Substitute Teacher Cover Letter Example (w/ Templates & Tips for 2024)

Substitute Teacher Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Substitute Teacher Cover Letter

You've seen what a great substitute teacher's cover letter looks like. 

Now it's your turn to write your own great cover letter. Believe it or not, it's simpler than you think! 

Just follow these straightforward steps and you'll be on the right path:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Before you get into the ‘meat’ of your cover letter, you must have all the essentials down. Start off with your contact details right at the header—just as you would on your resume.

Here's a quick rundown of what to include:

• First and Last Name. Always lead with your full name, front and center.
• Job Title. Make it clear by stating you're applying as a "Substitute Teacher." Schools often hire for various roles, so being specific can ease the review process for the hiring committee.
• Email Address. Opt for a straightforward, professional email. That quirky address from your teenage years? Leave it in the past. So, instead of something like gavinthegoose@hotmail.com, stick to something polished like gavin.teacher@gmail.com.
• Phone Number. Ensure you provide an active number. If you're reaching out to an overseas school, remember the international dialing code.
• Location. Your city and state or country will suffice. However, if you're looking at a position outside your locale or are open to relocating, make sure to mention it.
• Relevant Links (Optional). Feel free to add links showcasing your professional journey or passion, perhaps your LinkedIn profile or an e-portfolio.

Once your information is set, add the school's details:

• School Name. Jot down the institution's name.
• Principal or Hiring Manager’s Name. Whenever you can, personalize your letter by addressing the school's principal or the person responsible for hiring. The school’s website or LinkedIn can be helpful resources to find this info.
• Their Title. If you’ve identified the individual overseeing the hiring and they're, for instance, the "Director of Academics", use that title instead of a generic “Hiring Manager.”
• Location. Mentioning the city and state or country of the school is essential. Including the school's specific address is an added touch.
• Email Address (Optional). If you come across the email of the person in charge, it’s a nice addition to have.
• Date of Writing (Optional). Lastly, stamping the date gives a neat, professional finish to your letter.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

After jotting down all contact details, address the cover letter to its intended audience. 

Trust us, how you start your cover letter can set the tone and create a professional first impression on the hiring committee—provided you nail it!

For starters, do a bit of digging. Take a peek at the job posting, the school's website, or even LinkedIn to discover a bit more about the person who’s doing the hiring. You'll likely spot their name and possibly even their email.

Once you have that, go the formal route in addressing them. Steer clear of the overused “To Whom It May Concern." We think "Mr." or "Ms." followed by their last name strikes the right balance. If you're unsure about their gender or marital status, just use their full name.

If you draw a blank and can't uncover details about the hiring lead or the educational coordinator, pivot and direct your greetings to the faculty or school:

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

School admins usually give a quick look at applications before deciding whether to dive in deeper.

So, it's crucial to make a strong first impression with your substitute teacher's cover letter’s opening paragraph. 

Start this part of your cover letter by mentioning your name and why you're excited about being a substitute teacher. Showing that you're passionate about teaching can grab the school's attention.

Something that can really give you a hand here is to research the school or district you're applying to. If you show you know their values, teaching styles, and pedagogical aims, it proves you're genuinely interested and not just mass-applying to countless schools.

Do you have any standout achievements or particular teaching skills you’re proud of? Mention them early on. Maybe you have a great review or a unique teaching experience that shows you're right for the job.

But remember to keep this part short and sweet. The goal is to make the school curious and want to know more about you.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The main part of your substitute teacher cover letter is your chance to really show why you're the best fit for the position.

But don’t just repeat what's on your resume. This is where you can dive into your teaching skills and elaborate on your experiences. Your goal is to show the school you're the top choice. Talk about any big wins you've had in teaching or special courses you've taken. 

And always keep the job listing in mind.

Adjust your cover letter based on what the school cares about. If they talk a lot about classroom management or teaching diverse groups of students, highlight that over other skills.

The key here is to provide more details than what you’ve provided on your resume. Talk about the exact classroom management methods you use and the results they yield with your students. Weave all this information into a compelling narrative the hiring manager can’t help but take into consideration. 

To wrap up, let your love for teaching shine. Talk about your excitement for the chance to teach in different settings and your commitment to making a positive difference in students' lives.

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Crafting the perfect ending for your cover letter can be the finishing touch your cover letter needs.

It's essential to wrap up your letter in a manner that reinforces your dedication to educating and ensuring participation in the classroom, even as a substitute teacher. The conclusion is your final chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the unique qualities that set you apart.

As you round off your main points, consider adding a call to action. Encouraging the hiring manager or school principal to further discuss your qualifications or potential contributions can be a game-changer in setting you apart.

Then, cap off your letter with a polite and polished sign-off. The way you conclude should mirror the professionalism you intend to bring to the classroom. Here's a sample to guide you:

If “With appreciation” doesn't quite resonate, consider these alternative sign-offs:

• Yours truly,
• Warm regards,
• In gratitude,
• Thank you for reviewing my credentials,

3 Essential Substitute Teacher Cover Letter Tips

Now that you've got the basics of cover letters down, let's amp up your game with some must-know cover letter tips tailored for substitute teachers:

#1. Match Your Resume

Gunning for that substitute teacher position? Let's get your application shining!

If you want to really make an impactful impression, try to get your cover letter's design vibe with your resume. This way, everything will look neat and coordinated.

Make sure your text and contact details are tidily placed on the page, with matching font styles and sizes throughout both documents. 

And while you're at it, adjust those margins and line spacings right. One little pointer: aim to fit everything neatly on one page for your cover letter. 

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Are you too busy? No worries! 

Why not save time with our cover letter templates? Along with our free resume builder, they can be the answer to all your problems! 

Our templates are crafted in collaboration with hiring managers globally. So, they're not only industry-standard but also eye-catching. 

Dive in and get a matching look for your resume!

#2. Mention Qualifications

When vying for a substitute teacher role, your qualifications play a pivotal role. They don't just showcase your training; they reflect your dedication and readiness for the classroom. 

However, in your cover letter, simply listing these qualifications won't do the trick. Instead, weave them into a compelling narrative. For instance, don't just say you have a teaching certificate—explain how that training equips you to step into any classroom with confidence. 

This approach shows hiring managers not just what you've learned, but how you're primed to apply it, making you a standout choice.

#3. Be Formal

While it's essential to let your unique personality shine through, it's equally crucial to maintain a level of formality in your cover letter as a substitute teacher. 

This isn't about being stuffy but about showing respect and understanding the professional nature of the role. Schools value structure and decorum, and by mirroring this in your letter, you show them you're on the same page. 

Using clear language, avoiding slang, and ensuring your grammar is on-point, you can demonstrate your professionalism, hinting that you'll handle classroom responsibilities with the same diligence.

Key Takeaways

You're now well-prepared to create an outstanding substitute teacher cover letter!

So, start your journey to secure that dream substitute teaching position.

Here are the primary points to keep in mind:

• Ensure both your cover letter and resume showcase a cohesive and professional look. Leveraging an online resume builder and choosing a matching cover letter template can simplify this task.
• Initiate your substitute teacher's cover letter by presenting yourself and the objective of your letter. Next, emphasize a distinctive skill or qualification that differentiates you.
• In the main part of your cover letter, expound on your strengths as an applicant. Highlight significant accomplishments and provide additional details on aspects not fully covered in your resume, such as gaps in employment.
• Verify the contact information you provide. A mistake in your phone number or email could mean missing out on an interview opportunity.