood Music Education' or instruments you're proficient in, detailing the length of your experience. Illustrate instances where your teaching approach has positively impacted students' musical growth and engagement. Utilize a 'skill-action-result' framework to outline how your methods encouraged creativity and a love for music in the classroom.

Pre-K Teacher

When applying for a Pre-K Teacher position, it's important to showcase any early childhood education experience. Essential skills include patience, creativity, and strong communication. Highlight any relevant certifications, such as 'Child Development Associate' or 'Early Childhood Education', including the duration to demonstrate commitment. Mention specific instances where you've used creative teaching methods or managed a classroom effectively. Use a 'skill-action-result' format to describe how your teaching techniques positively impacted children's learning or behavior.

Assistant Elementary Teacher

When applying for an Assistant Elementary Teacher position, highlight any hands-on experience with children, such as tutoring or volunteering at camps. Demonstrate knowledge of educational theories and child development. Mention any relevant workshops or courses, like 'Childhood Education Practices,' with the timeframe to indicate commitment. Describe how you've applied patience and creativity to assist in a learning environment, adopting the 'skill-action-result' framework to showcase your contributions—for example, developing a new craft activity that improved student engagement.

Elementary Substitute Teacher

When applying for an Elementary Substitute Teacher position, emphasize your adaptability and classroom management skills. Showcase any teaching or child supervision experience. Detail relevant coursework such as 'Child Development' or 'Educational Psychology', including the duration. Highlight your ability to quickly engage with new students and maintain a positive learning environment. Illustrate this with a 'skill-action-result' format, describing how you've effectively managed a classroom or tailored lesson plans to diverse learning styles, contributing positively to the educational experience of the students.

Key takeaways

Remember, these key points to ensure your elementary teacher cover letter gets noticed and gets you one step closer to the classroom.

  • Use clear, professional formatting and editing to demonstrate the skills required of teachers.
  • Share your “teacher personality” through your writing.
  • Research the school to focus on skills and experiences relevant to them.
  • Make a clear connection between your values and the school’s.
  • Express your enthusiasm in the conclusion.
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Volen Vulkov
Volen Vulkov is a resume expert and the co-founder of Enhancv. He applies his deep knowledge and experience to write about a career change, development, and how to stand out in the job application process.
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