Embarking on your job search, you've probably found that a standout special education teacher cover letter can be the key to landing your ideal position. Crafting this crucial document poses its challenges: you want to narrate your proudest professional moment without echoing your resume, strike the right balance between formality and originality, and keep it concise. Breaking through the barrier of overused clichés and restricting yourself to one compelling page can seem daunting. Let's simplify the process together.
- Write a special education teacher cover letter that helps you stand out (and get the job);
- Understand how to start and end your special education teacher cover letter with the appropriate greeting;
- What to include in the body of your special education teacher cover letter to put your best foot forward;
- Your most important achievements - how to present them as part of your special education teacher cover letter.
And if you want to make your life even easier, simply drag and drop your special education teacher resume into Enhancv's AI cover letter generator, and it will write your cover letter for you in just a few moments.
If the special education teacher isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:
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Special education teacher cover letter example
MICHELLE SANDERS
Newark, NJ
+1-(234)-555-1234
help@enhancv.com
- Highlighting specific achievements such as the development and implementation of a data tracking system showcases the candidate's ability to address educational challenges with practical solutions, reinforcing not only expertise but also a track record of success.
- Emphasizing the significant improvement in students' academic outcomes (85% reaching or surpassing educational objectives) directly correlates the candidate's skillset with measurable results, demonstrating effectiveness in the role and alignment with institutional goals of student success.
- The expression of eagerness to contribute to the team and the mention of refining skills show a balance between offering value and a desire for continued professional development, indicating the candidate's commitment to growth and contributing to the institution's evolution.
Designing your special education teacher cover letter: what is the best format
Let's start with the basics, your special education teacher cover letter should include your:
- Header
- Greeting
- Introduction
- Body paragraph
- Closing statement
- Signature (that's not a must)
Next, we'll move to the spacing of your special education teacher cover letter, and yes, it should be single-spaced (automatically formatted for you in our cover letter templates).
Don't go for a old-school font (e.g. Arial or Times New Roman), but instead, pick an ATS-favorite like Chivo, Volkhov, or Raleway, to stand out.
Our cover letter builder is also set up for you with the standard one-inch margin, all around the text.
Finally, ensure your special education teacher resume and cover letter are in the same font and are submitted in PDF (to keep the formatting in place).
P.S. The Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your [job] cover letter, it's solely for the recruiters' eyes.
The top sections on a special education teacher cover letter
- Header: This includes your name, address, contact information, and the date, ensuring that the recruiter knows how to reach you and can quickly associate your application with the special education teacher position.
- Greeting: Address the cover letter to a specific individual (such as the principal or special education director) to show that you have taken the time to personalize your application and are serious about the role.
- Introduction: Clearly state the special education position you are applying for and capture the recruiter's attention with a brief mention of your most relevant experience or passion for special education, establishing a personal connection from the start.
- Body: Highlight your experience with Individualized Education Plans (IEP), your understanding of diverse learning needs, and specific scenarios where you made a significant impact on your students' progress, as these are essential skills for a special education teacher.
- Closing: Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the school's special education program, and politely request an interview to discuss how you can specifically support their students with unique learning challenges.
Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter
- Extensive knowledge of different learning disabilities and strategies to address diverse educational needs, as this shows the ability to provide specialized support for students with various challenges.
- Proven experience with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) development and implementation, which demonstrates the ability to tailor educational approaches to each student's unique requirements.
- Patience and empathy to navigate the emotional and educational landscapes of students with special needs, which fosters a nurturing and supportive learning environment.
- Strong collaboration skills with parents, teachers, and other professionals, indicating an understanding of the multifaceted support network required for special education.
- Creativity in lesson planning and instructional methods, highlighting the ability to engage special education students in the learning process effectively.
- Certifications or additional training in special education or related areas, signaling a commitment to professional development and expertise in the field.
Personalizing your special education teacher cover letter salutation
Always aim to address the recruiter from the get-go of your special education teacher cover letter.
Use:
- the friendly tone (e.g. "Dear Paul" or "Dear Caroline") - if you've previously chatted up with them on social media and are on a first-name basis;
- the formal tone (e.g. "Dear Ms. Gibbs" or "Dear Ms. Swift") - if you haven't had any previous conversation with them and have discovered the name of the recruiter on LinkedIn or the company website;
- the polite tone (e.g. "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear HR Team") - at all costs aim to avoid the "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam", as both greetings are very old-school and vague.
List of salutations you can use
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear [School Name] Team,
- Dear [Department Name] Department,
- Dear [Principal's Name],
- Dear [Special Education Director],
- Dear Dr. [Last Name],
What to include in those first two sentences, or your special education teacher cover letter introduction
Have you ever wondered what the best way is to present your profile in the special education teacher cover letter introduction?
There's no right or wrong answer if you're being concise and authentic to yourself.
Some professionals start their special education teacher cover letter by:
- congratulating the company - focusing on something impressive, whether that's an award, an industry-leading project, or a key event;
- aligning their passion for the field or industry with the job - if you're enthusiastic about what you do, you'd thus grow your skill set and value as a professional.
How to write an achievement-focused special education teacher cover letter body
We've got the intro and greeting covered. Now, comes the most definitive part of your special education teacher cover letter - the body.
In the next three to six paragraphs, you'd have to answer why should recruiters hire you.
What better way to do this than by storytelling?
And, no, you don't need a "Once upon a time" or "I started from the bottom and made it to the top" career-climbing format to tell a compelling narrative.
Instead, select up to three most relevant skills for the job and look back on your resume.
Find an achievement, that you're proud of, which has taught you these three job-crucial skills.
Quantify your accomplishment, using metrics, and be succinct in the way you describe it.
The ultimate aim would be to show recruiters how this particular success has built up your experience to become an invaluable candidate.
Ending your special education teacher cover letter to avoid "sincerely yours"
Yes, this sort of closing statement may work best before your signature.
But you want to give recruiters something more with your special education teacher cover letter ending.
Some professionals choose to go down the path of promises. In a single sentence, they map out what they'd bring about to the role (whether that's a particular technical skill set or personal traits).
Others, decide to be more concrete by thanking recruiters for their time and prompting for their next interview.
Whatever path you choose, remember to always be polite and respectful of the opportunity you've had. Good manners go a long way.
Lacking experience: here's how to write your special education teacher cover letter
As a candidate with no experience, it's important to be honest from the get-go of your application.
Use your special education teacher cover letter to sell your unique talents. Choose an accomplishment from your academic background or your volunteer work to show the skills that are relevant to the role.
Focus on your career objectives and how you see the job to align with them. Be specific and, at the same time, realistic about where you picture yourself in five years.
Key takeaways
We hope this special education teacher cover letter writing guide has shown you how to:
- Format your special education teacher cover letter with the mandatory sections (e.g. header, greeting, intro, body, and closing) and select the right font (P.S. It should be the same as the one you've used for your resume);
- Substitute your lack of professional experience with your most noteworthy achievement, outside of work, or your dreams and passions;
- Ensure recruiters have a more personalized experience by tailoring your cover letter not just to the role, but to them (e.g. writing their first/last name in the salutation, etc.);
- Introducing your biggest achievement and the skills it has taught you in your special education teacher cover letter body;
- Write no more than two sentences in your special education teacher cover letter introduction to set the right tone from the get-go.
