Chicago, IL
773-555-0100
j.thompson@email.com April 30, 2023 Dear hiring manager, I'm pleased to submit my application for the Paraprofessional position at John Lincoln Elementary School. As a compassionate, dedicated Paraprofessional with experience tutoring and supervising young students in fourth and fifth grades, I'm confident I could be a valuable addition to your teaching staff. In my six years of experience as a Paraprofessional, I've worked with a variety of students, including those with disabilities. I've provided in-classroom support to children with developmental and cognitive disabilities and led one-on-one sessions for personalized instruction. I'm adept at understanding and adhering to a child's individualized education plan to ensure they receive appropriate education. In addition, I've helped teachers manage classrooms of up to 30 students to create effective learning environments. I've helped prepare lesson plans and instructional materials, lead classroom lessons and grade assignments. In my current school, I implemented an after-school tutoring program, where I provide resources and instruction to help 10 students complete their coursework and prepare for quizzes or exams. My experience has allowed me to connect and build relationships with students to help them achieve grade-level goals. Thank you for your time and consideration. I believe my classroom experience and compassionate teaching style align with the educational mission of John Lincoln Elementary School. Please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss my qualifications in more detail. I look forward to hearing from you soon about the next steps. Sincerely, Jennifer Thompson To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.
How to write a paraprofessional cover letter
Here are the steps you can follow to write a paraprofessional cover letter:1. Use the correct formatting
It's important to use the correct formatting for your cover letter to convey professionalism to hiring managers. Choose a readable font, such as Times New Roman or Helvetica, in a 10- or 12-point size. Use 1-inch margins throughout the document. In the top left corner, create a header to provide your contact information, including your full name, city and state, phone number and email. Format your header to match your resume to maintain consistency with your application materials. Related: How To Format a Cover Letter (With an Outline and Examples)2. Greet the recipient
Use a business salutation and greet the recipient of the letter. Review the job description or search on the school's website to determine the letter's recipient. Address the letter to the recipient by using their first and last name. You can use an honorific, such as "Ms." or "Mr." and their last name, if you know their gender pronouns. If you're unable to determine the recipient of the letter, address it to a hiring manager, job title or department. Here are some examples of ways to greet the recipient:- Dear Alex Simpson
- Dear Ms. Johnson
- Dear Hiring Manager
- Dear School Administrator
- Dear Human Resources Department
3. Write a compelling introduction
Hiring managers may review your cover letter quickly, so it's important to write a compelling introduction to attract their attention and encourage them to continue reading. In your first paragraph, briefly state the name of the position for which you're applying and express interest in the role. Then list your qualifications for the role and strengths as an education professional. Use action verbs and descriptive words to explain why you're the best candidate for the paraprofessional position. Related: 7 Powerful Ways To Start a Cover Letter (With Examples)4. Describe your qualifications
In the body of your letter, describe your qualifications for the paraprofessional job in more detail. Read the job description to understand the duties of the position and highlight similar responsibilities you've had in other jobs. For example, you may discuss your experience providing personalized instruction for students who have physical or cognitive disabilities. Provide specific examples to showcase your relevant or transferrable skills for the position, such as time management and creativity. Discuss some of your career achievements, such as planning and implementing a tutoring program for students requiring additional classroom assistance. Related: Top 6 Teaching Skills That Employers Look For5. Provide a call to action
In the last paragraph of your letter, thank the recipient for their consideration and restate your interest in the position. Briefly summarize your qualifications and explain the value you could bring to a classroom or school. Provide a call to action to encourage the hiring manager to contact you after reviewing your application. For example, you may suggest scheduling an interview to discuss your qualifications further. Maintain a positive tone to show employers your confidence and commitment to the position. Related: How To Write a Call To Action in Your Cover Letter6. End with a professional closing
End the letter with a professional closing and your full signature. If you're emailing the cover letter to an employer, you can use online software to create a digital signature for your letter. Choose a complimentary closing for your letter, such as:- Respectfully
- Sincerely
- Best
- Thank you
- Regards
Paraprofessional cover letter tips
Here are some tips to help you prepare an effective paraprofessional cover letter:- Keep the letter to one page. It's important to write concisely so you can keep your cover letter to one page. You often only have a few seconds to make an impression on a hiring manager, so describe your primary qualifications clearly and succinctly.
- Personalize the letter. If you're applying for more than one paraprofessional job, personalize the letter to each position. This step ensures you're addressing your qualifications for a specific position, which can help you differentiate yourself from other candidates.
- Proofread the letter. Make sure you proofread your cover letter carefully to identify and fix any errors before sending it to employers. It's helpful to read your letter out loud, use editing programs or ask someone else to read it.