Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Example for 2024 (W/ Templates & Tips)

21 February
6 min read
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Ever since you were young, you've been drawn to helping and supporting others. 

Now, you're building a career as a professional teacher assistant. 

The only challenge as you’re applying for your next gig? Writing a strong cover letter. Feeling unsure about starting might remind you of first-day school nerves. 

But, we're here to help! In this article, we'll show you how to write the perfect teacher assistant cover letter

Here’s what we’ll cover: 

  • What a Standout Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Looks Like
  • 5 Steps to Writing a Great Teacher Assistant Cover Letter
  • 3 Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Tips

…and more! Let’s dive in! 

Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Example

Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Teacher Assistant Cover Letter

You've just read a top-tier, job-landing cover letter in action. 

Feeling inspired? All you've got to do now is follow the steps below, and you'll be crafting your own cover letter in no time:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Starting your teacher assistant cover letter? You'll want to get the basics right. Make sure your contact information is neatly placed in the header, just like on your resume.

Here's what you should include:

  • First and Last Name. Start by listing your full name.
  • Job Title. Your cover letter should specify that you're applying for a teacher assistant position. This helps if the hiring manager has many roles to look at.
  • Email Address. A professional email is often a mix of your names. The fun email you created during your school days might not make the best impression now. So, instead of coolguy99@hotmail.com, a safer bet would be sarah.k.peters@gmail.com.
  • Phone Number. Ensure you list a current number. And, if you're eyeing a position in another country, remember to include the dialing code.
  • Location. Your city and state or country are typically all you need. If you can work from anywhere or move, say so.
  • Relevant Links (optional). Consider including links to sites or profiles that highlight your experience or passion for education, like your LinkedIn.

Once your contact details are set, shift focus to the school or institution.

Here's your checklist:

  • School Name. Start with the name of the school or educational institution.
  • Principal or Hiring Manager’s Name. Whenever possible, find out and list the name of the principal or the person overseeing hiring. School websites, job listings, or LinkedIn might have this information.
  • Their Title. If you've identified the specific person responsible for hiring and they happen to be, say, the "Dean of Staff", use that title instead of a generic “Hiring Manager.”
  • Location. The city and state or country of the school are key. For added detail, you can include the school's full address.
  • Email Address (Optional). If available, include the contact email of the principal or hiring manager.
  • Date of Writing (Optional). Include the date of writing to give your cover letter a professional edge.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

After adding your contact details, make sure to address your cover letter to the right person.

A proper greeting can set the right tone for the rest of the cover letter. 

How to start? Look at the job post, the school's website, or LinkedIn page if they have one to find out who's hiring for the teacher assistant job. You might find their name and email.

If you find out their name, address them politely - but skip the outdated “To Whom It May Concern.” Use "Mr." or "Ms." with their last name. If you're unsure about their gender, just use their full name. For example:

Example Addressing Hiring Manager:
  • Dear Ms. Martinez,
  • Dear Carla Martinez,

Hit a roadblock and couldn't find the hiring manager's details? No worries! You can greet the broader teaching team or the educational institution:

Example Addressing Institution:
  • Dear Teaching Assistant Selection Team,
  • Dear Human Resources Department,
  • Dear Educational Recruitment Committee,
  • Dear Head of Teaching Assistants,

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

School principals often quickly look over an applicant's cover letter.

So, making a strong first impression is important for a teacher assistant cover letter.

Start by stating your name and why you're interested in the role. Show your real excitement for education and for helping students to grab the principal's attention.

It helps to know about the school you're applying to. Understanding their values lets you show how you can fit in with the other teachers and their educational principles. This tells the principal you really want this specific job, not just any teacher assistant role out there.

If you are a seasoned professional with major achievements, mention them early in your cover letter. Or, talk about skills that make you great for the job.

But remember, keep this part short. Your goal is to pique the hiring manager’s interest and get them to want to see more of your cover letter.

Check out our other cover letter examples to write a stellar opening paragraph. 

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The main part of your teacher assistant cover letter is where you get to really explain why you're the best fit for the job.

The trick is to not just repeat your teacher assistant resume here. Instead, talk about your relevant skills and experience in helping teachers. Use this space to show why you stand out from other applicants. Share any big achievements or times you went the extra mile to help teachers and students. 

To really nail this part, use the job description as a guide.

Tailor your cover letter to the school's needs. If the job focuses on helping special needs students or using tech tools, highlight those skills if you have them. 

Additionally, show that you know about the school's teaching methods or goals. If you've worked with or know about the school's programs, mention that. This shows you've researched the school and that you share their values.

End strongly. Show your real excitement for teaching and how you're ready to help teachers and students with your skills and commitment.

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Finishing your cover letter strongly is key to making a good impression.

Make sure you reiterate your confidence about being a great teacher assistant. Use the closing paragraph to summarize your strong points, including why you're the right choice to help both teachers and students.

In your closing, show your excitement for the teacher assistant role and quickly remind them of your top strengths.

After your wrap-up, include a call to action. A simple invitation for further talks about joining their team can increase your chance of getting an interview.

End your letter in a friendly yet professional way. Choose a good closing line, then write your full name. Here's an example of how to end it:

Signing Your Cover Letter:

I'm excited about the possibility of supporting your educational team. Please feel free to connect with me at the provided email or phone number for a more comprehensive discussion. Eagerly waiting for an opportunity to discuss how I can assist in creating a productive learning environment.

Warmly,

Alexandra Lee

If “Warmly” feels too personal for your taste, here are some alternatives you can opt for:

  • Faithfully,
  • Best regards,
  • With gratitude,
  • Thank you for considering my application,
Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Structure

3 Essential Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Tips

You've got the cover letter essentials under your belt, so now let's add some sparkle with these key cover letter tips designed especially for teacher assistants!

#1. Match Your Resume

Are you keen on landing that teacher assistant role? 

Make sure your cover letter's design matches your resume for a cohesive look.

Place your text and contact information neatly on the page. Ensure the font styles and sizes are consistent on both documents. Also, adjust the margins and spacing to make sure your cover letter fits on one page

Keeping both your cover letter and resume within one page is what hiring managers worldwide are expecting and it will prove that you’re professional, well-organized, and attentive to detail! 

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Stuck in a formatting rut? 

Just try our cover letter templates for a quick solution! 

Along with our free resume builder, you can use them to create the perfect teacher assistant application.

Each template is carefully crafted with the help of global hiring professionals, so they meet all industry standards while also looking great. 

Just pick one, match it with your resume, and go get that bartending gig!

Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Examples

#2. Be Enthusiastic 

Enthusiasm is contagious, especially in the world of education. 

As a prospective teacher assistant, showing genuine excitement about the role can truly make your cover letter shine. Highlight your passion for the industry and convey a positive attitude about joining the team. 

However, remember there's a fine line between enthusiasm and flattery. Instead of over-praising the institution, focus on your genuine interest in contributing to it. 

It's about striking the right balance: you want to exude confidence without appearing overbearing. An enthusiastic approach suggests you're not just looking for any job, but that you truly believe in the value of the role and are eager to make a difference.

#3. Be Formal

In the education sector, first impressions matter. 

While your passion and enthusiasm are essential, it's just as crucial to present yourself professionally in your cover letter. 

Adopting a formal tone signifies respect and shows that you understand the industry's decorum. It tells employers that you're serious about the position and are aware of the professional standards expected in an educational setting. 

Think of it as wearing your best attire for an interview – your cover letter should reflect your best professional self, setting the stage for a lasting positive impression.

Key Takeaways

That covers the basics for writing a teacher assistant cover letter! We hope you're all set to get that dream teacher assistant role soon.

Before sending out your cover letter, let's revisit the key points:

  • Start your teacher assistant cover letter by listing both your contact info and the hiring manager's. Make sure your information is correct so they can get in touch for an interview.
  • Your opening paragraph should catch the hiring manager's eye and make them want to read more.
  • Use the main part of your cover letter to highlight your top achievements and skills that match the teacher assistant position.
  • At the end, maybe suggest that they call or meet you. It's a nice way to encourage them to take the next step.
  • Ensure your cover letter looks like your resume. If you're in a hurry, think about using one of our matched resume and cover letter templates.