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Cover letter example

Secondary school teacher cover letter example

A tenured teacher in a state school does not choose a collège with a letter: the national and académie transfer rounds (mouvement) decide. Letters therefore count for contract posts, private schools under contract and international sections, where a principal or an inspector reads them.

They check your subject, the levels and exams you know, your status, and how you keep a class of teenagers working. A precise account of one teaching practice works better than a statement of vocation.

Cover letter example

Replace the parts in brackets with your own details.

Subject: Application for an English teacher position, [School name]

Dear [Hiring Manager's name],

I am applying for the English teacher position at [School name] for the coming school year. I hold a master's degree in English studies and have taught for [x] years as a contract teacher in the académie of [Name], in collège and lycée.

This year, I teach two seconde classes, a première specialty class and a European section. To prepare pupils for the oral exam, I set up regular short presentations in pairs, recorded and reviewed together. Pupils who rarely spoke at the start of the year now present without notes, and the method has been adopted by two colleagues in the subject team.

Your school's international section interests me, especially the literature programme. I have taught complete works in English, from Steinbeck to contemporary short stories, and I am used to preparing pupils for essay writing in both languages.

If it is useful for your decision, I can teach a sample lesson to one of your classes during the recruitment process.

Yours sincerely,[First name Last name][Phone number]

What to highlight

  • Your subject, degree and status
  • The levels and exams you have prepared pupils for
  • A teaching approach or project with concrete results
  • Your experience with class management and diverse needs
  • Your link with the school's sections or international programme

Mistakes to avoid

  • Not stating your subject and levels in the first sentence.
  • Writing a general text about passing on knowledge.
  • Ignoring the school's sections or specific programmes.
  • Forgetting to mention your status and qualifications.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I apply as a contract teacher?

Each académie has a recruitment page with an online application for contract teachers, by subject. Upload a resume, a copy of your degree and a short letter. You may be called for an interview with an inspector and then offered replacements, sometimes at short notice.

Should I write in English for an English teaching post?

For a French state or private school, write in French: your letter will be read by the principal or an inspector, and you will work with French colleagues and parents. For an international school teaching in English, follow the language of the advertisement.

Is it worth applying to private schools under contract?

Yes. Private schools under contract with the State follow the national programmes and recruit through the CAFEP, the private equivalent of the CAPES, and also hire substitute teachers. Send your application to the diocesan or regional education office that manages recruitment, as well as to the school.

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