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, creative problem-solving, 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
  • Mid-Career
  • Senior-Level
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How To Write a Special Education Teacher Cover Letter

Your special education teacher cover letter should usually have five sections, in this order:

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 signature.)

Example


Hideo Araki
123 Bridge Street, Boston, MA 12345 | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected]

June 3, 2024

Mr. Akira Tanaka
Hiring Manager
PQR Middle School
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]

2. Salutation

If you can’t find the recipient’s name, use a variation of “Dear Hiring Manager.”

Examples


Dear Mr. Jackson:

Dear EFG Middle School Hiring Manager:

3. “Hook” or introduction

Catch the reader’s attention by citing an achievement from your resume or a key credential the school seeks in applicants.

Example


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.

4. Body paragraph(s)

Explain why the job, school, or organization interests you. Then, cite a few more of your key achievements or qualifications, possibly using 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. Closing

Finally, request an interview for the position.

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. Show your focus on helping students with disabilities

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 new topics.

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.

2. Explain why you’re drawn to the opportunity

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.” A dedicated special education teacher, I draw inspiration from the quote made famous by Christa McAuliffe: “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. Highlight your other teaching skills

Add a short list of bullet points to show your success in other 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 the curriculum by adding…”

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

Special Education Teacher Text-Only Cover Letter Templates and Examples

  • Entry-Level
  • Mid-Career
  • Senior-Level

Amar Singh
123 Santa Maria, San Francisco, CA 12345 | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected]

Friday, June 3, 2024

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.” A dedicated special education teacher, I draw inspiration from the quote made famous by Christa McAuliffe: “I touch the future – I teach.” I believe 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 been able to work 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

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 you’re proactive by citing a time you exceeded expectations or found a new way to adapt the curriculum to your students’ needs.

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.

What traits are useful to highlight on my cover letter? -

Desired qualities in special education teachers include patience, resourcefulness, collaboration, clear communication, and adaptability. Consider which of these traits best describe you, then give an example or two of how you’ve shown them in a work setting.

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Jacob Meade

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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.

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