9 to 5
Dear Community,
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
What exactly should be in a cover letter? Any teachers out there?
Hi All,
I lurk on this board a lot and I've searched a few pages back but haven't found the answer to my question.
I am currently applying for teaching jobs for next school year (I am a teacher right now but my position has been cut.) I have my resume under control but I'm struggling with the cover letter and getting differing opinions about what should be in it.
What are your suggestions for what should be in the cover letter? Any teachers have specific ideas for things that principals may look for?
Thanks for your help!
Re: What exactly should be in a cover letter? Any teachers out there?
I'm a teacher, too and will be reapplying this year, as well. All of the advice I got on cover letters, great stuff from my college career center especially, was that it should include information that is beyond your resume. Personal strengths and experience that help your resume come to life. You should keep it brief (to one page) too.
The first short paragraph should express your enthusiasm for the school/district and position you are applying for and show that you know a little bit about them.
The second paragraph is where you really show off a few of your strengths, like units you taught, teacher training that helps you stand out, curriculum that they use that you are already familiar with, etc. Last year I wrote about how I organized writer's workshop the previous year and the resulting academic progress in students. I also wrote about my commitment to teaching in a diverse environment and related experience because I was applying to some very diverse schools. It showed how my personal skill set met the needs of the districts/schools I was applying for.
The final paragraph was short and just reaffirmed my commitment to effective education for all students and my enthusiasm for the opportunity with their school/district.
Hope that helps. It's a rough process, but so worth it!
xo,
Lindsay
A CL has 3 basic parts that you can tailor to each position as you see fit.
1. An opening paragraph stating what position you're applying for and how you found out about it.
2. A paragraph showing the specific reasons you are perfect for the job. Focus on results, data, and accomplishments. Don't make this a regurgitation of your resume, but hit the highlights to show why you're the most qualified candidate.
3. A closing paragraph that reiterates your interest in the position and how you can be reached.
GL
Our little Irish rose came to us on March 5, 2010
Don't drink the water.
Disclaimer: I am not an MD. Please don't PM me with pregnancy-related questions. Ask your doctor.
Definitely do a little research on the district or position. I was applying to a mix of jr high and elementary positions, so I highlighted different things based on that. The district I ended up working for has LOTS of English Learners so I made sure to emphasize my experience with that in the cover letter.
Ellie Jane - 9/12/11
Post-partum races!
11/6 - Kennedy Drive 8K: 36:27 (7:20 pace)
12/4 - North Face Trail Half Marathon: 2:10 (9:27 pace)
12/11 - Arts and Sciences 5K: 21:56 (7:03 pace)
1/8 - Golden Gate Park 10K: 44:30 (7:09 pace) PR!
1/22 - Waterfront 5K: 20:54 (6:43 pace) PR!
Thanks for the help everyone! I think I was just really overthinking it.
Chelley- you're about to have a PM.
Married
Taking Control:Updated 1/7