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Instructor cover letter
Cover letter template for an instructor
Format your instructor cover letter
How to write an instructor cover letter
Include your resume
Key takeaways
Resources to help you prepare for your interview

Looking for a new job as an instructor? A cover letter is a great way to talk about your work experience.

No matter if you’re experienced or new to teaching, your cover letter is very important. It’s your chance to show how careful you are, your leadership and what makes you different in your job.

Not sure how to start? No problem. We’re here to help make writing your cover letter easy for instructors like you.

Here’s what we offer:

Example cover letters to give you ideas.
Easy-to-use templates that highlight your teaching leadership.
Advice on how to show off your planning and teamwork skills.
Help designed to grow your teaching career.

Ready to start your cover letter? Our Cover Letter Builder is made to help anyone, no matter the job or field, including instructors. It has simple templates and phrasing suggestions that focus on your strengths in teaching to make sure you stand out.

Instructor cover letter

Cover letter for an instructor

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Here are the key elements that stand out in this example:

Starts with showcasing main strengths
The first paragraph highlights the applicant’s core abilities, focusing on their leadership in educational settings and their impact on team dynamics and performance.
Emphasizes notable successes
It consistently presents the applicant’s skill in enhancing educational programs and creating a supportive and positive environment for students.
Finishes strongly
The cover letter wraps up with genuine enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute positively to the new teaching team.

Browse other popular samples

Related Guides & Tips

Cover letter template for an instructor

Copy and paste this template to use as a starting point for your instructor cover letter.

Jeremy Walker
Ravenna, OH 44266
555-555-5555
example@example.com

Sept. 19, 2024

George Gray, Institute Manager
The McNeal Institute of Higher Learning
8280 Wintergreen Lane
Ravenna, OH 44266

Dear Mr. Gray,

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the instructor position at The McNeal Institute of Higher Learning, as advertised. With a deep-rooted commitment to student success and a track record of delivering impactful educational experiences, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your institution’s mission of academic excellence.

Throughout my 10 years of experience in education, I have continually strived to go above and beyond the expectations of a traditional instructor. I firmly believe in placing the learning needs of students at the forefront of every decision and action. My teaching philosophy revolves around creating an environment where students are empowered to succeed and reach their full potential.

In response to the requirements outlined in the job posting, I bring a wealth of experience in self-motivation, adaptability and communication. I have developed and implemented flexible lesson plans that cater to students’ diverse learning styles and needs while also aligning with the overarching goals of the institution. This approach has resulted in measurable improvements in student engagement, performance and satisfaction, including a 20% increase in student participation and a 15% rise in overall course grades over the past academic year.

I am genuinely excited about the prospect of joining The McNeal Institute of Higher Learning and contributing to its ongoing success. I am confident that my experience, dedication and passion for education will make a meaningful difference within your institution.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my skills and qualifications align with the needs of your organization.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Walker

Format your instructor cover letter

Just like how you plan and guide your classes with passion and focus, your cover letter should reflect your dedication to teaching excellence.

Here are some simple tips to make your cover letter formatting professional and effective, just like your teaching style:

Margins and alignment: Stick with standard margins, about 0.75 to 1 inch, and align your text to the left. This neat layout reflects the organized way you handle your teaching responsibilities.
Bullet points: Just as you break down lesson plans into key points, use bullet points in your cover letter to highlight your major achievements or skills. This helps them catch the reader’s eye quickly.
Font size and style: Use bold or italics to make important points stand out, but keep the overall design simple and clean. Choose a straightforward, easy-to-read font in a size that’s comfortable for reading, like between 10.5 and 12 points.

Your cover letter is your chance to show off your careful planning and attention to detail.

Choosing the ideal template

Create your cover letter

For a creative starting point that’s perfect for instructors, think about using a colorful and imaginative cover letter template. This can show your creativity and ability to engage students, while still keeping the content clear and easy to read.

While you can create your own design in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, if design isn’t your strength, go for a premade template that blends professionalism with a touch of your unique teaching style.

As you get ready to write your cover letter, imagine it’s like planning your curriculum for the year546 — a well-thought-out plan leads to successful learning outcomes!

How to write an instructor cover letter

As an instructor, your cover letter is a great place to share how you lead your classroom, create a positive learning environment and connect with students, parents and the wider school community.

Did you know many hiring managers believe cover letters are crucial? They give you a special opportunity to make a memorable impression.

Step 1

Focus on what the school needs

Start by closely reading the job description. To grab attention and navigate through any applicant tracking system (ATS) the school might be using, it’s essential to use relevant keywords. Choosing the correct language can really make your application stand out.

Look for keywords that the school emphasizes, like “curriculum development,” “student engagement,” “parental communication” and “classroom management.” Make sure you mention these skills in both your resume and cover letter.

Tailoring your cover letter to the job shows you’re the right person for the position.

Step 2

Organize your header

The header of your cover letter might seem small, but it’s quite significant. It does more than look good — it ensures the hiring manager knows how to contact you.

Be sure to include:

Your full name
Your city and state
Your phone number
An appropriate email address

Pro tip

For instructors, having a professional email address is essential. For example, avoid using casual or quirky emails like “beachlover123@example.com.” Instead, opt for something that includes your name, such as “john.doe@example.com,” to maintain a professional tone.

Step 3

Directly address the hiring manager

When drafting your cover letter, aim for a friendly and straightforward tone, as though you’re conversing with a colleague in your field, which for this example is in aviation education.

If the job advertisement doesn’t specify a name, using “Flight Training Hiring Team” or “Pilot Instructor Selection Committee” is perfectly acceptable.

However, whenever possible, try to discover the hiring manager’s name through the flight school or organization’s website. This extra step signals your genuine interest and attention to detail.

Step 4

Start with a strong introduction

Kick off your cover letter with a sentence that captures your enthusiasm for the role.

Following the same example as above, here are tailored examples for a pilot instructor based on different levels of experience:

For aspiring pilot instructors:

I’m excited to submit my application for the pilot instructor position at [Flight School/Company Name]. My background in aviation training and a strong passion for flight education have prepared me to contribute significantly to your training programs, enhancing both student performance and engagement in the aviation community.

For experienced pilot instructors:

With [Number] years of experience in aviation education, I’m looking forward to becoming part of the team at [Flight School/Company Name]. A career highlight for me was guiding our students to achieve a 100% pass rate on their certification exams while also increasing enrollment in our flight training programs. This achievement highlights my commitment to fostering a comprehensive and supportive learning environment. I’m keen to bring my expertise in instructional design and flight safety to your team.

Pro tip

Mentioning a specific example of how you’ve positively impacted a training program or helped students succeed can really make your application shine.

Step 5

Explain why you’re the perfect match

The body of your cover letter is where you show why you’re the ideal candidate for the instructor role. Structure this section into two or three focused paragraphs to maintain clarity and impact.

Here’s what to include:

Key achievements: Share instances where you significantly contributed to educational outcomes. For example, if you implemented a new teaching strategy that improved student comprehension or exam pass rates, be sure to mention it.
Personal anecdote: Sometimes, a brief personal story that captures the employer’s interest can further illustrate your qualifications and character.
Comprehensive skill set: Discuss your range of abilities. Mention aspects like curriculum development (hard skills) alongside empathy and effective communication (soft skills). Highlight transferable skills if you’re transitioning into education.

Example body paragraphs for a nursing instructor:

At [Institution Name], I spearheaded a project to revise our nursing curriculum. The goal was clear: to incorporate the latest evidence-based practices and technologies in nursing education, enhancing our students’ clinical competencies.

This endeavor involved meticulous research, collaboration with health care professionals, and the integration of simulation-based learning experiences. The outcome was transformative, with our nursing program seeing an increase in NCLEX pass rates and student satisfaction.

This initiative not only highlighted the importance of adaptability and innovation in nursing education; it also affirmed my commitment to excellence in preparing the next generation of nurses. By identifying educational gaps and advocating for forward-thinking solutions, I have significantly contributed to the advancement of our nursing department. This experience has honed my abilities in curriculum development and student engagement, reinforcing my capability to foster educational excellence and positive student outcomes.

Pro tip

Whenever you use bullet points, kick them off with action verbs like “spearheaded,” “revised” and “incorporated” to make your role and achievements feel more current.

Step 6

Request a follow-up conversation

The end of your cover letter should suggest further conversations and show appreciation for the recruiter’s time. You could say, “I’m looking forward to discussing how my teaching methods and experience can benefit your students and faculty. Thank you for taking the time to consider my candidacy.”

Pro tip

Let your true self come through in your writing. Your cover letter is an opportunity to express your passion for teaching and make your application stand out in a way your resume cannot.

Step 7

Be friendly in your signoff

End your letter on a friendly note with a courteous close like “Sincerely,” “Best regards” or “With warm wishes.”

Pro tip

Using a conventional signoff demonstrates respect and professionalism. A thankful conclusion will cast a positive light on your ability to collaborate with colleagues, students and the wider educational community.

Include your resume

Create your resume

Think of your cover letter and resume as your personal pitch to potential employers in education. They work together to highlight your teaching methods, curriculum development and ability to support and motivate students.

Your cover letter style should match your resume template. This consistency proves you pay attention to details and take a professional approach — important qualities for any instructor.

Unsure how to showcase your abilities on your resume? Look at resume examples from fellow educators. Focus on those that emphasize curriculum innovation, engaging communication with students and colleagues and achievements in improving student outcomes.

Short on time? Use a AI resume builder. These tools are designed to help you quickly create an impressive resume — no prior experience required! They offer various templates and customizable options to reflect your skills and accomplishments accurately.

Key takeaways

Focus on relevant skills

Understand the essential skills for the teaching role by reviewing the job posting. Look for phrases like “curriculum development,” “student engagement” or “effective communication.”
Choose a professional layout

Opt for a design that is clean and easy to read. Your selection should reflect your ability to organize and present information clearly.
Use a professional email address

Ensure your contact information includes a professional email address. An address like “Jane.Doe@domain.com” presents a more polished image than informal names.
Maintain consistent formatting

Be mindful of your choices for fonts, spacing and margins. Consistent formatting shows you’re meticulous and have a good eye for detail, an important trait for any instructor.
Start with a compelling opening

Kick off your cover letter with a sentence that captures interest. Keep it concise yet impactful to draw the reader’s attention to your qualifications immediately.
Detail your best accomplishments

In two to three paragraphs, tell the story of the experience and skills that make you the perfect instructor for the role they’re trying to fill.
Conclude with optimism

End your application with a message that looks forward to the possibility of contributing to the school’s success. Express your enthusiasm for applying your skills in this new setting.

Resources to help you prepare for your interview

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.