Teacher cover letter example
A good cover letter is short and specific: why this role, why you, and why this employer. Here is a complete example for a teacher applying for “Teacher of Mathematics (IGCSE and A Level)”, written to go with our teacher resume example.
Thandiwe Mokoena
Johannesburg, South Africa thandiwe.mokoena@example.com
Lakeside British School
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Re: Teacher of Mathematics (IGCSE and A Level)
Dear Principal,
I am delighted to apply for the Teacher of Mathematics post at Lakeside British School. I am a qualified secondary maths teacher with eight years of experience, including four years teaching the Cambridge IGCSE and A Level curriculum.
At Kingsview International School, my IGCSE pass rate rose from 78% to 91% over three years. I use regular assessment data to spot gaps early and plan small-group support, and I make lessons practical so that students see why maths matters.
I was drawn to Lakeside's strong co-curricular programme. I run a maths club that sent 12 students to a national olympiad last year, and I would be excited to build something similar with your students.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss the role and can provide a sample lesson plan.
Kind regards,
Thandiwe Mokoena
This example is fictional: the person, employers and figures are invented to show good structure. Use it as a guide and write your own, true details.
What makes this cover letter work
- 1The first paragraph names the exact role (Teacher of Mathematics (IGCSE and A Level)) and gives the strongest reason to read on, in two sentences.
- 2The second paragraph proves it with one or two numbers taken from the resume, so the two documents tell the same story.
- 3The third paragraph is about Lakeside British School, not the writer. It shows why this employer, which a copied letter cannot do.
- 4The close is short and practical: availability, an offer to show more, and thanks. No pleading or pressure.
- 5It stays under about 250 words. Hiring managers often read cover letters on a phone between other tasks.
Cover letter or not? Local norms
Expectations vary. In the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand a short letter or a few lines in the application email is common. In North America many online applications make the letter optional. In parts of Europe and Asia a formal letter is still expected for office and professional roles. If in doubt, send a short one.
Questions people ask
How long should a teacher cover letter be?
About 200 to 300 words, in three or four short paragraphs. That is long enough to show why you fit and short enough to read on a phone. Never repeat your whole resume.
Do I still need a cover letter?
Not every employer reads them, but many do, especially for smaller companies, career changes and roles with lots of applicants. A short, specific letter rarely hurts and can help.
Who should I address the letter to?
Use the hiring manager's name if the advert or company website gives it. If not, "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear Recruitment Team" is fine in most countries.