A Teacher Letter of Intent is a formal document that educators use to express interest in a teaching position, promotion, transfer, or other roles within an educational setting. It provides a platform to outline qualifications, career goals, and a passion for teaching, helping to distinguish the applicant in a competitive job market.
Though it shares similarities with a cover letter, an LOI focuses more on your personal career goals and the intention behind seeking a specific position or field. This document is typically required alongside your resume and references, giving school administrators insight into your motivations and fit for the role.
When to Use
- When Applying for a Job: You are submitting your application for a teaching position at the school due to personal and professional motivations.
- When Requesting a Transfer: You are requesting a transfer within the district to pursue opportunities for personal and career development.
- When Applying for a Promotion: You are applying for the role of department head (or principal) and would like to highlight your relevant qualifications and experiences.
- When Notifying of Resignation or Return: You are notifying the administration of your intention to resign (or to return) after your leave of absence.
How to Write a Teacher Letter of Intent
When crafting a Teacher Letter of Intent, it is crucial to ensure that your letter is well-structured, professional, and tailored to the specific role or institution. Below are the key elements to include, along with detailed examples for each section.
Step 1 – Begin with a Professional Header & Polite Salutation:
Start by including your full name, address, phone number, and email. This information should be clearly visible and up-to-date.
Example:
John Doe
123 Main Street, Springfield, IL 62704
(555) 123-4567
[email protected]
Next, add the date of submission to establish a clear timeline for your letter.
Example: September 19, 2024.
Following the date, provide the recipient’s contact information, including their name, title, and address.
Example:
Sarah Johnson
Principal
Lincoln High School
456 Elm Street, Springfield, IL 62705
Conclude this section with a polite salutation, such as “Dear Ms. Johnson” or “Dear Principal Johnson.”
Step 2 – Opening Paragraph: State Your Intent
Begin by introducing yourself and the purpose of your letter. Mention the position you are applying for and briefly explain your interest in the role.
Example: My name is John Doe, and I am writing to express my interest in the English teacher position at Lincoln Elementary School. As an experienced educator with a passion for fostering intellectual growth and creating a positive learning environment, I believe I would be a strong candidate for this role at your esteemed institution.
Step 3 – Middle Paragraph(s): Highlight Your Teaching Qualifications
Educational Background:
Outline your qualifications, including the degrees you have earned, the institutions you attended, and any relevant academic achievements or programs you participated in.
Example: I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Illinois and a teaching certification. During my time at the university, I actively participated in literacy programs that provided educational support to students from underserved communities. This experience enhanced my teaching methodologies and my commitment to helping students succeed.
Professional Experience
Highlight your teaching experience, focusing on your previous roles, achievements, and how these have prepared you for the position you are seeking.
Example: For the past five years, I have been an English teacher at Jefferson High School, where I developed and implemented student-centered curricula. I was able to improve student engagement by 20% through project-based learning and integrating technology into my lessons. This experience strengthened my ability to create an inclusive and dynamic classroom environment.
Career Goals & Teaching Philosophy
Share your long-term career goals and your approach to education. This section should align your personal teaching philosophy with the values and mission of the school.
Example: My teaching philosophy focuses on encouraging critical thinking and creativity in the classroom. I believe in creating a learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. I am particularly impressed by Lincoln High School’s dedication to academic excellence and its holistic approach to student development, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to this mission.
Step 4 – Closing Paragraph: Reaffirm Your Interest
Reiterate your interest in the position, thank the recipient for considering your application, and express your willingness to discuss your qualifications further.
Example: I am confident that my background in English education and my commitment to fostering a positive learning environment will make a meaningful contribution to Lincoln High School. I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss how my skills can benefit your school. Please feel free to contact me at (555) 123-4567 or [email protected]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Step 5 – Sign Off
End the letter with a formal closing, followed by your full name. If submitting a printed version, leave space for your handwritten signature.
Example:
Sincerely,
John Doe
Teacher Letter of Intent Examples
Here are some examples of the most important use cases for a Teacher’s Letter of Intent:
1. Transfer Request: Requesting a Transfer Within the District
When requesting a transfer within the same school district, your Letter of Intent should highlight personal or career reasons for the change and how your skills would benefit the new school.
Example:
Jane Smith
987 Oak Avenue
Springfield, IL 62704
(555) 987-6543
[email protected]
September 19, 2024
Mark Thompson
Superintendent
Springfield School District
300 Maple Street
Springfield, IL 62701
Dear Mr. Thompson,
I am writing to formally request a transfer from my current position as an 8th-grade teacher at Maple Middle School to a teaching role at Oakwood High School. This transfer would allow me to continue my professional development in a setting that supports my interest in advanced placement curriculum and offers growth opportunities in student leadership initiatives.
Over the past six years, I have refined my approach to collaborative teaching, and I believe that my skills can greatly contribute to Oakwood High’s academic programs.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
2. Promotion: Seeking a Leadership Role (e.g., Department Head or Principal)
When applying for a promotion, your Letter of Intent should outline your qualifications, achievements, and why you are a strong candidate for the leadership role.
Example:
Michael Brown
456 Pine Street
Springfield, IL 62704
(555) 789-1234
[email protected]
September 19, 2024
Sarah Johnson
Principal
Lincoln High School
456 Elm Street
Springfield, IL 62705
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I am writing to formally express my interest in the position of English Department Head at Lincoln High School. Throughout my ten years of teaching, I have consistently worked to improve student engagement, modernize the curriculum, and mentor fellow teachers. My leadership experience, particularly in spearheading the collaborative learning initiative last year, has prepared me to take on a more significant role in supporting both students and faculty.
I am confident that my passion for education and commitment to academic excellence make me a strong candidate for this position. I would be honored to contribute to the continued success of our school in this new capacity.
Sincerely,
Michael Brown
Legal Considerations
Before writing a Teacher’s Letter of Intent, it is important to understand the legal context within which the letter operates. Here are some key legal points to keep in mind:
- Contractual Agreements: If you’re under a teaching contract, ensure that the LOI does not conflict with any binding obligations. For example, some contracts require a specific notice period for resignations or transfers.
- Non-Binding Nature: Typically, an LOI is not legally binding, but it serves as a formal communication, and its contents should accurately reflect your intentions and qualifications.
- School District Policies: Each district may have its own processes and regulations for accepting transfer requests, promotions, or job applications. Ensure that your letter adheres to these guidelines.
- Resignation Protocols: Some schools may require a certain format or official procedures for resignations, particularly concerning notice periods. It’s crucial to align your LOI with these policies to avoid breaches in contracts.
Teacher Letter of Intent Template Sample
Download a customizable template available in PDF or MS Word formats.
