When writing your special education teacher cover letter, focus on your talent for engaging and working with students with mental or physical disabilities. Express your interest in the hiring school, and cite relevant skills like parent relations or Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
This guide will help you write a cover letter that gets you interviews for your next job as a special education teacher.
Special Education Teacher Cover Letter Templates and Examples
Entry-Level Special Education Teacher Cover Letter
Mr. Akira Tanaka
Hiring Manager
PQR Middle School
(123) 456-7890 [email protected]
Dear Mr. Tanaka:
At the end of the last school year, I was honored for excellence in helping special education students achieve their personal goals. I’d love to bring that same standard of education to your school community.
Your job posting jumped out at me, particularly the request for a teacher who “can work with students to identify and take the natural next step in their learning path.” What motivates me most is introducing students to concepts that spark their curiosity and lead them to a new understanding of subjects.
At the same time, I believe each individual’s needs call for unique teaching approaches and solutions, so I value special education’s one-on-one and small group settings. Through a flexible, personalized approach, I’ve helped students build their confidence and connect lessons to their individual interests. I’ve also supported my school’s special education program in the following areas:
Working with teachers to assess IEPs for students with cognitive and emotional learning disabilities
Coordinating evaluation schedules with parents, speech pathologists, classroom teachers, and occupational therapists
These are just some of the strengths I bring to the role of special education teacher. I would be very interested in discussing my credentials with you further. Please contact me by the phone number or email address above to arrange an interview. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Hideo Araki
Amar Singh
123 Santa Maria, San Francisco, CA 12345 | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected]
July 15, 2025
Mr. Tyrone Jackson
Hiring Manager
EFG Middle School
(123) 456-7890 [email protected]
Dear Mr. Jackson:
During my five years’ experience as a special education teacher, I’ve introduced multiple class topics and activities that improved the school’s special education program. I’m very interested in bringing that same spirit of continual improvement and student engagement to your school.
Your job posting caught my attention, particularly the request for a teacher who “knows and believes in the magic of the classroom.” As a dedicated special education teacher, I draw inspiration from Christa McAuliffe’s famous quote: “I touch the future — I teach.” Educators can give students formative learning experiences that motivate them toward a lifetime of personal growth. In my school’s special education program, I’ve worked closely with students and parents to help address learning disabilities and find creative solutions. My skills in special education also include:
Planning and delivering research-based interventions for students with autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, and behavioral disorders
Coordinating with psychologists, parents, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe learning environments
Collaborating with classroom teachers and academic teams to develop and enhance the curriculum
I’d appreciate speaking with you further about how I can serve your school’s special education program. Please call or email me to schedule an interview, and I’ll look forward to possibly hearing from you soon. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Amar Singh
Allison Rosenberg
123 Convoy St., San Diego, CA 12345 | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected]
July 15, 2025
Mr. Caleb Morris
Hiring Manager
XYZ Public School
(123) 456-7890 [email protected]
Dear Mr. Morris:
Through my 10 years of experience at two middle schools, I’ve found new ways to broaden special education programs’ scope and positive impact. I would be very interested in helping you effect similar positive change at your school.
A natural collaborator, I’m committed to building strong relationships with parents, classroom teachers, and school administrators. Through these relationships, I’ve been able to help schools improve special education and address issues like bullying, peer pressure, and conflict among students. And by promoting a more positive school environment, I’ve helped special education students make significant strides in their learning and engagement with peers and the community.
My teaching experience has also focused on these areas:
Overseeing curriculum development for students with mental and physical disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder and hearing impairments
Managing, evaluating, and coaching small teams of special education teachers
Creating IEPs in close communication with parents and psychologists
This is just a sample of the skillset and collaborative spirit I bring as a special education teacher. I would appreciate the chance to speak with you further about how I can support students at your school. Please call or email me to arrange an interview. Thank you for your time. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,
Allison Rosenberg
Taylor Lee
Special Education Teacher (New Graduate) | [email protected] | (415) 555-9911 | San Francisco, CA 94107
July 15, 2025
Ms. Laura Kim
Director of Special Services
Sunrise Academy
(415) 555-3344 [email protected]
Dear Ms. Kim:
In my student-teaching practicum, I was praised by my mentor for designing a sensory-friendly math center that increased engagement among my 4th-grade students with autism by 35%.
I’m excited to apply for the Special Education Teacher position at Sunrise Academy because your posting highlights multi-sensory instruction and inclusion within general-education classrooms. After visiting your website and reading about your peer-buddy program, I’m eager to collaborate with general-education teachers and support each student’s individualized learning plan.
Key Achievements:
Developed and implemented IEP-aligned lesson plans in reading and math for a class of six students with diverse learning needs
Utilized positive-behavior supports and visual schedules to reduce classroom disruptions by 40%
Completed coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Differentiated Instruction with a 3.9 GPA
I welcome discussing how my foundational training and passion for inclusive education can support Sunrise Academy’s special education program. Please let me know a convenient time to arrange an interview.
Sincerely,
Taylor Lee
Jordan Brown
Special Education Teacher | [email protected] | (310) 555-3344 | Los Angeles, CA 90007
July 15, 2025
Mr. Marcus Hall
Principal
Oakwood Middle School
(310) 555-7788 [email protected]
Dear Mr. Hall:
Over my six years at Pacific Crest Elementary, I increased my students’ reading fluency scores by an average of 25% through targeted literacy interventions and peer-assisted learning.
I’m drawn to Oakwood Middle School’s Special Education Teacher opening because your posting emphasizes co-teaching in inclusive settings and expanding transition services for older students. After reading your district’s plan for post-secondary readiness, I’m eager to apply my experience designing vocational-skills modules and collaborating with community partners.
Key Achievements:
Led a co-taught math workshop for 8th graders with learning disabilities, boosting pass rates from 60% to 85%
Coordinated quarterly transition-planning meetings with families, vocational counselors, and behavioral specialists
Trained and mentored three new special-ed teachers on differentiated assessment strategies
I look forward to discussing how my data-driven instruction and collaborative approach can advance Oakwood’s special education outcomes. Please let me know when you’re available for an interview.
Sincerely,
Jordan Brown
Casey Clark
Special Education Teacher Assistant | [email protected] | (415) 555-1122 | San Francisco, CA 94107
July 15, 2025
Ms. Rebecca Soto
Special Education Coordinator
Bayview Elementary School
(415) 555-4455 [email protected]
Dear Ms. Soto:
In my paraprofessional role at Lakeside Elementary, I supported a 5th-grade student with ADHD, helping him reduce off-task behaviors by 50% through visual timers and structured check-ins, earning commendation from his teacher.
I’m excited to apply for the Special Education Teacher Assistant position at Bayview Elementary School because your posting emphasizes one-on-one support and social-skills groups. After touring your school’s sensory room, I’m eager to assist lead teachers in implementing hands-on interventions and tracking student progress toward IEP goals.
Key Achievements:
Delivered small-group instruction in reading comprehension and social stories for students with emotional-behavioral disorders
Managed behavior charts and provided real-time feedback, contributing to a 30% decrease in office referrals
Collaborated with SLPs and OTs to reinforce speech and motor goals during classroom activities
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my hands-on support and student-focused strategies can benefit Bayview’s special education team. Please let me know a convenient time to arrange an interview.
Sincerely,
Casey Clark
How To Write a Special Education Teacher Cover Letter
A good cover letter usually has five sections, outlined below. When possible, connect each section to your pedagogical skills and the school’s hiring needs. The following advice and examples show what to include in your cover letter so it’s optimized for each job application.
1. Heading
At the top of the page, include:
Your name and contact information
The date
The recipient’s name, title, school or organization, and contact information (when available)
(Note: Feel free to omit this section if you send your letter by email and your contact details are part of your email signature.)
Mr. Akira Tanaka
Hiring Manager
PQR Middle School
(123) 456-7890 [email protected]
2. Salutation
Whenever you can, address your recipient by name – it’s the quickest way to signal you’re sending a job-specific letter and not a boilerplate. If you can’t find the recipient’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager” so your greeting is still tailored somewhat to each job opening.
Examples
Dear Mr. Jackson:
Dear EFG Middle School Hiring Manager:
3. “Hook” or introduction
To catch the reader’s attention, start your letter with a clear example of your success as a special education teacher. Choose a highlight that shows your overall dedication and approach to working with students who have learning disabilities. For instance, you could describe a class activity you introduced and how that improved students’ engagement with topics. In the special education teacher cover letter sample below, see how the applicant quickly links his chosen highlight to his interest in the opportunity.
Example
At the end of the last school year, I was honored for excellence in helping special education students achieve their personal goals. I’d love to bring that same standard of education to your school community.
4. Body paragraph(s)
Use the main section of your letter to explain why the job, school, or organization interests you. For instance, maybe the role centers on small-group instruction, an area where you excel. Or it involves mentoring teacher assistants, similar to your most recent job. Also, consider how your work background compares to the specific learning challenges or disabilities you’d help address.
Following this explanation, cite a few more of your key achievements or qualifications, possibly as bullet points.
Example
Your job posting jumped out at me, particularly the request for a teacher who “can work with students to identify and take the natural next step in their learning path.” What motivates me most is introducing students to concepts that spark their curiosity and lead them to a new understanding of subjects.
At the same time, I believe each individual’s needs call for unique teaching approaches and solutions, so I value special education’s one-on-one and small group settings. Through a flexible, personalized approach, I’ve helped students build their confidence and connect lessons to their individual interests. I’ve also supported my school’s special education program in the following areas:
Working with teachers to assess IEPs for students with cognitive and emotional learning disabilities
Coordinating evaluation schedules with parents, speech pathologists, classroom teachers, and occupational therapists
5. Call to action
Finally, request an interview for the position. Consider restating your dedication to helping students with learning disabilities – this lets you maintain your letter’s focus through the last paragraph. To end your cover letter, use a simple closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards” and then your name.
Example
I’d appreciate speaking with you further about how I can serve your school’s special education program. Please call or email me to schedule an interview, and I’ll look forward to possibly hearing from you soon. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Amar Singh
Special Education Teacher Cover Letter Tips
1. Highlight your main teaching skills
As part of your body text, add a short list of bullet points to show your success in key work areas for a special education teacher, like IEP updating, activity planning, or conflict resolution. Give this section a lively tone by starting each bullet point with a strong verb or verb phrase. For instance, if one of your skills is collaboration, you could write, “Collaborated with classroom teachers and academic teams to enhance…”
Example
My teaching experience has also focused on these areas:
Overseeing curriculum development for students with mental and physical disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder and hearing impairments
Managing, evaluating, and coaching small teams of special education teachers
Creating IEPs in close communication with parents and psychologists
2. Spell out your positive impact on students
On a separate document or sheet of paper, take 10 minutes to brainstorm why this teaching job or school interests you, based on the job posting. For instance, maybe the role centers on small-group instruction, an area where you excel. Or maybe it involves mentoring teacher assistants, similar to your most recent job. Also, consider how your work background compares to the specific learning challenges or disabilities you’d help address.
When you’re done brainstorming, review your notes: Do any stand out as important or persuasive? Take another 10 minutes to brainstorm and elaborate on them. Repeat this process until you have two or three concise sentences that speak to the job opening. By adding these to your cover letter, you can show school administrators you read their job posting and are responding to it directly.
Example
Your job posting caught my attention, particularly the request for a teacher who “knows and believes in the magic of the classroom.” As a dedicated special education teacher, I draw inspiration from Christa McAuliffe’s famous quote: “I touch the future — I teach.” Educators can give students formative learning experiences that motivate them toward a lifetime of personal growth. In my school’s special education program, I’ve worked closely with students and parents to help address learning disabilities and find creative solutions.
3. Mention your relevant traits
Desired qualities in special education teachers include patience, resourcefulness, collaboration, clear communication, and adaptability. Consider which of these traits describe you best, then give an example or two of how you’ve shown them in a work setting.
Special Education Teacher Cover Letter Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to start a cover letter?-
With a clear example of your success in the teaching role you’re pursuing. The concept of “show, don’t tell” absolutely applies to your cover letter’s first paragraph. For instance, don’t just tell the hiring manager you’re a “proactive educator.” Display it by citing a time you exceeded expectations or found a new way to adapt the curriculum to your students’ needs.
Should I say “My name is…” on a cover letter?-
No. As long as your name appears in the letter’s closing section, you don’t need to state it otherwise.
How long should my cover letter be?-
No more than one page, or around 250 words. Resist the urge to tell your whole career story, even if you have an extensive background as a special education teacher. Give just enough detail to pique hiring managers’ interest so they take a closer look at your resume.
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Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.
