Cover Letter/Resume Help

I was wondering if someone would be willing to help me out a little. I am a fairly "new" teacher. I have my Master's in Childhood Ed. 1-6 with state certification in that and Literacy B-6. Since graduating 2 years ago I have been a building substitute at a GREAT school, but building subs in the district rarely get hired & the subbing experience doesn't count to other districts. I am basically looking for leave replacements right now because I know finding a full time position is next to impossible without that experience.

Basically I feel like I need help with my cover letter and applicant statements. I've had it looked over by my principal and the former college, but I still feel like I am missing something, other than the classroom experience.

Thanks in advance!

Re: Cover Letter/Resume Help

I don't know if you are comfortable doing this, but you could post your cover letter (Minus your personal details such as name, address, district taught in, etc). Then we can see if we would suggest anything. But you are probably off to a good start if you had your principal check it out.

Just take out your personal info for privacy sake :)

Message edited 6/30/2011 10:30:23 PM.

Re: Cover Letter/Resume Help

As per the posting in Newsday dated April 8th, enclosed please my find my resume in application for an elementary teacher position with the ABC District. A graduate of ABC University, I hold a BA in Sociology and an MA in Childhood Education. In addition to state certification in the latter, I have completed coursework and applied for an Advanced Certificate in Literacy Birth-Grade 6.

The mission of the ABC District to develop the academic, social, and emotional skills necessary to become lifelong learners and contributory members in a diverse community, is a goal that I believe in and hope to help your district to achieve. I am confident that I can accomplish this by teaching with a passion for education that demonstrates my own commitment to lifelong learning, as well as working to challenge my students to reach their full individual learning potential and take an active role as citizens of their communities, both in school and out. Service learning and sharing my passion for helping others is near the top of my teaching goals. As the Student Council advisor in my permanent substitute position in ABC, I organized many service projects with my students, including a “Souper Bowl” food drive and a candy gram sale to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

As an educator, I have developed an understanding of individual learning needs and strengths, and differentiate my lessons daily to meet the needs of each of my students, including ESL students, higher level learners, and those in a collaborative classroom setting. Additionally, I enjoy the uniquely diverse cultures found in schools, and multicultural education has become my focus as an educator to engage my students in their learning. With my background in literacy, I have become increasingly interested in multicultural literature that I can share with my students. I particularly enjoy how this lends itself to my students being able to teach myself and others about their cultures and what is important to them.

I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet with you in person to further discuss my qualifications. I can be reached at the above telephone number and email address. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Re: Cover Letter/Resume Help

It is well written letter.

My first thought is that there might be too much in it based on the cover letters I have seen when I sat in on interviews. When people are pulling resumes they need quick, "grab my attention" type cover letters and resumes. I think your may take to long to find the "this is the person I want to interview" moment, KWIM?

I could be totally wrong though.

Re: Cover Letter/Resume Help

I like to use SPECIFIC examples of what I have done in my classroom (ie specific lesson plans I have implemented or specific programs/committees I have contributed to and how these things have impacted my students, school, commuinity).

Re: Cover Letter/Resume Help

I've heard both suggestions. Any ideas on what to take out/put on?

Re: Cover Letter/Resume Help

I will be honest, I think the second paragraph is too wordy and a little repetitious. It needs an overhaul, in my opinion.

The third paragraph is pretty good, but i would change up the last two sentences to make them more to the point.
Instead of "I enjoy" I might just say, Muliticultral literature promotes.... or enhances...

Re: Cover Letter/Resume Help

The mission of the ABC District to develop the academic, social, and emotional skills necessary to become lifelong learners and contributory members in a diverse community is a goal that I am well qualified to achieve in my classroom. I have a passion for education that is demonstrated by my commitment to my continuing education and my students. In order to reach my students full individual learning potential I will provide...... nnn Additionally, I plan to encourage them to take an active role as citizens of their communities, both in school and out.. As the Student Council advisor in my permanent substitute position in ABC, I organized many service projects with my students, including a “Souper Bowl” food drive and a candy gram sale to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Just some changes I think I might consider if this was my letter.