esl cover letter no experience

ESL Teacher Cover Letter Sample Cover Letter Sample a.k.a. Application Letter

Review this English as a Second Language Teacher cover letter sample which includes all the right sections and information that should be included in any strong cover letter. This example ESL cover letter will help give you ideas even if you are writing an EFL, TESOL, or ELL application letter.

It is addressed properly, contains up-to-date contact information, and matches the resume. These are all integral to creating a strong letter of introduction. A cover letter should include both your contact details as well as the person you are addressing the cover letter to. In this case, Mona's contact details are in the header. A cover letter then needs to include the date, followed by the addressee's contact details. It's also important to find out the name of the person you are contacting so you can properly address them.

Mona's desired position is also easily identifiable. Interviewers hate nothing more than not understanding which position the candidate wishes to secure. The position has been bolded so the reader knows right away what position they are applying for.

This example ESL English as a Second Language teacher cover letter / application letter showcases Mona's formal education and credentials, years of classroom expertise, relevant skills sets, and her enthusiasm to teach all types and levels of ESL learners.

She starts the cover letter off with a strong introductory paragraph that highlights her credentials and teaching licenses, as well as her years of teaching experience. This is followed by her next paragraph which showcases her ability to work with a wide variety of students, as well as her talent to effectively meet the needs of ESL students through a variety of methods.

Her third paragraph delves deeper into her teaching style and describes some of the teaching methods she utilizes to create engaging lessons and improve students' English skills. These are all great points to make to showcase teaching skills and show a school what she can provide them with. After reading this letter, a reader will definitely want to read on to the resume to find out more.

The sample ESL instructor cover letter communicates real examples to provide evidence that the candidate will assist ESL students, facilitate multiple intelligences, enhance student comprehension, and provide all children with a meaningful learning experience.

View this English as a second language teacher application letter in PDF format.

All resume and application letter examples on our website are fictionalized.

Check out the matching ESL English as a second language teaching resume . We ensured consistency in fonts, format, style, and visual appeal.

Read in-depth teaching job application writing tips with examples to gain some modern ideas to enhance your ESL teacher application letter.

While you are visiting the blog you can read 12 excerpts from sample application letters for teachers .

Mona P. Buttons 7398 91st Street • Tacoma, WA 98275 425) 555-2376 • [email protected]

<Date>

Sarah Jones, Superintendent ABC School District 1000 33rd Street South Tacoma, WA 98888

Dear Ms. Jones:

It is with great enthusiasm that I submit my resume in consideration for a position as an ESL Teacher with the ABC School District. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education (graduated cum laude) and have earned certifications in Elementary Self-Contained (Grades 1-8) and English as a Second Language (Grades 1-8) for the state of Washington. As a highly compassionate and approachable teaching professional, with over 15 years of hands-on teaching experience, I am confident in my ability to become a valuable member of your teaching staff.

The enclosed resume will highlight my career achievements and showcase my dedication to ESL education. Being a versatile educator, I have had the opportunity to instruct a wide variety of students from various backgrounds and all facets of society. As a result, I am a compassionate teacher, who remains sensitive to children's unique needs, differentiates instruction, provides individual and whole group support, integrates multicultural teaching units, and offers positive encouragement and reinforcement to keep students focused and motivated.

One of the most effective ways that I assist ESL students is by developing and presenting comprehensible and stimulating lesson plans that facilitate all learning styles. I research, locate, and incorporate a variety of resources to accommodate students via visual, audio, tactile, and kinesthetic methods. In addition, I integrate literature, Writers' Workshop, phonics activities, and technology to ensure that each child is able to comprehend and retain the concepts and language. My goal is to foster and maintain an open, honest, communicative, and supportive classroom, in which each student feels safe, secure, special, and appropriately challenged.

I would enjoy the opportunity to meet with you personally to discuss how my diverse skills and experience will enable me to make a valuable contribution to your school district. You may contact me at the above phone number or email address at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Mona P. Buttons

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How to Write a TEFL Cover Letter (With Sample)

Camille turner.

• October 21, 2021

When applying for in-person or online TEFL/TESOL jobs , your cover letter is your first impression and, like your Bridge Teacher Portfolio and digital badges , helps you stand out as an applicant. A TEFL cover letter conveys your enthusiasm for a specific position and demonstrates your qualifications for the job. Cover letters can fill in gaps on your resume, such as inexperience, lack of education, or even periods of unemployment. They also provide a chance to let your personality shine through and for potential employers to get to know you a little better.

How do you begin a TEFL cover letter?

Before you get started writing your cover letter, remember these three tips:

• A TEFL cover letter is usually not very long, consisting of just three short paragraphs.
• You want to be brief and direct so that employers take the time to actually read what you’ve written, but still detailed enough to provide an accurate picture of your personality and experience.
• It is imperative that each teaching cover letter you write is tailored to the specific job for which you’re applying. It’s easy to see when an applicant has simply used a generic cover letter to send in mass to various companies, and this never looks good to employers.

When you’re ready to start, your teaching cover letter should begin with a personalized greeting. In other words, you want to avoid the generic “Dear Hiring Manager” and instead find out the name of the person handling the applications.

While this isn’t always possible, oftentimes all it takes is a quick glance at the job advertisement or an easy web search to find out who is in charge of the school, language institute, or online company where you’re applying. Taking the time to research the hiring manager’s name will allow you to stand out as someone who goes the extra mile, who cares deeply about the specific job, and who demonstrates attention to detail.

Read these tips for choosing the best company for teaching online.

How do you format a TEFL cover letter? What exactly should it include?

Cover letters usually include three paragraphs:

1. Introduction: Why you’re writing and where you saw the job post

This first paragraph is simple enough. You’re essentially letting an employer know that you’re interested in working for them. Be sure to specify the position for which you’re applying, and let the school, language institute, or online company know where you saw the job advertisement. Employers appreciate when applicants mention where they saw the job posting because it allows them to get a better idea of where their advertising time and money are best spent.

2. Why you want this particular job and would be great for it

This is perhaps the most important paragraph to consider when writing a cover letter to teach abroad or online because this is where you’ll really demonstrate why someone should hire you.

Do your research

The first thing to keep in mind is that you need to do your research so that you can show you have a vast knowledge of the school or company and the position. Again, this personalizes the TEFL cover letter and lets employers know that this particular job is important to you.

Focus on what you can do for them

Next, highlight what you can specifically do for the school or program. Try to match your qualities to those listed in the job posting by offering specific examples of times when you’ve demonstrated these qualities or previous roles you’ve held that incorporated the same skillsets.

Furthermore, try quantifying your skills – put numbers to your accomplishments! Teachers can do this in several ways, including specifying how many students they supervised during a specific role, how many reflective teaching support groups they hosted each month at a school, or the percentage by which their students’ test scores improved during a certain year.

Highlight what makes you stand out as an applicant

Finally, you’ll want to mention any other unique qualities that are not on your TEFL resume but that reflect your suitability for the job. Examples include your demonstrated ability to adapt to other cultures, your experience learning other languages, which has led you to a deeper understanding of what it takes to teach a language, or your proven expertise when it comes to incorporating technology into the classroom.

3. Summary paragraph

While this paragraph is largely self-explanatory, you’ll want to remember several essential components to include here.

• First, you should reiterate why you’re a good fit for the position in order to leave employers with the most relevant information.
• Then, you should be sure to thank them for taking the time to review your application or read your TEFL cover letter.
• Additionally, you want to include a reference to the next step. This could be something like, “I would appreciate the chance to set up an interview in order to further speak with you about my qualifications for the position” or, “Please feel free to reach out to me via phone or email if you have any questions about my qualifications.”

Finally, you should include your contact information and signature. This is also a great space to include your digital badges for TEFL/TESOL , which can be hyperlinked to a verifiable URL where employers can get details on your course, including core competencies achieved, a sampling of tasks you’ve completed, and info on the program’s accreditation. This will help you stand out from other applicants and further highlight your credentials.

Sample TEFL cover letter 

This example cover letter shows our cover letter tips in action!

What if I have no teaching experience?

If you don’t have any prior teaching experience, then you should use the space in your cover letter to teach abroad or online to reference your TEFL certification and how the skills you learned in your online TEFL course align with the job for which you’re applying. For example, you could highlight a teaching practicum in which you taught a class of adult learners and were evaluated by an experienced TEFL/TESOL teacher, how you created multiple lesson plans using different teaching methods, or how you completed a Specialization in Teaching Young Learners .

Alternatively, you could take the opportunity to describe how skills you’ve acquired in non-teaching jobs would transfer to the position . For example, if you’ve ever held a position in which you’ve overseen large groups of adults or children, this could translate into classroom management skills . Or, if you’ve led workshops or training sessions, you could easily equate this to being able to clearly and effectively explain difficult subjects to learners. 

Newly certified? Here’s how to get TEFL/TESOL experience.

What shouldn’t I include in my TEFL cover letter?

Generic language.

One thing to avoid in your teaching cover letter is generic language that isn’t unique to the position for which you’re applying. Anything that broadly references your overall teaching qualifications instead of specifying how a certain qualification or experience translates to the specific position would fall into this generic language category.

Summary of your resume

Another trap that applicants often fall into is using their TEFL cover letter to simply summarize what’s on their resume. This is harmful to their candidacy for a few reasons. For starters, employers will simply gloss over what you’ve written since they’ve already seen the same information in your resume. Furthermore, these types of cover letters come across as boring and stiff. In other words, you’ll miss out on the opportunity to show your personality and make a case for your candidature for the specific position.

Check out these free resources to enhance your TEFL/TESOL resume.

Typos and other errors

Finally, it’s essential that you avoid sending your cover letter with any typos or grammatical errors. While this holds true for any position, it’s all the more important when applying for a TEFL job because no school is going to want an English teacher who doesn’t have a firm grasp of grammar and spelling!

Now that you’ve got your cover letter down, you’re ready to start applying for jobs. Check out the Bridge Job Board  for the latest teaching positions worldwide and online!

Camille is a content marketing manager, specializing in the language industry. Her love for language and experiencing other cultures has taken her around the globe, and she has taught English abroad both in the classroom and online. When not working or traveling, she can be found spending time with her family or — when not chasing after her two young daughters — cozying up with a good book!

English Teacher Cover Letter Example (Free Guide)

Create an english teacher cover letter that lands you the interview with our free examples and writing tips. use and customize our template and land an interview today..

Are you looking for a way to stand out from the crowd when applying for English teaching jobs? Writing a great cover letter is key to making a strong first impression. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to write an effective cover letter that will get you noticed by potential employers.

We will cover:

• How to write a cover letter, no matter your industry or job title.
• What to put on a cover letter to stand out.
• The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
• How to build a cover letter fast with our professional Cover Letter Builder .
• What a cover letter template is, and why you should use it.

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English Teacher Cover Letter Sample

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Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the English Teacher position at your school. With my enthusiasm for teaching, enthusiasm for learning, and experience teaching students of all ages, I am confident I will be an excellent addition to your team.

I am currently a full-time English teacher at XYZ School, where I have been since 2015. During my time here, I have taught a variety of classes including freshman and senior English classes, creative writing, and literature. I have also been involved in the school’s drama program, where I directed three plays and wrote one of my own.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in English from ABC University, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in English Education. I am passionate about teaching and learning and strive to make my classes engaging and inspiring. I believe that my enthusiasm for the subject and my commitment to helping students reach their full potential make me a great fit for this position.

My experience in the classroom and my knowledge of the subject have prepared me to take on the challenges of the English Teacher position at your school. I am confident that I have the skills to help your students reach their goals and excel in the English language.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing my qualifications with you further.

Why Do you Need a English Teacher Cover Letter?

• A English Teacher cover letter is an important document that provides schools with a detailed overview of your qualifications and experience.
• It is the first thing that a school will see when considering you for a teaching position, and it is your chance to stand out from the competition.
• A well-written cover letter will make you stand out to employers and demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the job.
• Your cover letter should highlight the skills and experience you have that are relevant to the job, as well as any special qualifications or certifications you have.
• It should also include information about your teaching philosophy and any experiences you have had that have helped you become a better teacher.
• A cover letter is a great way to show schools that you are passionate about teaching and can help you make a great first impression.

A Few Important Rules To Keep In Mind

• Keep it professional: Your cover letter should be professional, so use a formal business letter format.
• Highlight relevant qualifications: Mention qualifications from the job description that you possess.
• Show enthusiasm: Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position and provide examples of how you can contribute to the success of the school.
• Be concise: Keep your letter to one page, and make sure to include only the most pertinent information.
• Proofread: Make sure to proofread your letter multiple times to make sure there are no spelling or grammar errors.

What's The Best Structure For English Teacher Cover Letters?

After creating an impressive English Teacher resume , the next step is crafting a compelling cover letter to accompany your job applications. It's essential to remember that your cover letter should maintain a formal tone and follow a recommended structure. But what exactly does this structure entail, and what key elements should be included in a English Teacher cover letter? Let's explore the guidelines and components that will make your cover letter stand out.

Key Components For English Teacher Cover Letters:

• Your contact information, including the date of writing
• The recipient's details, such as the company's name and the name of the addressee
• A professional greeting or salutation, like "Dear Mr. Levi,"
• An attention-grabbing opening statement to captivate the reader's interest
• A concise paragraph explaining why you are an excellent fit for the role
• Another paragraph highlighting why the position aligns with your career goals and aspirations
• A closing statement that reinforces your enthusiasm and suitability for the role
• A complimentary closing, such as "Regards" or "Sincerely," followed by your name
• An optional postscript (P.S.) to add a brief, impactful note or mention any additional relevant information.

Cover Letter Header

A header in a cover letter should typically include the following information:

• Your Full Name: Begin with your first and last name, written in a clear and legible format.
• Contact Information: Include your phone number, email address, and optionally, your mailing address. Providing multiple methods of contact ensures that the hiring manager can reach you easily.
• Date: Add the date on which you are writing the cover letter. This helps establish the timeline of your application.

It's important to place the header at the top of the cover letter, aligning it to the left or center of the page. This ensures that the reader can quickly identify your contact details and know when the cover letter was written.

Cover Letter Greeting / Salutation

A greeting in a cover letter should contain the following elements:

• Personalized Salutation: Address the hiring manager or the specific recipient of the cover letter by their name. If the name is not mentioned in the job posting or you are unsure about the recipient's name, it's acceptable to use a general salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Company Name] Recruiting Team."
• Professional Tone: Maintain a formal and respectful tone throughout the greeting. Avoid using overly casual language or informal expressions.
• Correct Spelling and Title: Double-check the spelling of the recipient's name and ensure that you use the appropriate title (e.g., Mr., Ms., Dr., or Professor) if applicable. This shows attention to detail and professionalism.

For example, a suitable greeting could be "Dear Ms. Johnson," or "Dear Hiring Manager," depending on the information available. It's important to tailor the greeting to the specific recipient to create a personalized and professional tone for your cover letter.

Cover Letter Introduction

An introduction for a cover letter should capture the reader's attention and provide a brief overview of your background and interest in the position. Here's how an effective introduction should look:

• Opening Statement: Start with a strong opening sentence that immediately grabs the reader's attention. Consider mentioning your enthusiasm for the job opportunity or any specific aspect of the company or organization that sparked your interest.
• Brief Introduction: Provide a concise introduction of yourself and mention the specific position you are applying for. Include any relevant background information, such as your current role, educational background, or notable achievements that are directly related to the position.
• Connection to the Company: Demonstrate your knowledge of the company or organization and establish a connection between your skills and experiences with their mission, values, or industry. Showcasing your understanding and alignment with their goals helps to emphasize your fit for the role.
• Engaging Hook: Consider including a compelling sentence or two that highlights your unique selling points or key qualifications that make you stand out from other candidates. This can be a specific accomplishment, a relevant skill, or an experience that demonstrates your value as a potential employee.
• Transition to the Body: Conclude the introduction by smoothly transitioning to the main body of the cover letter, where you will provide more detailed information about your qualifications, experiences, and how they align with the requirements of the position.

By following these guidelines, your cover letter introduction will make a strong first impression and set the stage for the rest of your application.

Cover Letter Body

I am writing to apply for the English Teacher position at your school. With more than 10 years of experience teaching English to students of all ages, I am confident I will be an excellent addition to the team.

I have a deep appreciation for the English language and a passion for helping others develop their English skills. I have taught courses ranging from basic reading and writing to advanced grammar and literature. My lessons are creative and engaging and I strive to motivate my students to reach their full potential.

In my current role, I am responsible for planning and delivering lessons, assessing student progress, and providing individual feedback. I am also well-versed in using online teaching tools and technology to enhance the learning experience. I am familiar with the curriculum and have the ability to develop lesson plans that align with the school’s objectives.

Aside from my teaching experience, I also bring with me strong organizational and communication skills. I am comfortable working with diverse student populations and am adept at using a variety of teaching techniques. I am also committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment.

I am confident I am the right person for the job and would be delighted to discuss further how I can contribute to your team. I have included my resume and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Complimentary Close

The conclusion and signature of a cover letter provide a final opportunity to leave a positive impression and invite further action. Here's how the conclusion and signature of a cover letter should look:

• Summary of Interest: In the conclusion paragraph, summarize your interest in the position and reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the organization or school. Emphasize the value you can bring to the role and briefly mention your key qualifications or unique selling points.
• Appreciation and Gratitude: Express appreciation for the reader's time and consideration in reviewing your application. Thank them for the opportunity to be considered for the position and acknowledge any additional materials or documents you have included, such as references or a portfolio.
• Call to Action: Conclude the cover letter with a clear call to action. Indicate your availability for an interview or express your interest in discussing the opportunity further. Encourage the reader to contact you to schedule a meeting or provide any additional information they may require.
• Complimentary Closing: Choose a professional and appropriate complimentary closing to end your cover letter, such as "Sincerely," "Best Regards," or "Thank you." Ensure the closing reflects the overall tone and formality of the letter.
• Signature: Below the complimentary closing, leave space for your handwritten signature. Sign your name in ink using a legible and professional style. If you are submitting a digital or typed cover letter, you can simply type your full name.
• Typed Name: Beneath your signature, type your full name in a clear and readable font. This allows for easy identification and ensures clarity in case the handwritten signature is not clear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an English Teacher Cover Letter

When crafting a cover letter, it's essential to present yourself in the best possible light to potential employers. However, there are common mistakes that can hinder your chances of making a strong impression. By being aware of these pitfalls and avoiding them, you can ensure that your cover letter effectively highlights your qualifications and stands out from the competition. In this article, we will explore some of the most common mistakes to avoid when writing a cover letter, providing you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you create a compelling and impactful introduction that captures the attention of hiring managers. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, understanding these mistakes will greatly enhance your chances of success in the job application process. So, let's dive in and discover how to steer clear of these common missteps and create a standout cover letter that gets you noticed by potential employers.

• Failing to proofread for spelling and grammar mistakes
• Including irrelevant information
• Having an unprofessional tone
• Not including specific examples of your teaching experience
• Not customizing the cover letter to the job you are applying for
• Sending the same cover letter to multiple employers
• Using a generic salutation
• Including negative information
• Using passive language instead of active language
• Failing to address the requirements of the job

Key Takeaways For an English Teacher Cover Letter

• Highlight your experience teaching English language and literature
• Demonstrate your ability to develop engaging lesson plans and activities
• Showcase your knowledge of classroom management techniques and current educational trends
• Discuss any special qualifications and certifications you have in teaching English
• Emphasize your commitment to student success and your enthusiasm for your profession