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Table of contents

Substitute teacher cover letter example
Related cover letter examples
Cover letter template for a substitute teacher
Format your substitute teacher cover letter
How to write a substitute teacher cover letter
Write a matching resume
Key takeaways
Resources to help prepare for your interview

As an educator, your expertise in the classroom and effective communication skills make you a valuable asset in shaping the academic journey of students. For a substitute teacher, all of these responsibilities are made all the more challenging by the flexible nature of your work. From teaching phonics to first graders on Monday to helping sophomores with their physics homework on Tuesday, a great substitute teacher has to be prepared for anything!

To land the right role, you need a cover letter that shows school districts how adaptable, enthusiastic and resourceful you are. Writing a strong substitute teacher cover letter goes beyond simply listing your teaching experience. It’s your opportunity to showcase your talent, personality and love of teaching.

Our comprehensive guide will help you build a substitute teacher cover letter that describes exactly why you deserve an interview.

Here’s what our guide includes:

Substitute teacher cover letter examples tailored to inspire and guide your writing.
Customizable cover letter templates specifically designed for substitute teachers.
Step-by-step guidance on building each section of your cover letter.
Key insights to help your substitute teacher cover letter succeed.

Need a cover letter fast? Try our Cover Letter Generator. This user-friendly tool streamlines the writing process, offering impactful, ready-to-use phrases and professional formatting in templates that perfectly capture the enthusiastic personality expected of substitute teachers.

Substitute teacher cover letter example

Sample substitute teacher cover letter

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What makes this a great cover letter for a substitute teacher?

It’s stylish
A simple layout that uses the space well and incorporates color to draw the reader’s eye makes this substitute teacher cover letter sample stand out.
It uses numerical data
Measurable data gives this candidate’s accomplishments an extra sense of energy and real-world achievement.
It’s signed appropriately
Signing this sample cover letter with “sincerely” ends the document with an appropriate balance of professionalism and personability.

Cover letter template for a substitute teacher

Sara Lopez
Dawsonville, GA 30534
555-555-5555
example@example.com

February 8, 2024

Dinae Foster, School Principal
Kelly Education
9221 Colonial Drive
Dawsonville, GA 30534
Dear Ms. Foster,

I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the substitute teacher position at Kelly Education, as posted on the school’s website. Possessing a decade of experience in education, I am eager to bring my expertise to a role that aligns with my commitment to fostering a positive and effective learning environment.

In my previous tenure as a long-term substitute teacher at Robinson Elementary School, I adeptly managed a diverse classroom, ensuring an engaging and dynamic learning experience for 20+ students. My dedication to student success is underscored by tangible outcomes, including a notable 70% increase in student performance on standardized tests. Employing innovative teaching strategies, I created an atmosphere conducive to academic growth.

A cornerstone of my approach is maintaining a disciplined and inclusive classroom environment. Over the academic year, I substantially reduced behavioral incidents by 30%, fostering an atmosphere where students felt supported and motivated to excel. Additionally, I established effective communication channels with parents through regular newsletters, resulting in a noteworthy increase in parental involvement and support.

I am particularly drawn to Kelly Education’s dedication to providing a supportive and enriching learning environment. My extensive experience, passion for education and unwavering commitment to student success align well with the values of your institution.

Enclosed is my resume, offering a comprehensive overview of my professional background. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,

Sara Lopez

Format your substitute teacher cover letter

Your substitute teacher cover letter should emphasize the essential skills that allow you to control the classroom and facilitate learning for your students, such as effective communication, adaptability and a strong understanding of instructional practices.

To effectively showcase your expertise in providing quality education, your cover letter should radiate professionalism and clarity. The education sector values precision, and your cover letter’s structure should align with industry norms, reflecting your commitment to delivering exceptional teaching.

Consider the following formatting recommendations to ensure your teacher cover letter exudes professionalism:

Font style and sizing: Choose established and easily readable fonts, such as Arial or Times New Roman, to maintain a professional appearance suitable for the education sector. Opt for an 11- or 12-point font size, standard for business documents.
Spacing: Maintain effective line spacing for readability. Utilize 1.15 to 1.5 spacing for your text to make your teaching qualifications easy to navigate.
Margins: Present a polished document with 1-inch margins and left-aligned text, adhering to industry standards for a professional presentation of your teaching qualifications.

Cover letter templates for teachers

Create your cover letter

Just as your formatting should meet professional standards, a cover letter for a substitute teacher should be styled appropriately to showcase your relevant skills. Your cover letter is your introduction, setting the stage for school administrators to visualize your suitability for the role. Opt for a substitute teacher cover letter template that aligns with the expectations of the teaching position you’re pursuing and complements your personal style.

For example, a substitute teacher applying for a position in a modern, technology-driven school might choose a more modern template, while someone seeking a role in a traditional educational institution may benefit from a more classic format.

Explore our collection of cover letter templates to ensure your application presents your teaching experience in the best possible light. Also, coordinate your cover letter template with your resume template to create a cohesive and professional application, highlighting your commitment to excellence in education.

How to write a substitute teacher cover letter

Studies reveal that 83% of hiring managers consider cover letters crucial. Despite this, many hopeful educators still skip this essential step. Learning to write a cover letter for a substitute teaching position is vital, and it doesn’t have to be a daunting task.

By following a few straightforward steps, you can simplify the cover letter writing process into something easy, manageable and not at all intimidating. Here’s how.

Step 1

Study the teaching job description

A successful substitute teacher cover letter should be tailored to each role you apply for. Customizing your cover letter to each specific job is crucial. Your cover letter should articulate why you’re an ideal fit for this particular teaching position. A generic cover letter that you reuse from one application to the next won’t convey your interest properly.

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are often used to streamline candidate screening in today’s competitive job market. These systems scan for keywords aligned with the qualifications outlined in the job description. Make your substitute teaching cover letter ATS-friendly by incorporating terms used in the teaching job description.

Customizing each cover letter to align with the distinct requirements of each role not only enhances the quality of your application but also sets you up for success when it comes to ATS screening.

Step 2

Include your contact information in the header

It may be the simplest section of your cover letter, but the contact information in your header is among the most important. Your cover letter is intended to prompt a callback. Ensure your contact details are easily accessible and accurate by placing them in the header and confirming they match the information on your resume.

Include:

Your name
City and state
Phone number
Email address
Relevant links to your professional portfolio or LinkedIn, if applicable

Pro tip

Maintain a professional image by avoiding inappropriate email addresses. If necessary, create a new address that gives a professional impression. Also, the header forms your first impression, so keep it professional by double-checking for errors and typos.

Step 3

Address the hiring manager by name

Personalize the salutation of your substitute teacher cover letter by addressing it directly to the hiring manager. Addressing your letter to the specific individual intended to read it demonstrates your commitment to the application process. For public schools and districts, the name and contact information for the person in charge of hiring substitutes will usually be readily available on the school or school district’s website.

If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name or details, addressing the letter to the school’s administration team is an appropriate substitute.

Pro tip

Job listings often provide contact information for a hiring manager. If not, invest time in researching the school district to identify the person responsible for hiring. Adding a personal touch by addressing the recipient by name shows thoughtfulness in your application.

Step 4

Introduce yourself in the first paragraph

Whether you’re working on an entry-level substitute teacher cover letter or an experienced substitute teacher cover letter, the opening paragraph of your letter is a crucial moment to introduce yourself and highlight your qualifications, providing a snapshot of your career in education.

Entry-level substitute teacher cover letter example opening paragraph:

I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the substitute teaching position at [School Name], as advertised. Having recently completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I am equipped with a passion for fostering positive learning environments and a commitment to student success. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to your educational team.

Experienced substitute teacher cover letter example opening paragraph:

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the substitute teaching position at [School Name], as advertised. With a proven track record in various teaching roles, a steadfast commitment to promoting student engagement and a dedication to upholding the highest educational standards, I am confident in my ability to enhance the academic environment at your esteemed school. Having successfully managed diverse responsibilities, including curriculum development and student assessment, I am eager to bring my expertise to your educational team and contribute to the provision of exceptional education services.

Pro tip

Keep your introduction short and sweet. It’s best to aim for no more than three sentences.

Step 5

Explain why you’re the best candidate for the job

The body paragraphs of your substitute teacher cover letter offer an opportunity to elaborate on your educational career, highlighting aspects that demonstrate your dedication to effective teaching practices and student success. Focus on the following key points:

Specify relevant substitute teaching experience: While your resume provides an overview of your teaching career, the cover letter allows you to delve deeper into specific achievements. Share notable accomplishments related to student engagement and maintaining a positive learning environment. Describe your passion for providing exceptional education services and contributing to the success of the school. By emphasizing your teaching journey and aligning it with the needs of the position, you can illustrate why you’re the ideal candidate for the teaching role.
Showcase transferable skills: A comprehensive substitute teacher cover letter should highlight both hard and soft skills. Showcase your teaching abilities alongside personal traits such as effective communication, adaptability and teamwork. Aim for a balanced presentation to provide a holistic view of your professional skills. Ensure that the skills you emphasize align with the priorities outlined in the job posting to resonate with the school’s educational team.
Address any unique circumstances: Treat your substitute teacher cover letter as an opportunity to provide context for any unique aspects of your educational journey. If you took a break from teaching for personal reasons, pursued professional development or switched careers, briefly explain the situation. Discuss how your diverse experiences have enriched your skills, making you a well-rounded candidate for the teaching position.

Example body paragraphs for a substitute teacher cover letter:

In my role as an educator, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering positive learning environments and contributing to the success of the students I have taught. During my tenure as a substitute teacher at [District Name], I received accolades for maintaining high levels of student engagement, with positive feedback from both students and colleagues.

During a brief hiatus for professional development, I dedicated time to enhancing my skills in student assessment and incorporating modern teaching methodologies. This period of growth reinforced my commitment to excellence, ensuring that I bring both experience and a fresh perspective to the teaching position.

Step 6

Write your cover letter closing

The conclusion of your cover letter should reinforce your enthusiasm about the substitute teaching position and emphasize why you believe you’re a suitable fit for the role. Avoid repeating details already mentioned in the body of your cover letter. Instead, end with a statement that underscores your value and extends an open invitation for an interview or further discussion.

Example closing paragraph for a substitute teacher cover letter:

I am genuinely excited about the prospect of contributing my extensive experience in fostering positive learning environments and upholding the highest educational standards at [School Name]. Your school’s commitment to excellence in education aligns seamlessly with my dedication to student success and enhancing overall educational quality. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills can benefit your academic team further.

Pro tip

Maintain a professional and assertive tone in your call to action, striking a balance between warmth and formality. Avoid wording that sounds demanding or pushy. Be assertive yet polite.

Step 7

Sign off

Every letter concludes with a signature, and your cover letter is no exception. Ensure your cover letter concludes with a professional signoff appropriate for a formal letter. “Sincerely” and “Best regards” are always safe choices. Avoid unprofessional signoffs like “Love” or “Cheers,” as these choices may come across as rude or overly familiar.

Write a matching resume

Create your resume

A cover letter is just one component of your application. Without a strong resume, your cover letter won’t shine as it should. Learn to write a resume that showcases your experience in education and your dedication to providing outstanding service. For help getting started, explore some resume examples.

For a professionally formatted substitute teacher resume completed in just a few minutes, consider our AI Resume Builder. This tool provides ready-to-use skills and phrases for an education job along with expert formatting to help you construct an effective resume that complements your cover letter seamlessly.

Key takeaways

Explore substitute teacher cover letter examples

Inspire your cover letter writing process by examining various cover letter examples tailored to the substitute teacher role.
Highlight teaching skills and student-focused qualities

A compelling application should depict you as an experienced educator with a comprehensive skill set. Emphasize your proficiency in lesson planning, classroom management and fostering a positive learning environment, alongside interpersonal traits such as effective communication, adaptability and a commitment to student success.
Select an appropriate substitute teacher cover letter template

Explore a range of cover letter styles, from classic to contemporary, to find a template that aligns with the professional and student-oriented nature of the education industry. Ensure your chosen template is suitable for the school or educational institution and resonates with your personal brand.
Keep your introductory paragraph concise

Capture the employer’s attention with a brief opening paragraph that offers a glimpse of your qualifications as a substitute teacher. Avoid overwhelming the reader with excessive details and focus on introducing yourself as a candidate with enthusiasm and relevant teaching qualifications.
Write detailed body paragraphs

The body paragraphs serve as the substance of your cover letter. Provide detailed examples of your teaching experience, highlighting how your skills align with the responsibilities of the role. This is also the ideal space to showcase any specialized practices or areas in which you excel in the education industry.
Ensure proper formatting

Pay attention to the formatting of your cover letter to convey professionalism. Choose an appropriate font style and size, and maintain 1-inch margins throughout the document. Double-check line spacing to ensure a polished presentation that complements the substance of your cover letter.

Resources to help prepare for your interview

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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.