COVER LETTER BUILDING - TEACHING THE UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS FIELDWORK AND ADVISING OFFICE

PLAN FOR TONIGHT

Let’s Build A Cover

Letter

WHAT IS A COVER LETTER AND WHY DO I NEED ONE?

What is a cover letter?

A strong personal communication introducing you, your skills, your writing and communication ability, and your

reason for contacting the potential employer

Usually the first letter you send to a potential employer, and it should be accompanied by a resume

It should leave the employer with a clear impression of you and should encourage the reader to review your

resume

Why do I need a cover letter?

The purpose of the cover letter is to draw attention to your qualifications which should result in a phone call

and/or an interview

Helps to get the reader's attention and interest in you not only by what you say but by how well you say it

EXAMPLE OF A

COVER LETTER –

WHAT DOES IT

LOOK LIKE?

ACTION WORDS

Accomplished

Achieved

Administered

Advanced

Assisted

Collaborated

Conducted

Coordinated

Created

Delegated

Developed

Empowered

Established

Exceeded

Featured

Formed

Produced

Represented

Resolved

Shared

Succeeded

Supervised

Supported

Surpassed

Generated

Managed

Modeled

Organized

Oversaw

Participated

Planned

Prepared

SELF-DESCRIPTIVE WORDS

Able

Accommodating

Accountable

Authentic

Articulate

Clear thinker

Committed

Compassionate

Confident

Dynamic

Effective

Energetic

Enthusiast

Experienced

Flexible

Hardworking

Risk-taking

Self motivated

Sensitive

Sincere

Supportive

Team player

Thorough

Versatile

Insightful

Intelligent

Intuitive

Learning

Open

Organized

Perceptive

Professional

BUZZ WORDS

Multi-cultural instruction

Team teaching

Thematic unit

Critical thinking

Literacy (Literature) circles

Guided reading

Modified instruction

Interactive exercises

Interdisciplinary learning

Manipulative

Lesson Plan

Student engagement

Informal assessment

Classroom Management

Differentiated instruction

Formal assessment

Diversity

Behavior management

Professional development

Modify instruction

Integrate technology

Developmentally appropriate

Instructional strategies

English language leaners (ELL)

HOW TO USE ACTION & SELF-DESCRIPTIVE WORDS IN A COVER

LETTER

Employers want to see unique content, strong language and elements that sets you apart from other candidates

Using strong action words allows the writer to convey their competency for the position

Using strong action words effectively implies that the writer has great writing and communication skills

Using strong action words expresses ideas in a concise and persuasive manner. They inherently carry meaning and are easier for readers to understand

Do not use weak words such as: did, was, use, got, etc…

Readers reviewing résumés will pick up on both the writers competency and implied communication skill.

Bullet Point “Formula” for resume:

Action Verb/Word + Example + Result

https://education.utexas.edu/about/offices/career-services/r%C3%A9sum%C3%A9-writing

HOW TO USE ACTION & SELF-DESCRIPTIVE WORDS IN A COVER

LETTER

Did you start something?

Established

Generated

Introduced

Launched

Did you provide something?

Presented

Responded

Submitted

Did you make something?

Constructed

Prepared

Produced

Did you improve things?

Advanced

Developed

Enhanced

Upgraded

Did you make changed?

Expanded

Reorganized

Tailored

Did you save the day?

Prevented

Solved

Succeeded

HOW TO USE ACTION & SELF-DESCRIPTIVE WORDS IN A COVER

LETTER

Did you finish something?

Accomplished

Completed

Fulfilled

Did you evaluate something?

Assessed

Evaluated

Reviewed

Did you make decisions?

Approved

Determined

Resolved

Did you organize something?

Assembled

Coordinated

Implemented

Did you make connections?

Networked

Connected

Matched

Were you future oriented?

Predicted

Prevented

Strategized

HOW TO USE ACTION & SELF-DESCRIPTIVE WORDS IN A COVER

LETTER

Did you work with people?

Advised

Counseled

Facilitated

Guided

Inspired

Mentored

Were you part of a team?

Consulted

Fostered

Participated

Collaborated

Did you manage or lead?

Administered

Directed

Headed

Managed

Oversaw

Supervised

Did you communicate something?

Demonstrated

Modeled

Presented

Reported

TEACHER COVER LETTER STATEMENT SAMPLES

Sample School Teacher Resume Statements:

Prepared classes for teaching sessions including development of written class and homework plans.

Instructed students, evaluated performance and facilitated efforts to advance student achievement.

Created classroom environment that enabled students to learn while keeping students interested and attentive.

Modified lessons to meet requirements of special needs students and individuals of cultural diversity.

Developed lesson plans that met requirements of curriculum guidelines for each grade and learning level.

Designed activities, projects and field trips to help drive home concepts.

Performed additional tasks such as monitoring hallways, lunches and study sessions.

Prepared unit and lesson plans for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines and common core standards.

Trained four student teachers in the preparation and implementation of classroom lessons and instructed them on classroom management.

Prepared, administered, and graded tests and assignments facilitating evaluation of students' progress and provided feedback.

Instructed students individually and in groups, utilizing various teaching methods.

Conferred with parents, guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators in order to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.

Conducted group and individual activities to further enhance learning.

Cultivated a classroom environment conducive to learning and growing, both academically and characteristically.

Promoted positive and encouraging student to teacher interaction.

Actively engaged in faculty and teacher conferences.

Composed and oversaw the sale of the school's yearbook.

Coordinated multiple fundraising events and school-wide activities

http://www.resume-resource.com/elementary-school-teacher-resume-example/

http://www.jobhero.com/resume-samples/elementary-teacher#

CHECKLIST – RESUME

Good quality paper?

Personal information?

Job objective format?

Clear and concise Job objective?

Exact job title applying for?

Organized contents of Accomplishments?

Listed specific skills and accomplishments?

Eliminated unrelated information?

Education and certification listed?

Does your personality show?

Pleasing to look at?

Extra curricular activities that support job objective?

Avoided negative talk?

Avoided soul searching talk?

LET’S GET STARTED – FORMATTING THE COVER LETTER

Resume Formatting Guidelines:

Keep your cover letter to one page

Use 10 to 12 size font

Font should be professional

Arial/Times/Cambria/Calibri

No colors or fancy fonts (i.e. comic sans)

Use standard margins

Should range from .75 to 1 inch

Use consistent formatting

Indentation, capitalization, punctuation, etc…

LET’S GET STARTED – FORMATTING THE COVER LETTER

Formatting your cover letter:

Single-space your cover letter

Leave a space between each paragraph

It should be three to four paragraphs on one

page

Leave three spaces between your closing (such as

"Sincerely" or "Sincerely Yours") and typed name

Leave a space between your heading (contact

information) and greeting (such as, "Dear Mr.

Roberts")

Either align all paragraphs to the left of the page, or

indent the first line of each paragraph to the right

Center your letter in the middle of the page

Make sure that the space at the top and bottom of

the page is the same

Sign your name in ink between your salutation and

typed name

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/723/03/

BASIC INFORMATION – COVER LETTER

Basic Information in the Cover Letter:

The cover letter should not duplicate the info on your resume

It highlights your major achievements and shows how your qualifications relate to the position

Each cover letter should be typed individually

Addressed to the person who is doing the hiring

Targeted to the position and the needs of that school

Tone should be confident and enthusiastic without gimmicks

Should not be too formal, nor should it sound desperate

The paper and envelope should match/complement your resume

Language in a plain, easy-to-read style is appropriate

Do not try to sound impressive by using unnecessarily long words or trade jargon

Avoid abbreviations and acronyms that the employer might not understand

It is important to be informed about the potential employer

Do your homework and read about the district/school

Use this information to show your interests and how your skills can be utilized

Remember to include important contact information

http://www.lcc.edu/ces/resumes/covers/

USEFUL LINKS FOR THE COVER LETTER

EDJOIN

https://www.edjoin.org/

Check out the School District Webpage

you are applying to for additional information

FIRST PARAGRAPH – COVER LETTER

While attending class at the University of Redlands my professor, Ms.

Smith, informed the group about the upcoming job fair for the San

Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD). Ms. Smith

mentioned SBCUSD will be hiring Elementary, Math, Science, English,

Special Education, and Substitute Teachers. For the past several years,

I have followed the growth of education in the state and your

district. I have seen all of the great things teachers in your district

have done to help students meet their highest potential. Based on

the need for passionate educators like this, I believe my skills,

capabilities, and accomplishments in education will also help the

students within the district. Moreover, after reading over your

district’s mission statement, I feel my education will help all students

develop the knowledge, skills, and proficiencies required for success

in life. I believe our objectives align, and would like to meet with you

to discuss these opportunities further.

SECOND PARAGRAPH – COVER LETTER

It is evident your district’s primary focus is to ensure all

students and staff work to reach their highest potential. In

doing so, your students are able to go beyond the

traditional boundaries of education. As a current multiple

subject teaching candidate, I will receive my credential in

May from the University of Redlands. I believe my training

and educational background closely matches the goals of

SBCUSD. In fact, in my current student teaching

assignment…. This allowed me to…. This experience will

help the district and school sites because many of your

students need the extra guidance to reach their highest

potentials.

THIRD PARAGRAPH – COVER LETTER

Your district’s elementary instructional goals focus on student

achievement through strong instruction, identifying academic

necessities, differentiated instruction, and implementing

professional development components. I have experience with

executing these so may I ensure success for all students

through hands on real-world experience. During my student

teaching with…, I....My effort helped student’s to…Additionally,

my course work throughout my education has included

assignments where I worked …Through my experiences, I have

successfully guided students to reach for and attain their full

potential. My background will help SBCUSD because the skills I

possess are necessary to reach the elementary instructional

goals your district has laid out.

FINAL PARAGRAPH – COVER LETTER

Students of today are the future of tomorrow. These students

deserve highly qualified educators with the passion to help

develop the knowledge, skills, and proficiencies required for

success in life. I believe that we are a fantastic fit, and would like

to speak with you about these opportunities further. If you have

any questions, please call me at (xxx) xxx-xxxx or email me at

xxx@xxx.xxx. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank

you for taking the time to review my letter and my enclosed

résumé.

Sincerely,

Xxxx Xxxxxxx

Enclosure (Résumé)

CHECKLIST – COVER LETTER

Free of typos and spelling errors?

Proofread by someone for grammatical and punctuation errors?

Typed in the same font and on same color paper as your resume?

Organized and prioritized?

Specifically addressing the person in charge of hiring for the job, using a colon or comma after the person’s name?

State specifically the job title for which you are applying?

State specifically how you found out about the job posting?

Specifically address qualifications listed in the job announcement or list any qualifications you have if this is a letter of inquiry?

Full of action verbs describing experience, skills, and knowledge?

Emphasize internships, relevant job experience, relevant coursework, or professional society activities?

Show your enthusiasm in wanting the position for which you are applying?

Describe your personal attributes that would relate to the culture or how you would fit in the school/district/organization?

Address any names of people who referred you?

Have the appropriate number of paragraphs (3-5)?

State interest in scheduling an interview with a company representative?

Provide your contact information, i.e., phone and email?

Thank the employer for his/her time and consideration

Signed personally by you in blue or black ink?

http://www.wwu.edu/careers/docs/resumehandout_foreducators.pdf

FINAL QUESTIONS?

Any Final Questions???

REFERENCES

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/723/03/

https://education.utexas.edu/about/offices/career-services/r%C3%A9sum%C3%A9-writing

http://www.lcc.edu/ces/resumes/resume_seminar/

http://www.resume-resource.com/elementary-school-teacher-resume-example/

http://www.sbcusd.k12.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=4357

http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/CovLetter_structure.html

http://extraordinaryschcounselor.blogspot.com/2015/03/resume-tips-for-recent-school.html

http://www.wwu.edu/careers/docs/resumehandout_foreducators.pdf

http://www.jobhero.com/resume-samples/elementary-teacher#

https://careercenter.depaul.edu/_documents/Resume%20Guide%20for%20Teachers%20final%20revised.pdf

http://www.sulross.edu/page/2415/r-sum-guides-templates

https://www.livecareer.com/resume-samples/teacher-resumes

http://www.resumebaking.com/resume-objectives/teacher-resume-objectives/

file:///C:/Users/emily_monteith/AppData/Local/Temp/Temp1_Experienced-Elementary-Teacher-Resume.pdf.zip/Experienced%20Elementary%20Teacher%20Resume.pdf

www.youthactionproject.org/

Christina_Rodriguez@Redlands.edu

http://www.clipartof.com/gallery/clipart/business_people_79.html

https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.M3afc7463c316597fdbd5accf6fce0231o0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300

https://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.Mb15fbaa459eac1bce532b9715bed9945o0&pid=15.1&P=0&w=262&h=175

https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-a-summary-of-qualifications-2063332

http://www.job-interview-site.com/teacher-resume-objective-statement-for-teachers.html

https://www.myperfectresume.com/how-to/education/teacher-resume-sample/