The cover letter is the first point of contact you will have with a potential employer, so make sure you invest time and effort into making it resonate with them in an impressive way.

Individualize your letter to each preschool

You would be surprised how many prospective teachers use a standard letter for everywhere, and it really shows.

Undertake your research of the preschool and mention something early in your letter about why that thing has led you to apply. For example: “I know the Wuthering Heights Preschool heavily emphasizes community involvement in its program; this fits perfectly with my own philosophy of teaching, a copy of which I enclose with my application.”

Including a statement like this demonstrates that not only are you considerate of what’s important to the preschool, but because you’ve taken the time to individualize your application you are obviously the kind of person that commits energy to important tasks.

Also in your cover letter you should include a mini-biography of yourself: where you come from, what education and experience you have, why you love teaching and what you can bring to the center to which you’re applying. As before, make sure this is individualized, at least to an extent.

The ideal length for a cover letter is about 150 to 250 words. You don’t need to go crazy with it, just keep it succinct and relevant to the job description. If they are seeking someone with specific skills and you lack them, this is also your opportunity to demonstrate your willingness to learn on the job.

The mere fact that you aren’t a 100% fit in terms of your expertise is not a deal-breaker. You are better off if you confront these shortcomings in your cover letter, while emphasizing all the positive things you can bring to the job, not least of all your energy and desire to improve yourself on the job.

What to include in your cover letter

A strong preschool teacher cover letter covers a few key bases. Aim to include all of these:

• An opening hook. Start with something that grabs attention. A brief, specific statement about why you are excited about this role works far better than a generic opener like “I am writing to apply for…”
• Why this preschool. Name the school and say something genuine about it. Mention their curriculum approach, community focus, or teaching philosophy, and explain why it aligns with your own values.
• Your teaching philosophy. Keep it short, one or two sentences, but be specific. What do you believe about how young children learn best? This tells a director a lot about who you are as a teacher.
• A summary of your experience and qualifications. Highlight your most relevant training, certifications, and classroom experience. You don’t need to repeat your entire resume here, just the headline points that are most relevant to this role.
• A clear call to action. Close by expressing your enthusiasm and inviting them to contact you. Something as simple as “I would love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team” is direct and confident.

Writing a great cover letter takes a little extra time, but it is absolutely worth it. Directors read a lot of applications, and a thoughtful, personalized letter stands out immediately. Be yourself, be specific, and show them why you genuinely want to work at their school in particular.

Once your cover letter is polished, make sure your preschool teacher resume is equally strong.