Substitute teachers come from many different backgrounds and have huge variances in their level of experience. Because of this, a strong substitute teacher cover letter is absolutely essential. If you have little experience in the field, a good cover letter will help convey your strengths and mask your weaknesses. If you have a lot of education and experience, a strong cover letter will separate you from less qualified individuals and make it clear that you are a desirable candidate.
A substitute teacher can have any level of education beginning from a high school diploma and going all the way to a master’s degree. In general, the candidates who are likely to get the best class offerings and the highest pay have a bachelor’s degree in either education or a field relevant to the classes they will be teaching, such as English, science, or mathematics. You may also want to consider pursuing a teaching certificate, which will make you a highly qualified candidate who has better pay options in most areas.
The sample substitute teacher cover letter presented below comes from an individual who is looking for a long-term substitute position within a school district. Often, a similar cover letter might be used simply to introduce yourself to the district’s administration. In such a case, you should focus more on your strengths as a teacher and less on a single job opening, since short-term positions tend to come and go on a daily basis.
June 30, 2014
Tulsa, OK 74101
Dear Mr. Brooks,
Please consider me as a candidate to fill the open long-term substitute teacher position available at Tulsa Central School District. I am a highly qualified and very experienced teaching candidate who has a great deal of knowledge and experience in a variety of academic subjects. Having had previous experience teaching alongside members of the school district, I believe that this is a perfect fit for somebody with my skills and professional experience.
I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Texas at Austin. Following my graduation, I served as a substitute teacher in the Austin School District before leaving Texas and becoming a paraeducator at the private Applegate Elementary Institute. My hope is now to rejoin the world of public education as a substitute teacher who can help deliver a sense of continuity that will help students handle changes in staff or unexpected absences without any sort of loss in educational quality.
My resume is enclosed. Upon request, I can also provide letters of reference or professional contacts as desired. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at (918) 554-6621 or via email at [email] Thank you very much for this opportunity, and I hope to discuss the matter more with you in an interview soon.
Sincerely,
Leon Smith
