Hello all! I've been using this cover letter for the past few weeks and haven't gotten much of a response from it. I think it needs a little oomph. What can I add/change so it makes more of an impact? Dear [Principal], Teaching is more than textbooks and worksheets. It is allowing students to grow in ways they never imagined possible. This is achieved when a teacher effectively implements the curriculum, and does so in a manner that it relates to the students. I will bring these qualities to your school, and would like to be considered for the [grade] grade position at [Name] Elementary School. An effective teacher relates the curriculum in a way that relates to the students. I coached my third grade students in tackling difficult math problems through a combination of problem solving strategies, math journaling, songs, chants and games. My students dubbed this method Math Magic, the purpose of which was to outsmart the Pesky Mathematicians; those who love to trick kids. Due to strategies such as these, two of my Tier 2 RTI students increased their scores on the district curriculum assessment by thirty to forty points. As a first grade student teacher, I implemented the writer’s workshop framework. During this time, the quality of my students’ writing improved greatly. Students were writing one-page stories with little or no detail. Within weeks, they were successfully planning and writing stories at least four pages long with details and emotions. The relationship between a teacher and a student can make a huge impact on student success. One student in my third grade class had significant behavior problems and was easily frustrated when doing his work. By doing small things, such as eating lunch with him and talking to him for a few minutes each day, his behavior and grades improved dramatically. Knowing I believed in him, he began to believe in himself I believe that I am an excellent candidate for the [grade] grade position at [Name] Elementary. With my teaching experience, I possess the creativity and knowledge to help your students thrive. I look forward to meeting with you about the opportunities available at your school. For more information please visit my website www.website.com Sincerely, gutterballjen Thanks in advance for all of your help!
I don't have time to go over it fully but to me this means that the curriculum is supposed to relate to the students rather than the students relating to the curriculum.
I would keep it to one story rather than having multiple...which one is the most powerful to you or relates best to the position? I think I'd go with the first one, the math story, but then if the position is for a younger grade involving writing, you'd want to pick that one (and develop it more--you don't say anything about what you did to get those results).
Jen, it seems like you have two letters here: one with statements about teaching, the other with personal anecdotes. There's no flow betweent the two different letters. Jen, from what I've read in your posts, I KNOW you're a good teacher. But this letter simply does not do you justice.
You are so right Alice. This was definitely the kick in the pants I needed to get my act together. I'm going to spend tonight rewriting my whole letter. Without broad statements! In story where I talk about importance of the student teacher relationship, I originally included the students name, but took it out because I was worried about privacy issues. Maybe I could change it?
