How to Write a Teacher Application Letter (With an Example)

Updated 30 July 2023

Many jobs require applicants to submit a cover letter along with their resumes. For teaching positions, potential employers typically ask for an application letter, where candidates can state their interest in working for them and convey their suitability for the role by highlighting their talents and work experience. If you want to secure a position as a teacher, learning how to craft an effective application letter can help you attain this goal. In this article, we define a teacher application letter, explain how to write one in six steps and provide a template and an example for your reference.

What is a teacher application letter?

A teacher application letter is a professional document that describes your interest in applying for a teaching position and delivers information about your achievements and skills to recruiters or hiring managers. Typically, this letter is about a page long and provides an opportunity to demonstrate that you are a suitable candidate for the role and can benefit an organisation if it decides to hire you.

You might also aim to show your potential employer that you have done some research on their school, which can impress them and demonstrate that you have the initiative. Lastly, a well-written application letter can distinguish you from other candidates and increases the chance of a hiring manager or recruiter scheduling you for an interview.

How to write a teacher application letter

Follow these six steps to learn how to craft an application letter for a teaching position:

1. Research the role and organisation

Before you write your letter, you can conduct some research to decide what important and relevant details you may include in the document. Review the job posting to get more insight into the role and its responsibilities. To find out more about the school you would like to apply to, you can visit its website, as many schools feature information about their pedagogy and curriculum on their online platforms. Once you have gathered enough information, you can compare your qualifications and experience with what your potential employer expects from their teachers.

2. State your interest

The purpose of the first paragraph of an application letter is to introduce yourself and provide some details to a potential employer, encouraging them to read the rest of your letter. Begin the first sentence by stating your interest in the open position. Ensure that you mention the specific job title you are applying for and the name of the organisation that is looking for candidates. Additionally, you can mention how you found the job posting.

You may end this introductory paragraph by describing why you chose to apply to this particular school. Remember that a unique reason can impress a recruiter and convey your enthusiasm for the role. Selecting a reason that shows how the school's values align with your own and highlighting what you can offer to your potential employer can also help create a great first impression.

3. Convey your suitability for the role

Use the following paragraph after your introduction to present the key skills, qualifications and experience that make you a great fit for the position. For example, if you are applying to teach at a secondary school, you might describe your accomplishments as a secondary school teacher at a previous school. Choose one or two relevant achievements and support them with data to establish credibility. This is where the prior research you have conducted can be useful, as you can better determine the most appropriate and relevant elements of your work history and accomplishments to highlight.

4. Describe your interpersonal skills

In addition to highlighting your experiences and qualifications, drawing a potential employer's attention to your interpersonal skills can help improve your chances of receiving an invitation to an interview. This is because teaching requires various interpersonal skills that teachers use daily to communicate with students, parents and colleagues effectively. For instance, you might describe the patience and empathy you have displayed when working with special needs students in the past, adding that you look forward to bringing these transferrable skills to the role.

5. Communicate your gratitude

After you have presented your experiences, qualifications and skills, you can conclude the letter by expressing gratitude to your potential employer. Thanking them for their time and for considering you for the open position allows you to demonstrate your professionalism and sincerity. Following this, you may summarise your qualifications and reiterate your desire to work for their organisation. Finally, let them know they can contact you if they require more details.

6. End with a professional sign-off

Like most letters, an application letter concludes with a sign-off. You may use Sincerely, or Best regards, adding your full name below your chosen complimentary close. If you are submitting a hard copy of your application letter, make sure you sign over your typed name.

Application letter template

Here is a template you can follow when crafting your application letter for a teaching position:

The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City] [Postal code]

[Date]

[Company name]

Dear [Hiring manager's first name] [Hiring manager's last name]

Paragraph 1
[Express excitement for the position, including the role title and the company name]. [Introduce yourself by explaining why you are applying for the job, how the position aligns with your career goals and what specifically draws you to the company].

Paragraph 2
[Explain your relevant experience and qualifications without repeating what is in your resume]. [Highlight one or two relevant achievements with facts and data when possible]. [Explain why you might be a good fit for the company]. [Optional: address employment gap or career transition].

Paragraph 3
[Express gratitude]. [Summarise qualifications]. [Restate interest in the role]. [Call to action + availability and preferred contact method]

[Complimentary close],
[Signature]

Application letter example

Here is an example teacher application letter you can refer to as you craft your own document:

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

Seow Chun Kuang +65 8736 6722 | seow.chunkuang@email.com | Singapore

15 July 2023

Dear Mr Abdullah Saari,

I'm excited to be applying for the position of mathematics teacher at Selat Johor Primary School. Over the last seven years, I've taught mathematics across all six levels, and I'm just as comfortable teaching primary one students as I'm working with older students. I'm aware that your school focuses on this subject, with impressive results in both examinations and national competitions yearly. This fostering of passion for mathematics aligns with my dedication to teaching it, which I believe makes me an excellent candidate for the role.

During my previous employment at Sungai Singa Primary School, I was responsible for organising the Mathematics Club. During this co-curricular activity, I provided instruction and practice questions for students, often including real-life examples to demonstrate how useful mathematics can be in everyday life. Every class I taught attained a minimum of an 85 per cent passing rate during year-end examinations. For this, I received a special commendation from the school's principal and became the head of the mathematics department. I believe I can bring this success rate to your school while contributing to various CCAs, departments and after-school activities.

I want to thank you for taking the time to read my letter and consider me for the role. I look forward to receiving your reply and learning more about the position and its responsibilities. With my experience in teaching and passion for nurturing students, I'm confident that I can produce excellent results for Selat Johor Primary School. Please feel free to contact me if you require more details about my work experience, skills or qualifications.

Yours truly,
Seow Chun Kuang