Finding a job as a teaching assistant can be competitive, especially in areas with many educational institutions and specific qualification requirements, but with relevant experience and a passion for education, you can improve your chances significantly. One thing you need to make sure of is a foolproof application. Submitting a cover letter not only demonstrates your commitment and professionalism but also highlights your relevant skills, experience and personal qualities.

Tailoring your teaching assistant cover letter allows you to directly address specific job requirements and demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for both the role and the educational institution.

We have provided examples of cover letters to help you write a compelling and personalised teaching assistant cover letter that effectively demonstrates your suitability for the role. These examples will help you to understand the appropriate formatting, language and content needed to make your application stand out.

Teaching Assistant Cover Letter Sample

A professional cover letter requires not only coherent and compelling content, but also a structured, well-organised layout. Explore cover letter templates that illustrate the appropriate look and format, guiding you from terminology to presentation.

Georgia Smith
217C Fairey Street
Birmingham B45 8GWA
987654432
g.smith@example.com

17 June 2024

Colleen James
St. Mary’s Primary School
Birmingham
principal-office@stmaryprimary.com

Dear Ms. Colleen James,

I am delighted to apply for the position of Teaching Assistant at St Mary’s Primary School. With over eight years’ experience in education and a strong passion for nurturing young minds, I am eager to contribute my dedication and skills to the dynamic learning environment of your esteemed school.

In my previous roles, I have excelled in supporting classroom teachers, facilitating engaging learning activities and ensuring a positive educational journey for all students. My ability to deliver the National Curriculum and provide tailored support to pupils with diverse learning needs, including SEN and EAL pupils, has consistently promoted academic growth and wellbeing.

St Mary’s Primary School’s outstanding reputation for holistic development and its commitment to fostering a supportive learning community aligns perfectly with my own values. I am excited by the opportunity to work with your dedicated team of educators and contribute to the school’s continued success.

Please find attached my CV which details my qualifications and achievements. I am keen to discuss how my background, skills and enthusiasm match the aims and objectives of St Mary’s Primary School. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the success and growth of your school and its students.

Yours sincerely,

Georgia Smith

How to Write a Teaching Assistant Cover Letter

The purpose of a teaching assistant cover letter is to grab the recruiter’s attention by highlighting specific skills such as classroom management, curriculum support, student engagement techniques and personalised learning strategies.

Learn how to write a cover letter that demonstrates your passion for education and how your unique skills and experience make you an ideal candidate for the position, convincing the recruiter to consider you for an interview.

cover letter for teaching assistant uk

Your Teaching Assistant cover letter step-by-step:

Step 1: Add Contact Details and Date

Begin your letter by adding your contact information at the top of the document. Include your full name, physical address, email address and phone number, followed by the date you wrote the letter. This header gives the recipient all the details they need to contact you easily and acknowledges the formality of the correspondence.
Immediately below your contact information, include the recipient’s information, including their name, job title, school name, and school address.

Mandy Rice
219 Heatheringon Close
Edinburgh BS1 0HG
+44987654321
mandy.rice@example.com

17 June 2024
Assistant

Anthony O’Brien
James Gillespie’s High School
Edinburgh
principal@jghs.com

Step 2: Address the Recipient Politely

If you know the name of the headteacher or hiring manager, address them directly (e.g. “Dear Mr. Smith”).
If the specific name isn’t available, a good alternative is, for example, “Dear Hiring Committee”, although personalising where possible shows attention to detail.

Dear Mr. Anthony O’Brien

OR

Dear Hiring Committee

Step 3: Introduce Your Candidacy

Start your cover letter with a formal greeting, then clearly state the specific teaching assistant position you are applying for and where you heard about the vacancy. Briefly mention your current professional status (e.g. experienced teacher, recent graduate in education) and outline the key qualifications that make you an ideal candidate for the position, setting the stage for more detailed examples in the following section.

I am a motivated professional with self-awareness proficiency and extensive Teaching Assistant in Secondary Schools experience. I recently learned of James Gillespie’s High School’s opening for the Teaching Assistant role and couldn’t wait to contact you to express my interest. I believe that my professional background and industrialist drive make me an ideal candidate for this opportunity.

OR

I am writing to express my interest in the recently advertised position of Teaching Assistant at Greenwich Academy. With a solid background in educational support spanning over eight years and a passionate commitment to student development, I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to your innovative team.

Step 4: Explain How You Meet the Requirements

This section should detail your relevant experience and skills that make you a strong fit for the teaching assistant role. Discuss your practical experience in the classroom, highlighting tasks such as assisting with lesson preparation, managing small group activities or supporting students with special educational needs. Include any specific teaching techniques or programmes you are familiar with that are relevant to the job description provided by the school.

As a person who thrives in high-pressure and fast-paced situations, I strive for positive results through the application of my secondary school education and lesson implementation abilities. In addition, I possess expertise in classroom management, and an aptitude for optimising performance and motivating colleagues. In any position, I am able to visualise success, and identify innovative and effective strategies for achieving it. I have artfully balanced workplace objectives and productive relationships, enterprising strategies and insightful suggestions to achieve a competitive business edge. My communication and interpersonal awareness strengths have enabled my professional growth.

OR

In my most recent role, I successfully assisted in the day-to-day management of classroom activities, providing tailored support to meet the diverse needs of students. My role involved working closely with the lead teacher to implement teaching strategies that catered for different learning styles and abilities. My efforts were instrumental in creating an inclusive environment that facilitated students’ intellectual and social growth, particularly in the areas of literacy and numeracy.

Your school’s innovative approach to integrating technology into the classroom and your emphasis on holistic education align perfectly with my professional skills and personal philosophy. I am eager to contribute my expertise in classroom management and individual student engagement to further enhance your team’s efforts to provide an exceptional educational experience.

Step 5: Conclude Enthusiastically

Express your enthusiasm for the position and the school you are applying to. Thank the reader for their time and consideration of your application and offer to proceed to the next stage, which is an interview.

I have enclosed my CV for your review. I appreciate your time and consideration of my candidacy, and I would be delighted to discuss my candidacy further at your earliest convenience.

OR

Thank you for your consideration of my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this exciting opportunity with you. Please find attached my CV for your consideration. I hope to have the opportunity to further explain how I can contribute to the continued success and growth of Greenwich Academy.

Step 6: Formally Close the Letter

Close your letter with a formal salutation, such as ‘Yours sincerely’, followed by your full name if you addressed the recipient by name at the beginning of your letter. If you started your letter with a generic salutation such as ‘Dear Sir/Madam’, use ‘Yours sincerely’ instead. Leave space for a signature between the salutation and your printed name if you are sending a printed copy.

Yours sincerely,
Mandy Rice

Step 7: Proofread and Ensure Correct Formatting

Check your letter for grammar, spelling and punctuation errors. Ensure that the format of your cover letter is professional and consistent, using a clear and legible font such as Times New Roman or Arial, size 11 or 12. Check that the margins are set to one inch and that all text is aligned to the left. This final polish will ensure that your letter is not only informative but also presents a professional image.

Get the Most Out of Your Teaching Assistant Application

Prepare a comprehensive set of application documents to make your application visible and distinctive, combining a carefully crafted teaching assistant cover letter with a polished CV that presents your full professional profile.

Highlight your professionalism, increase your visibility and emphasise your willingness to work as a teaching assistant.

teaching assistant cv and cover letter
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Frequently Asked Questions About a Teaching Assistant Cover Letter

How to write a cover letter for a teaching assistant job with no experience?

If you don’t have any direct experience, focus on your transferable skills, such as communication, organisation and teamwork, that are relevant to a teaching assistant role. Highlight your educational background, any volunteer work or activities involving children or teaching, and your eagerness to learn and contribute to the school. Be enthusiastic about the opportunity to support teachers and students and show your willingness to undertake further training if required.

How do you tailor your teaching assistant cover letter?

To tailor your cover letter, first read the vacancy carefully to understand the specific requirements. Mention the name of the school and any special programmes or values it upholds that you admire. Use examples from your past that match what they’re looking for and show that you understand and can meet their needs. This personalised approach demonstrates your interest and commitment to the school and the role.

Do I need a teaching assistant cover letter?

Yes, a cover letter is important when applying for a teaching assistant position. It complements your CV by providing more context about your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role. A cover letter allows you to make a personal connection with the hiring manager and demonstrates your communication skills and commitment to supporting the educational environment, which are essential for a Teaching Assistant.

Land Your Dream Teaching Assistant Position

Increase your chances of getting an interview by submitting a comprehensive, error-free application. Use our expertly crafted cover letter examples, detailed sample letters and helpful guides to quickly and effectively write a cover letter that stands out and brings you one step closer to securing your ideal teaching assistant position.

cover letter sample for teaching assistant

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