Special Education Teacher Cover Letter Examples [2024]
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A special education teacher's cover letter is like a bridge between your compassionate soul and the hearts of the recruiters.
We know—you'd prefer to focus on making a lasting impact in the lives of those who need it the most. But to make the world a better place, you must focus on yourself and your career first.
Let us show you how to write a cover letter that will enable you—and, in turn, your students—to reach your fullest potential.
This guide will show you:
- Special education teacher cover letter example better than 9 out of 10 other cover letters.
- How to write a special education cover letter that will land you more interviews.
- How to present yourself on a cover letter for a special education teacher to get any job you want.
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Looking for a guide on how to write a cover letter for a different profession? Check out related articles:
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- Education Cover Letter Example
- New Teacher Cover Letter Example
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- Substitute Teacher Cover Letter Example
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Want to explore your options further? See our full selection of cover letter examples for every career: Cover Letter Examples For Any Job.
Special Education Teacher Cover Letter Example
Thomas K. Etheridge
Special Education Teacher
913-651-9023
thomasketheridge@email.com
linkedin.com/in/thomasketheridge
Las Vegas, 9/20/2023
Mary C. Russo
Principal
Newton Charter School
3318 Charter Street
Las Vegas, NV 66048
Dear Mary,
As a dedicated special education teacher with +5 years of experience, I have a vast background in creating and implementing individualized education plans. I'm happy to say that my students' accomplishments improved on average by 24% across all subjects.
In the job description, you mentioned that you’d like to hire a special education teacher who knows how to work with autistic students and understands the importance of actively engaging parents and guardians. Throughout my career, I've gained valuable experience working with learners of varying abilities and exceptionalities, including autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, and emotional and behavioral challenges. My goal is to ensure that all the students get proper support during their time at the school and in their home environments. That's why I pay special attention to collaborating and communicating with their parents and guardians regularly.
The moment I saw that you've opened a vacancy for a special education teacher, I knew that I had to apply. I've always admired Newton Charter School for its unique approach to education. You attach utmost importance to developing and realizing individualized education plans. I believe that together, we can make even greater, lasting, and positive changes in the lives of students with special needs.
Thank you for considering my application. I would like to discuss further how my qualifications and passion for special education can support the students at Newton Charter School. I look forward to an interview to explore this opportunity in more detail. When are you available?
Sincerely,
Thomas K. Etheridge
P.S. I achieved a 25% decrease in disruptive student behavior and a more supportive and productive learning environment by implementing effective behavior management techniques. I'd love to utilize my expertise and help Newton Charter School's students similarly!
Enclosure: Resume
Now we will analyze how to write a cover letter for a special education teacher.
1. Structure Your Special Education Teacher Cover Letter Properly
A cover letter is like a curriculum. It needs to contain all the necessary elements to bring the desired results.
Sample Special Education Teacher Cover Letter—Checklist
That’s why a job-winning cover letter for a special education teacher should:
- Include a date anda cover letter header with your name and contact information.
- Contain the recruiter’s name and the school’s name and address. If possible, always address your cover letter to a specific person.
- Incorporate a proper cover letter greeting or salutation.
- Have a strong cover letter opening statement(paragraph #1).
- Present your work experience and qualifications and explain how you can help the educational institution and its pupils. Limit yourself to one or two paragraphs (paragraphs #2 & #3).
- Highlight your accomplishments in a closing paragraph (paragraph #3 or #4).
- End with a complimentary close and your name or signature. Don’t forget to list any cover letter enclosures.
Not sure how to format your cover letter? Find out in our guide: Cover Letter Format: Expert Tips & Layout Samples
2. Grab Their Attention From the Very Beginning of Your Cover Letter
Prove to the principal that reading your cover letter is worth their time by starting your cover letter with one of your key achievements. Make them realize you’re the perfect candidate from the first paragraph.
Don’t forget to include a proper cover letter greeting. Use “Dear” and the recruiter’s name. Then mention the job position you’re applying for and present one of your most impressive accomplishments.
Special Education Teacher Cover Letter Examples [First Paragraph]
| RIGHT |
|---|
Thomas K. Etheridge Special Education Teacher 913-651-9023 thomasketheridge@email.com linkedin.com/in/thomasketheridge Las Vegas, 9/20/2023 Mary C. Russo Principal Newton Charter School 3318 Charter Street Las Vegas, NV 66048 Dear Mary, As a dedicated special education teacher with +5 years of experience, I have a vast background in creating and implementing individualized education plans. I'm happy to say that my students' accomplishments improved on average by 24% across all subjects. |
This candidate makes the recruiter’s job easier by using a correct cover letter header. They also remembered to address it properly and personalize it by addressing the principal by their name. Then they hook the reader by dropping their attention-grabbing success.
| WRONG |
|---|
To whom it may concern, I noticed a job posting at your school, and I decided to apply. I hope that I can help your students by using my knowledge and skills. |
Generic cover letter openings like this one lack personality and character. They add no value and can do more harm than good. Ah, and then there’s that to whom it may concern cover letter greeting, which feels impersonal and should be avoided like the plague.
Pro Tip: To maximize your chances of getting invited for an interview, use the same graphic design for both your cover letter and special education teacher resume.
3. Demonstrate Your Competence and Dedication in the Cover Letter Middle
You’re an expert in explaining various concepts and enabling your students to comprehend new information. Now it’s time you use these skills in the middle paragraphs of your cover letter.
Your goal is to make the recruiters understand that you’re a perfect match for the job by presenting your work experience and achievements. You can expand on those mentioned in your special education teacher’s resume, but avoid just repeating them—that’s one of the best cover letter tips.
Make your cover letter more personal by explaining why you want to get this specific teaching position and why you chose to apply for it in the first place. Remember to mention the school’s name.
To construct your special education teacher cover letter middle, rely on this simple formula:
- Show that you understand the responsibilities of this specific position
- Prove that you’ve got the necessary experience/skills
- Express your enthusiasm for this particular special education job
See it in action:
Special Education Teacher Cover Letter Examples [Middle]
This special education teacher cover letter example shows all three elements of the formula we’ve just analyzed: understanding, proof, and passion.
| RIGHT |
|---|
In the job description, you mentioned that you’d like to hire a special education teacher who knows how to work with autistic students and understands the importance of actively engaging parents and guardians. Throughout my career, I've gained valuable experience working with learners of varying abilities and exceptionalities, including autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, and emotional and behavioral challenges. My goal is to ensure that all the students get proper support during their time at the school and in their home environments. That's why I pay special attention to collaborating and communicating with their parents and guardians regularly. The moment I saw that you've opened a vacancy for a special education teacher, I knew that I had to apply. I've always admired Newton Charter School for its unique approach to education. You attach utmost importance to developing and realizing individualized education plans. I believe that together, we can make even greater, lasting, and positive changes in the lives of students with special needs. |
The example above packs plenty of passion and proof sprinkled with a perfect amount of understanding.
| WRONG |
|---|
| I have vast experience in working with students with special needs. When I noticed a job posting at your school, I knew I had to apply since I’ve heard many good things about your facility. I’m looking forward to helping students at your school. |
No principal wants to waste their time reading a cover letter that’s too generic and could have been sent to a dozen other schools. It shows a bit of passion but lacks understanding and proof.
Pro Tip: When it comes to a cover letter, it’s better to put quality over quantity. Learn more about how to write a short cover letter.
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4. Finish Your Special Education Teacher Cover Letter With a Strong CTA
When working with your students, you always strive to make them believe in themselves. You should assume a similar approach when writing your special education teacher’s cover letter.
Show confidence in your skills and qualifications. End your cover letter with asking for a call or interview. A cover letter is, in its essence, a marketing tool, so ending it with a clear call to action is a sine qua non element—it’s been proven that people are more likely to take action when they’re told to do something.
Special Education Teacher Cover Letter Examples [Ending]
| RIGHT |
|---|
Thank you for considering my application. I would like to discuss further how my qualifications and passion for special education can support the students at Newton Charter School. I look forward to an interview to explore this opportunity in more detail. When are you available? Sincerely, Thomas K. Etheridge P.S. I achieved a 25% decrease in disruptive student behavior and a more supportive and productive learning environment by implementing effective behavior management techniques. I'd love to utilize my expertise and help Newton Charter School's students similarly! Enclosure: Resume |
This candidate ticks all the boxes. Their CTA is direct, increasing their chances of getting invited to a job interview.
| WRONG |
|---|
| I’m attaching my resume in hopes that you’ll notice that I have all the characteristics needed for this position. I’m hoping to hear from you soon. |
That’s not how you get invited to a job interview. This cover letter ending lacks confidence, a clear CTA, not to mention a closing salutation and the candidate’s name or signature.
Read more: Struggling with how to end your special education cover letter? Find out in our guide: How to End a Cover Letter
Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:
See more cover letter templates and start writing.
Key Takeaway
Let’s summarize all the steps of writing a perfect cover letter for a special education teacher:
- Pay attention to formatting your cover letter properly.
- Don’t forget to include all the necessary information in the cover letter header and to grab the recruiter’s attention in the first paragraph.
- Present your work experience and motivation in the cover letter middle.
- Finish your cover letter with a clear CTA and ask for an interview.
Thank you for reading!
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