Letter of Intent for Teaching Position

Letter of Intent for Teaching Position

Last updated March 17th, 2023

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letter of intent for a teaching position is one that conveys an individual’s interest in teaching at a particular school. It outlines why they believe the school should hire them and provides their work experience, education, and skillset as evidence. The letter is often written with a personal, but formal approach, describing the individual’s teaching style, motivation, and objectives in the classroom. A letter of intent can be the administration’s first impression of the teacher, and it can open the door to an interview.

Contents

How to Write an LOI for a Teaching Position

An effective letter of intent should outline the applicant’s professional and educational background, as well as their character and qualities. It should also demonstrate that they are familiar with the school and their values.

  1. Research. The applicant should inform themselves on the school’s educational mission to demonstrate how it aligns with their objectives as a teacher.
  2. Write the introduction. The letter should introduce the applicant and state their interest in working at the school. The introduction should be brief and to the point.
  3. Describe previous experiences and education. The main body of the letter should detail their education, skills, and teaching experience. This section should indicate why they believe they are qualified for the position.
  4. Define teaching style and goals. The letter should also focus on the applicant’s teaching philosophy, objectives, and motivation, as well as how they align with the school’s approach to education. The applicant should emphasize their personal strengths and compatibility with the school.
  5. Close the letter. The closing paragraph should convey the applicant’s gratitude and enthusiasm. It should state that the applicant looks forward to hearing back from the school and hopes to secure an interview.
  6. Send and follow up. The applicant should send the letter with the accompanying documents (e.g., CV, references, etc.). They may inquire about their application status with the school if they are not contacted within a reasonable period of time.

Sample

Download: PDFWord (.docx)OpenDocument

LETTER OF INTENT

FOR A TEACHING POSITION

[MM/DD/YYYY]

[SENDER NAME]
[SENDER STREET ADDRESS]
[SENDER CITY, STATE, ZIP]

[RECIPIENT NAME], [RECIPIENT TITLE]
[SCHOOL NAME]
[SCHOOL STREET ADDRESS]
[SCHOOL CITY, STATE, ZIP]

Dear [RECIPIENT NAME]

My name is [NAME], and I am writing to express my interest in the position of [TYPE] at [SCHOOL]. I have taught for [#] years, and have committed to sharpening my classroom skills to provide as fertile a learning environment as possible. My focus has been to encourage critical thinking, problem solving, and social skills in my students, and I aspire to do the same at [SCHOOL].

I have a bachelor’s of education from [INSTITUTION] and am currently enrolled in [INSTITUTION]‘s graduate program for teaching. I have taught at [SCHOOL] between [YEARS] for [GRADES] with a primary focus on [SUBJECT]. I have a passion for one-on-one teaching, and experience in incorporating teaching technology to facilitate learning. My commitment to students has been acknowledged by administrators, from whom I have received consistent positive feedback.

As a teacher, I believe that [VALUES] is very important and that students learn best when [TEACHING STYLE]. My objective in teaching is to ensure that students [GOALS], and I strongly believe in ensuring [PHILOSOPHY]. I am a [QUALITIES] teacher, and if accepted, I hope to nurture a joy for learning in your school’s students. 

Thank you for reviewing my application. I am confident that my skills and experience will be an asset to your school. I look forward to your response, and I hope to be able to discuss this opportunity further in person.

Sincerely, 

[NAME]

Signature: ___________________

Things to Avoid

It is essential to write a letter of intent that makes a positive first impression when applying for a teaching position. A well-written letter of intent should avoid the following:

  • Irrelevant information. The letter should not include information that does not contribute meaningfully to the application.
  • Lack of research. Applicants should be familiarized with what the school is known for, such as its unique programs, notable achievements, and mission statement.
  • Generic writing. The letter should not be generic and should be written specifically for the school they are addressing.
  • Unorganized structure. The letter should be sequenced in a logical order that flows well and reads coherently.