TABLE OF CONTENTS
Free ESL Teacher Cover Letter Example
Use this free template to write a cover letter for any esl teacher role. Simply follow the instructions and fill in the blanks.
Your name
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[Company Name]
[OPTIONAL: Department Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
Dear [Mr./Ms. Hiring Manager or Recruiter last name],
This section is your opener and should contain your ‘purpose’ or interest statement that explains why you would be interested in the job posting or the company. Make sure to reference keywords and statements from the job description.
This section is your opener and should contain your ‘purpose’ or interest statement that explains why you would be interested in the job posting or the company. Make sure to reference keywords and statements from the job description.
The body paragraph (s): should contain skills and qualifications related to the job, i.e., provide a narrative example of how your job-related skills were obtained/honed. Your goal here is to match the skills to the employer’s needs. Justify how your career experiences could fit into the position and the organization.
The end paragraph: is the closer that would signify a ‘call to action’ by reiterating an essential qualification for the position you possess and an appreciation for the employer’s consideration.
Closing statement: Thank the employer/recruiter for their time.
Sincerely,
— Your Full Name
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How to Write a ESL Teacher Cover Letter
Before you start writing your cover letter, check out the image below to understand what information to include in each section of your letter.
If you're trying to write a cover letter and don't know where to start, the following step-by-step guide will break down the writing process into a few easy steps.
STEP 1
Format your cover letter’s header correctly
Every cover letter must have a properly formatted header. In this first section, you'll share the letter's date, details about the recipient and a formal greeting.
Strong cover letter header example:
May 09, 2025
Lisa Martinez, Hiring Manager
Global Language Adventures
1234 Elm Street
Springfield, IL 62702
Dear Ms. Martinez,
Weak cover letter header example:
Date: 20/10/2023
To whom it may concern,
Lisa Jonhson
1234 Elm Tree Rd.
Smallsville, TX 54321
lisajhno@gmail.com
(512) 555-0123
Mr. Robert Smoth
Horizon Language Institue
7890 Maple Avenue
Greenville, TX 09876
PRO TIP
A big cover letter red flag is to greet the letter's recipient with a generic “To Whom It May Concern.“ Instead, personalize the greeting by stating your recipient's name or address a cover letter without a name professionally with “Dear Hiring Manager.“
STEP 2
Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph
Quickly capture hiring managers' attention with an engaging first paragraph highlighting your most impressive qualifications. List skills and achievements that show you meet the key job requirements to make a solid first impression. Be professional with your words, but don't be afraid to sound genuine in your interest in the role.
Strong opening paragraph example:
As a certified ESL teacher with over five years of experience in language instruction, I am eager to apply for the ESL teaching position at International Language Academy. My passion for fostering language skills led to a 30% increase in student proficiency scores last year. I am enthusiastic about bringing my expertise in curriculum development to your innovative team.
Weak opening paragraph example:
Hi there, I'm interested in the ESL Teacher role at Language World. I've done some teaching and am keen on joining your team. I'm pretty excited for this chance!
PRO TIP
If you know someone who works at the company and is willing to vouch for you, mention this in the first paragraph. Find examples of properly addressing this subject in our article for referral cover letter opening paragraphs.
STEP 3
Share relevant achievements in the body paragraph
Your cover letter's body paragraph should include unique achievements you didn't already mention on your resume. There's so much you can do with this section: share your long-term career goals, share anecdotes demonstrating your work ethic or commitment to the job, or narrate the story of your career growth so far.
Strong body paragraph example:
With five years in ESL teaching, I have developed a strong ability to engage students and enhance their language skills thoroughly. By implementing interactive learning strategies, I increased student participation by 35% and improved language test scores by 20% in my previous role. My expertise in curriculum development and classroom management equips me to address diverse learning needs effectively, fostering a positive and inclusive educational environment vital for language acquisition.
Weak body paragraph example:
I am applying for the ESL teacher position because I want a job and believe I would be okay at it. I have a bit of experience in teaching English, but not much. I've not really achieved anything notable, but I believe I can learn. I need this job for better opportunities in the future.
STEP 4
Finish by encouraging next steps
The closing paragraph will be the final section of your esl teacher cover letter. Use this section to share any final skills or qualifications you possess and state your interest in a future interview. Go for confident tone and proper sign-off before signing your name.
Strong closing paragraph:
I am eager to bring my passion for education and proven experience in ESL teaching, as demonstrated by my CELTA certification, to the exceptional team at Global Language Center. I am confident that my skills will contribute positively to your students' language learning journey. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview.
Best regards,
Emma Thompson
Weak closing paragraph:
I'm really interested in joining your school as an ESL teacher and I think I could fit in well. I'm eager to contribute and learn if given the chance. If you think I might be suitable, I would greatly appreciate a follow-up. Thanks for looking over my application.
Best regards,
Michael Taylor
After completing this step-by-step guide, you'll be able to write a compelling cover letter for any esl teacher role. However, don't waste your time with word processors like Word or Google Docs; take advantage of the pre-formatted cover letter templates and content suggestions our Cover Letter Builder offers. You'll be able to create a custom cover letter in minutes!
Top Skills to Include in Cover Letter Examples for ESL Teacher
These are some of the most sought-after skills for esl teacher roles. When describing your accomplishments, incorporate an equal mix of hard skills and soft skills into your letter.
- TESOL/TEFL Certification
- Grammar Expertise
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Lesson Planning
- Classroom Management
- Language Assessment
- Pronunciation Instruction
- Digital Literacy
- Interactive Teaching
- Bilingual Ability
- Adaptability
- Student Engagement
If you want to avoid bad writer's block, check out our Cover Letter Builder. Instead of facing a blank page for hours, our Builder will suggest dozens of content ideas for your letter based on your target job title.
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