Guidelines

*Follow the standard business letter format with your name and address in the letterhead or upper right-hand corner, the date, and the complete name and address of the principal or district official in charge of hiring for this position.
*Always address your letter to a specific person.  If necessary, call the district or school to get the name and title of the person to whom you should address you letter.
*Type the letter in easily readable font style on a good quality, bond paper in a neutral color to match the color of your resume.
*Keep your letter short and to the point to a maximum of one page with about three paragraphs.
*Use present tense and active voice to stress your skills and past accomplishments.
*Your letter should use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.  Ask a friend to proof read it for you.

Format
(If you do not use letterhead containing your name and contact information, put your address in the upper right-hand corner above the date.)
                                                                            Your Address
                                                                            Date of Letter

Contact's Name
Title
School District
Address

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name:

Opening Paragraph:
Identify the position in which you are interested and how you discovered the opening.  If you are writing to express an interest in a specific area or grade level, say something like, "I am interested in applying for an elementary level special education teaching position in your school district."  You could also include a sentence identifying your degree and date of graduation.  For example, "I recently graduated from Millersville University with a BS.Ed. in Special Education and am very eager to begin my professional career in your district."

Body Paragraph(s):
Discuss why the position interests you, your specific qualifications, and a description of your experience related to this position.  After learning a little about the district, mention something specific that makes you want to teach in that district.  Refer to the enclosed resume and cite relevant highlights without reiterating your entire resume.  If you have an electronic resume identify the web site.

Closing Paragraph:
Suggest an action plan.  Request an interview or state that you are available for an interview at their convenience.  To facilitate contact, list your telephone number again and mention that messages may be left on your answering machine or voice mail.  Thank them for considering your application for the position.

                                                                               Sincerely,

                                                                               Signature

                                                                               Full Name

Enclosure: Resume
                Application (if enclosed with letter)