JOB SEARCH LETTERS IN EDUCATION

NOTE: the letters illustrated in this document are to be used as guidelines, not templates.  Use your own words!  You need to write a more interesting, detailed letter based on your own experiences and attributes.  For further assistance or to check out reference materials, stop by Career Development & Placement in 217 Student Center.  The Writing Center is also a great source of assistance with letters.


[SAMPLE COVER LETTER, full block style]

NSU Box 123
Northern State University
1200 South Jay Street
Aberdeen SD 57401
February 20, 2005

[the number of empty lines can vary to provide balance on the page]

Mr. John Doe
Superintendent
Administration Building
Mobridge School District
Mobridge SD 57601 

Dear Mr. Doe:

The school year is a long way from ending, but my excitement for teaching spurs me to begin to apply now for fall positions in the Mobridge School District.  As you can see from the enclosed resume, I will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree, majoring in elementary education.

This past summer, I worked as a camp counselor for the youngest group of campers, aged 9-12.  These short camp experiences provided an atmosphere for me to learn and sharpen skills in communication, discipline, organization, and curriculum that had been mostly theoretical in classes.  My student teaching exposure in the fall, therefore, was initially strengthened by the camp responsibilities, leading to a succession of positive and exciting classroom experiences.  I was able to bring hands-on lessons to the classroom in history and geography, building upon the ideas used in the camp and then expanded and enhanced by lesson planning and teamwork with the cooperating teacher.

I plan to be in the Mobridge area during the week of April 5-12, and will be available to meet with you if you wish.  I would enjoy the opportunity to discuss the position in more detail.

Sincerely,

[Signature here in blue]

Theresa Anderson


[SAMPLE THANK YOU LETTER]  

NSU Box 007
Northern State University
1200 South Jay Street
Aberdeen SD 57401
April 11, 2005

[the number of empty lines can vary to provide balance on the page]

John Doe
Superintendent
Administration Building
Mobridge School District
Mobridge SD 57601

Dear Mr. Doe:

Thank you very much for today’s interview.  It was quite interesting to find out that we had both done our student teaching in Spearfish.

In reviewing the district policy and goals, I am even more enthusiastic about the possibility of joining your faculty.  I believe that the combination of my education and experience with school-age children will enable me to make a valuable contribution.

I look forward to hearing from you by May 1 concerning your decision.  Should you have any additional questions, please feel free to call me.

Sincerely,

[Signature in blue]

Theresa Anderson



[SAMPLE RESPONSE TO A CLASSIFIED AD]

NSU Box 1000
Northern State University
1200 South Jay Street
Aberdeen SD 57401
February 20, 2005

[the number of empty lines can vary to provide balance on the page]

John Doe
Superintendent
Administration Building
Mobridge School District
Mobridge SD 57601 

Dear Mr. Doe:

I would like to apply for the position of Third Grade Teacher that was advertised in The Aberdeen American News on February 19, 2005.  My educational background and experience seem to fit well with the qualifications for the position.

This past summer, I worked as a camp counselor for the youngest group of campers, aged 9-12.  These short camp experiences provided an atmosphere for me to learn and sharpen skills in communication, discipline, organization, and curriculum that had been mostly theoretical.  My student teaching exposure in the fall, therefore, was initially strengthened by the camp responsibilities, leading to a succession of positive and exciting classroom experiences.  I was able to bring hands-on lessons to the classroom in history and geography, building upon the ideas used in the camp and then expanded and enhanced by lesson-planning and teamwork with the cooperating teacher.

I plan to be in the Mobridge area during the week of April 5-12, and will be available to meet with you if you wish.  I would enjoy the opportunity to discuss the position in more detail.

Sincerely,

[Signature here in blue]

Theresa Anderson



[SAMPLE ACCEPTANCE LETTER]  

NSU Box 001
Northern State University
1200 South Jay Street
Aberdeen SD 57401
May 5, 2005

[the number of empty lines can vary to provide balance on the page]

John Doe
Superintendent
Administration Building
Mobridge School District
Mobridge SD 57601 

Dear Mr. Doe:

It was a pleasure to talk with you again on Tuesday.  Your offer of employment as third grade teacher is an exciting opportunity.  I am honored to accept your offer, and have enclosed the signed contract forms.

I look forward to moving to Mobridge in the weeks following graduation, and will be in town then to locate an apartment.  If you need to speak further with me prior to my August 1 starting date, please feel free to call or write. 

Yours truly,

[Signature in blue]

Theresa Anderson



[SAMPLE REJECTION OF OFFER LETTER]  

NSU Box 002
Northern State University
1200 South Jay Street
Aberdeen SD 57401
May 5, 2005

[the number of empty lines can vary to provide balance on the page]

John Doe
Superintendent
Administration Building
Mobridge School District
Mobridge SD 57601 

Dear Mr. Doe:

It was a pleasure to talk with you again on Tuesday.  Your offer of employment as third grade teacher is an exciting opportunity.  However, I regret to inform you that I cannot accept your offer at this time. 

After much careful thought, I have decided to move to Montana.  I am pursuing a teaching job in that state, where I plan to be living following marriage in the next year.

Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Best wishes,

[Signature in blue]

Theresa Anderson