international teacher cover letter

How to craft a strong resume and cover letter to teach abroad

As you already know, creating a positive first impression is key to landing any job, and nabbing a coveted position to teach abroad is no different . However, if you’ve never applied to an international school before, you may have no clue how to impress a potential employer and increase your chances of nabbing a job offer.

No worries, we’ve got the inside scoop. Follow the tips below to maximize your odds of landing a teaching job abroad—and start a thrilling new chapter in your life!

Let’s start with the resume

Let’s start off with learning how to draft an unbeatable resume. We recommend writing your resume first because it’s essentially the blueprint for your cover letter, as it features relevant work experience, skills, and education. If you try to write your cover letter first, you’re bound to forget some key details!

Now, it’s important to clarify that the ideal teaching resume isn’t a resume at all. Rather, it’s a curriculum vitae (or CV), named after the Latin phrase that means “the course of one’s life”.

A CV is longer than your standard resume and it contains a greater level of detail. This distinction is important because newbie teachers often lack traditional teaching experience . Writing a CV, instead of a resume, allows you to expand on the reasons why you would be an exceptional teacher, such as academic honors, volunteer experience, and language skills.

Basic Information

In the United States or Canada, you would never disclose your gender or marital status on a CV. However, other countries don’t necessarily have the same privacy laws or customs as North America, so be prepared to get personal on your teaching CV. Also, factors such as your age, are important in determining whether you would qualify for a work visa so it’s understandable that schools will need to know this information upfront.

Information you may need to disclose on your CV will vary from country to country, but it could include:

• Citizenship and nationality
• Marital status
• Any valid work or residency visas

Certain countries, especially in Asia, are keen to see what their future teachers look like. So, including a headshot-style photo on your CV is a great way to get your application noticed. It’s best to have your photo taken professionally. However, if funds are tight, a friend with a good quality camera will suffice.

Put your TEFL certification first in the “education” section on your CV . Write down the accredited institution that awarded your certificate and how many hours it took to complete.

Next, include your education information, starting with your most recent school. Most international schools require teachers to hold a Bachelor’s degree , so make sure that your education information is clearly noted.

Work Experience

Let’s get into the meat of your CV: your career experience . Start with your most recent position and list your current and past jobs, while clearly stating the employment dates, each company’s name, and its location. Don’t hesitate to include volunteer positions and less formal work—like working as a babysitter, au pair, or camp counselor—especially if you’re in your early 20s and new to the working world. Any experience you have working with children counts!

Go into detail about your responsibilities, along with any accolades you may have earned, with your prospective employer in mind. Shine a spotlight on any information related to teaching, childcare, mentoring, or even working in an international milieu. These details could give you an edge over the competition.

Skills, awards, and extracurriculars

To further enhance your CV, consider adding separate sections for “skills”, “awards”, and “extracurricular activities”. Prospective employers, for instance, want to know if you speak any foreign languages, if you mentor children or volunteer with non-profit organizations, or if your academic or personal accomplishments have been awarded.

Any additional information that demonstrates that you are an independent, well-rounded candidate is applicable here. After all, besides having teaching chops, you must be able to navigate the potential obstacles that arise when you uproot your life to move abroad. Show them how ready you are!

Your next step is writing your teacher cover letter

How to write a cover letter for a teaching job

Now that your resume is ready to impress, let’s tackle your cover letter for teaching . The following list includes certain topics and information that you should address:

• Lead with the position you’re applying for. In the first sentence of your cover letter, you should clearly state which teaching job you want to be considered for. Don’t make the hiring manager—or your future boss!—hunt around for it.
• Ditch the “Dear Sir/Madam” opening. Never assume gender when you’re writing a cover letter. If you can’t find who to address it to, simply start with “Dear Hiring Manager” and go from there.
• Keep it brief. If your cover letter doesn’t fit on one page, you need to do some editing. A single page is enough space to include everything you need to say.
• Make it personal. Don’t write a generic cover letter with the intention of submitting it to multiple international schools. Recycling a cover letter may speed up the application process, but it won’t give a potential employer the impression you’re enthusiastic about their school or that you have anything special to offer them.
• Don’t get flowery. Keep in mind that the person reading your cover letter may not be a fluent speaker of English. So, aim to express yourself in clear, concise language.
• Highlight your relevant experience. Ask yourself, “Why am I the ideal candidate to teach at this school?” Lead with your teaching experience , followed by your knowledge of other countries, such as whether you’ve traveled or lived abroad. Then, discuss your interest in teaching and how their particular school could benefit from hiring you. Make them a pitch they can’t turn down!
• State your English proficiency. Be sure to include in your cover letter that you’re a fluent English speaker, if you are. Some schools also like to know what accent you have (for example, British vs. North American).
• Disclose your availability. Let your prospective employer know when you would be available to begin working. For instance, if you’re finishing up your Bachelor’s degree and won’t be done exams until May, make those dates clear.

Putting on the final touches

At this point, your CV and resume should look polished and professional. Follow these three final steps before you click the submit button:

• Check for spelling errors. Carefully edit your cover letter and CV yourself with the help of a spellcheck program. Afterward, ask a trusted friend to read over your application for errors.
• Skip the unusual fonts. If you’ve typed up your application in a non-traditional font, do yourself a favor by pressing CTRL+A and switching to a professional typeface like Arial or even Times New Roman. Trust us, it makes a difference.
• See how your application looks IRL. To ensure your formatting is A-OK, print out your resume and cover letter before applying. Having a hard copy of your application gives you a clear idea of how it will appear to a potential employer. After all, even if you’re submitting online, the school abroad will likely print out the applications to review them.

On a closing note, happy job hunting! With the help of this guide, we hope you’ll soon be embarking on the life-changing adventure of teaching abroad.

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International School Teacher Cover Letter Example

An International School Teacher provides high-quality education to students from diverse cultural backgrounds in an international school setting. The job professional ensures that students receive a comprehensive and culturally rich education, preparing them for success in a globalized world.

A cover letter connects your resume to the organization you want to work for. Therefore, use our International School Teacher Cover Letter Sample and professional writing advice to craft the ideal cover letter. You may create a flawless cover letter with our easy-to-use cover letter builder.

• Cover Letters

The International School Teacher plays a critical role in delivering a global education that meets the needs of an international student body. The job duties include developing curriculum plans that align with international education standards, using innovative teaching methods, adapting to the varied learning styles of students from different cultural backgrounds, and collaborating with colleagues, parents, and the broader school community to support student development and well-being. Through effective teaching practices, cultural sensitivity, and commitment to educational excellence, the teachers ensure the students receive a well-rounded education that respects and celebrates diversity.

What to Include in a International School Teacher Cover Letter?

Roles and responsibilities.

• Designing and implementing curriculum plans that align with international education standards and cater to a diverse student population.
• Preparing and delivering engaging, student-centered lessons that promote critical thinking and creativity.
• Evaluating student performance through a variety of assessment methods, and providing constructive feedback to support academic growth .
• Fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment that supports the social and emotional well-being of all students.
• Incorporating multicultural perspectives into teaching practices and curriculum to enhance student’s global awareness and understanding.
• Engaging in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in international education and subject-specific knowledge.
• Adapting teaching methods and materials to accommodate different learning styles and needs, including those of English Language Learners.

Education & Skills

International school teacher skills:.

• Strong understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and the ability to integrate this knowledge into teaching practices.
• Proven ability to manage a classroom effectively, promoting a positive and productive learning environment.
• Proficiency in using a variety of instructional strategies to engage students and support diverse learning needs.
• Skilled in designing and implementing various assessment tools to measure student learning and provide feedback.
• Commitment to professional growth, ethical practices, and the overall mission and values of the international school.
• Familiarity with educational technology and digital tools to enhance teaching and learning.

International School Teacher Education Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field is required.
• A master’s degree or additional qualifications are advantageous.
• Previous teaching experience, particularly in an international or multicultural setting, is highly desirable.

International School Teacher Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Dear Mr./ Ms.,

I’m writing to express my interest in the International School Teacher post at [School Name], as advertised. I am delighted about the opportunity to contribute to your school’s lively learning environment since I have a love for education, a dedication to student achievement, and vast experience teaching various populations.

In my prior employment as a [Your Current Position] at [Your Current School], I had the opportunity to deal with pupils from all ethnic backgrounds while also creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. My background in curriculum creation, differentiated instruction, and student-centered pedagogy has equipped me well for the difficulties and possibilities of teaching in an international context.

My major accomplishments-

• Establish inclusive and equitable learning environments through to use of culturally sensitive teaching strategies that encourage students’ respect, empathy, and understanding.
• Collaborate with others to create interdisciplinary units of study that emphasize critical thinking, teamwork, and global citizenship in students.
• Implement customized instruction to suit students’ unique learning needs and targeted assistance and enrichment opportunities to ensure all students attain their full potential.
• Develop ties with local groups and cultural institutions to increase students’ cultural understanding and appreciation through field excursions, guest lecturers, and cultural exchange programs.
• Participate in continuous professional development opportunities to improve teaching effectiveness and keep up with current research and best practices in international education.

One of my accomplishments was organizing a cooperative inquiry project on global citizenship education, where students from all cultural backgrounds collaborated to investigate global problems and come up with answers. In addition to fostering intercultural awareness, this initiative helped students develop their critical thinking, communication, and teamwork abilities.

I am attracted to the opportunity at [School Name] because of its emphasis on academic quality, cultural diversity, and global citizenship education. I look forward to contributing to your school community and guiding kids to become aware, empathic, and responsible global citizens.

Thank you for reviewing my application.  I am looking forward to the opportunity to explore how my experience and skills match the needs of [School Name]. Please see my resume attached for evaluation.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Now that you’ve read the job description, here are some things to consider when writing your cover letter for this position:

• What can you offer as an employee? What skills do you have that would make you an asset? What do people like about working with you? What kind of person are you?
• How can you help each other? What do you and the company have in common? How will you both benefit from working together?
• Why should they hire you over someone else who might be more qualified? Why should they even consider hiring someone who has less experience than us?

Once you’ve written a great cover letter, it’s time to start working on your resume. Refer to our International School Teacher Resume Samples for more tips on how to write your resume and accompany it with a strong cover letter.

Customize International School Teacher Cover Letter

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