How to create a ‘stand-out’ Cover Letter for a SEN role
How to create a ‘stand-out’ Cover Letter for a SEN role
In this blog we outline the key points to bear in mind when preparing a cover letter. We will help you produce a persuasive and effective letter that will catch and hold the attention of the recruiter! So, whether you’re just starting out on your job search or are gearing up for your job interview , read on!
Checklist
1. Start with a strong introduction that grabs the recruiter’s attention.
2. Next, highlight your qualifications and experience in special education. Do refer to any education-related training courses you have attended e.g. safeguarding, inclusion and diversity, equal opportunities. Address any other specific requirements listed in the job advert. This will show that you have taken the time to read and understand the requirements of the position.
3. Briefly outline relevant soft skills e.g. adaptability, respect, teamwork etc.
4. Outline any lived experience with SEN.
5. Use persuasive language throughout your letter and make a strong case for why you are the strongest person for the job.
6. Proofread your letter carefully and ask someone else to do so as well. Typos and errors can be very costly in the world of teaching!
7. Finally, conclude your letter with a thank you note and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
What should you include in your cover letter?
When you are applying for a job , it is very important that you don’t use a general all-purpose cover letter – the letter must be tailored to a specific position.
A SEN cover letter is no different. This means outlining why you are a good fit for the role, and highlighting your relevant skills and experience. You will also need to specifically address the needs of students with special educational needs (SEN).
In your letter, you should:
- Outline what type of SEN you have experience with
- Describe your experiences working with SEN students
- Explain what strategies you would employ to support students (use evidence-based examples where appropriate)
It’s worth noting that employers often read the cover letter first, and in some cases (e.g. when there are several strong candidates with similar qualifications and background), the letter may be more important than the CV itself. Go for it - this is the perfect opportunity to really sell yourself and set out your achievements. If you submit a weak cover letter, you’re much less likely to be shortlisted!
Skills & Experience
Your cover letter is your opportunity to demonstrate that you have something valuable to contribute to the school. It is essential to be clear and concise while highlighting your skills and experience.
Start by reading the job advertisement carefully and highlighting the essential skills and knowledge required. Then, use your cover letter to explain how you meet those requirements.
Highlight your unique strengths and abilities and explain why you would be a valuable addition to the team. Also, make sure your letter is tailored for each position, and that it is clear that you meet all the relevant criteria.
If you are applying for a teaching position highlight your teaching experience and any specialist skills or knowledge. If you are applying for a support position, emphasise all relevant experience, and explain how your skills and experience match the position’s requirements.
Make sure that your cover letter is well written and easy to read. It’s important that it’s clear and concise and shows the employer that you are a good match for the position.
What to Include in a Special Education Teacher Cover Letter?
If you really want your cover letter to shine, you need to highlight the key qualities that show how suitable you are for the job. You should incorporate new information about your skills beyond the details in your CV (don’t duplicate information in your CV). Additionally, use key words taken from the job description/job specification; start talking the employer’s language.
Include Relevant Information
Below are some things Heads/Principals may be seeking for a teaching position:
● Strong communication skills: Teachers must be able to demonstrate effective communication skills when writing or speaking.
● Patience: As educators and role models, teachers are expected to demonstrate patience and tactfulness when working with children and young people.
● Resourcefulness: Teachers must show resourcefulness with evidence of how they have reduced budgets and increased responsibility.
● Professional attitude: To show how serious a candidate is, they must always maintain a professional attitude.
SEN Teacher Cover Letter Examples and Tips
Most applicants recognise the importance of a well-constructed CV. However, few take the same care with their cover letters. This is a missed opportunity to make a great first impression and really sell themselves as the best candidate. A cover letter is an expected introduction you must make when you send your CV in most industries. In it, you should explain why think you are the perfect match! Below are some example cover letters to get you started.
Example Cover Letter 1
Dear Mrs Jones,
I am an educator who has devoted the last 20 years to supporting children, and motivating them to reach their potential. I believe that my passion for teaching children with special educational needs makes me the perfect candidate for the vacant SEN Teacher position, and I would like you to consider my application.
I bring many years of experience to the classroom as a specialist educator. I have ten years of experience in the primary setting, like the job posting requires. In my years at the primary school, I worked with students from reception to Year 6.
In addition to having worked with children at primary school level, I also feel confident in my abilities to process IEP documents and work within the requirements of the EHCP. I am a strong case manager and advocate for all of my students, and I strive to work with parents to help students make progress. I am a team player and enjoy working collaboratively with colleagues to improve children’s experience of school.
I would be pleased to join your team of outstanding teachers, and I think my skills and experiences would make a good fit. I am grateful for your consideration of me for this position, and I welcome the opportunity to meet you in an interview in the future.
Example Cover Letter 2
Useful if working on a supply basis and seeking a permanent position.
Dear Mr White,
I am seeking a SEN Teacher position in your school and have attached my CV for your perusal.
Teaching has always been a passion of mine and I find myself at my best when working with children and young people that have special educational needs. I have a great deal of patience and have come up with some techniques that makes the learning process more engaging for those that may not have the concentration or cognitive skills of most students. I feel that being creative in the classroom can be more effective for students. In fact, it is vital in the learning process and helps give these students the ability to be competitive in the educational system.
My educational background and experience would make me a perfect candidate for your school. I hold a bachelor's degree in Education and have worked for many years as a Special Education Teacher on a supply basis. I am looking for a permanent position that would offer me a full-time salary and provide the opportunity to build a long-term rapport with your student cohort.
I continue to grow as a teacher by taking as many workshops as I have time to attend and am constantly seeking new ways to teach through online communities, in addition to undertaking regular training courses. It is my opinion that even teachers can never stop learning and seeking new ways to get students, particularly special needs students, interested in learning.
If you feel I would be a good fit for your school, you can contact me at any time at (555)-555-5555 and I would be happy to meet with you at your convenience.
Yours sincerely,
Your signature
Enclosure: CV
Cover letter tip
Throughout the letter, you should make sure you refer to the specifics of the role and demonstrate your knowledge of what the role requires, as well as any insight you have into the school. A targeted cover letter will always outperform a generic one and make you stand out.
Your cover letter should not duplicate your CV . Instead, use your cover letter to draw attention to your most relevant qualifications, skills and experience.
Not sure what to highlight? Review the job description closely. That way, you'll know precisely what qualities the school is looking for.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to write an exceptional cover letter it's time to put your knowledge into practice!
Good luck!
Updated: Feb 2024