cover letter teaching assistant sen

Special Needs Teaching Assistant Cover Letter Example

A Special Needs Teaching Assistant helps students with learning difficulties, physical impairments or behavioral problems to manage their education alongside their class mates. As a special needs teaching assistant, you’ll work under the supervision of a teacher and may also support students on an individual basis.

You’ll be working with a range of pupils with learning difficulties, behavioral difficulties or physical disabilities, helping them develop their social skills, basic numeracy and literacy abilities and personal independence.

Write an amazing cover letter using our Special Needs Teaching Assistant Cover Letter Example and Cover Letter Writing tips.

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Special Needs Teaching Assistant are employed in special needs schools, mainstream schools, and in other educational settings working with students who have a variety of special needs challenges. They work with students who have emotional and behavioral challenges, autism, physical disabilities, and other special needs.

The outlook for special needs teaching assistants is positive. Employment of teaching assistants is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.

The median annual wage for teaching assistants was $25,910 in May 2016.

What to Include in a Special Needs Teaching Assistant Cover Letter?

Roles and responsibilities.

• Providing academic support to students with special needs.
• Assisting the lead teacher in developing lesson plans and instructional materials.
• Preparing and implementing remedial programs for students requiring extra help.
• Promoting positive attitudes towards learning by encouraging the class to participate.
• Performing administrative duties such as greeting visitors, answering questions, taking phone calls, etc.
• Interacting with students , parents and teachers in a friendly way to create a supportive environment.
• Adapting all teaching materials and methods to suit the needs of individual students.

Education & Skills

Special needs teaching assistant skills:.

• Knowledge of Microsoft office applications, such as Word and Excel.
• Experience with curriculum planning and classroom management.
• Knowledge of special needs education and school procedures.
• Experience creating visual aids for various learning styles.
• Patience and tolerance.
• Creativity and flexibility.

Special Needs Teaching Assistant Education Requirements:

• A Special Needs Teaching Assistant must have a high school diploma or equivalent. They must also have completed an accredited teacher assistant program.

Special Needs Teaching Assistant Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Dear [Recruiter Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Special Needs Teaching Assistant as posted on your site. I am fully qualified to take on this role, having gained considerable experience in schools and colleges, working with children and adults with a wide range of special needs.

My five years of experience has allowed me to develop strong skills including:

• Implementing and monitoring individual education plans (IEPs).
• Helping to create and deliver curriculum materials.
• Assisting teachers with lesson planning.
• Liaising with parents and careers regarding students’ progress.
• Ensuring that students’ physical and emotional needs are met.

I have also developed excellent interpersonal skills, patience, understanding and the ability to stay calm under pressure. My training as a Special Needs Teaching Assistant has given me a full understanding of the needs of those who I would be working with and how best to meet them.

In addition to my work as a teaching assistant in schools, I have also worked as a support worker for individuals with special needs in their own homes. This role has allowed me to see how individuals learn best at home – what works for them and how they respond to different stimuli.

My resume is attached and I look forward to discussing this opportunity with you further. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

In your cover letter, be sure to highlight your skills and experience working with students with special needs. Talk about how you have helped these students achieve success in the classroom. If you have any certifications or special training in working with students with special needs, be sure to mention that as well.

If you have any personal experience with a disability or know someone who does, be sure to mention that in your cover letter. This can show your potential employer that you have a personal understanding of what these students are dealing with and how you can help them.

Lastly, be sure to express your enthusiasm for working with students with special needs. Let the employer know that you are excited to help these students reach their full potential.

Refer to our Special Needs Teaching Assistant Resume Sample for more tips on how to write your resume and accompany it with a strong cover letter.

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How to become a sen teaching assistant.

Want to help children with special educational needs? Our guide is here to help you out!

Table of Contents

Step 1: learn about a sen teaching assistant's role and responsibilities.

A special educational needs (SEN) teaching assistant supports pupils with physical, behavioural or learning difficulties with the supervision of the classroom teachers. This can be supporting a small group of pupils or one-to-one, in a special SEN school or mainstream class.

The responsibilities of an SEN teaching assistant typically involve helping the pupils’ understand instructions and school work using techniques that work for them, encouraging pupils’ confidence and independence and providing feedback and assistance to teachers. You may also be expected to accompany the pupil in their spare time or with social activities.

SEN teaching assistants will get the same training as other teaching assistants, and patience, creativity and flexibility are vital in this role as the needs of each child will differ day-to-day and from one another.

Being a SEN teaching assistant can be challenging, however it is extremely rewarding for anyone who wants to help disadvantaged children thrive in their education. If this sounds like the career for you, then read on for our tips on becoming a SEN teaching assistant.

Here are some of the key responsibilities you’ll likely deal with as a SEN teaching assistant:

• Prepare learning materials under teacher supervision
• Working both in and outside the classroom to support individual learners or groups of learners
• Adapting your approach to learning based on a learner’s needs
• Look after children’s physical, social, and emotional welfare 
• Creating a stimulating environment for the children you’ll be working with
• Provide teachers with help and any information that they need
• Supporting the teacher in keeping pupil records, such as attainment and pupil progress or activities
• Communicate with parents and professionals, sharing information as required with internal and external agencies to support pupils
• Working with pupils on therapy or care programmes, with the support of relevant professionals according to a learner’s needs

When does a SEN teaching assistant work?

What does a SEN teaching assistant earn?

A SEN teaching assistant’s starting salary could be around £17,000 but the average salary for a SEN teaching assistant rises to around £20,000 which is about what you can expect as you progress in the position. The highest earning SEN teaching assistants earn around £29,000 but this greatly depends on factors like where you live, how much of the year you’re working, and your level of experience and responsibility.

How can you progress as a SEN teaching assistant?

How many hours does a SEN teaching assistant work?

Step 2: Improve your chances of getting a position as a SEN teaching assistant

If you’re comfortable with the responsibilities of being a SEN teaching assistant, then you’ll need to ensure that you have all of the necessary skills and qualifications for the position and understand what exactly you can do to help yourself get started in a school setting.

You’ll need to meet the requirements for the job role you apply for, including any employer specific requirements. Pay attention to whether the job you’re applying for has any unique requirements compared to similar jobs and make sure you fulfil them before applying. There are a few things that you can do to improve your chances of landing the job when you’re looking to enter a career in education.

What qualifications do you need to become a SEN teaching assistant?

Though schools often set their own requirements for teaching assistants depending on theirs and their pupils’ needs, it’s a good idea to get a  Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification  so you’ll have the knowledge that you’ll need for the position, as well as looking good to prospective employers. 

Once you have your Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification, you could look at expanding your skillset with a  Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification . You’ll be able to build upon your knowledge and earn a higher salary as you progress. 

You could also need an A* to C grade at GCSE level in English and Maths or equivalent, depending on the workplaces you apply for, this is also a requirement for some teaching assistant apprenticeships and courses. If you don’t have either one or both of these you should look at taking either a Level 2 Functional Skills English course or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths course. A functional skills qualification is equivalent to having your GCSE qualification at this level, and can help you get into a wide range of jobs, not just in education. 

Get some supporting qualifications valuable to the job

Though not essential, having supporting qualifications can really improve your chances of getting the position that you want and help you to stand out among other applicants. Getting your supporting qualifications will let you demonstrate additional knowledge that other candidates might not have.

Since you’ll be working with children with special educational needs, you should look into a qualification in understanding autism. Having a greater understanding of autism and how it affects children could be very beneficial depending on the children you’ll be working with.

As a SEN teaching assistant there are a number of other supporting qualifications that could be helpful. A  safeguarding and prevent course  is going to equip you with the knowledge you need to help safeguard the students you’ll be working with, which is a hugely important part of the job. Employers, as well as parents, are going to feel confident knowing you have the knowledge you need to support the organisation’s safeguarding responsibilities to a higher level.

When working in schools it’s important that you have a first aid qualification in case of minor injuries that students might end up with. Depending on the employer, you might be given the option to receive this training before starting work but having the qualification beforehand can help put you ahead.

How to get experience as a SEN teaching assistant

Any experience working in an educational setting will be invaluable to you when you’re looking at getting a position as a SEN teaching assistant. This experience could range from anything from previous work as a teaching assistant in schools to caring for children with disabilities or learning difficulties. 

Many SEN teaching assistants start off as regular TA’s, so if you’re already in a position as a teaching assistant then you’re in an excellent place to get started.

If you don’t have any prior experience in a school environment then it’s good to highlight the transferable skills you’ve got from other work that will help you transition into the position.

If you need some experience in schools then it’s always good to volunteer at a local school. As well as being good for your CV, this could also lead to paid work.

Step 3: Make sure your SEN teaching assistant CV is up-to-date

You should make sure your CV includes your most up-to-date information, including any relevant qualifications and work experience you might’ve gained since you last updated it. Since we all know first impressions are important, and your CV is more often than not going to be the first thing potential employers will see, it’s essential that they’re done right.

To make the best impression you can, you’ll need to convey the right information and present it well. Given how important your CV is, we’ve created a short guide to help give you the best chance of landing an interview and starting your career in education!

Top SEN teaching assistant CV writing tips

When you’re looking at a position as a SEN teaching assistant, it’s crucial that your CV is high quality and reflects your passion for the role. An effective CV is well presented, displays relevant skills and experience, and gives your potential employers an insight into who you are. 

It’s important that you use grammar correctly, that your writing is concise but informative, and any non-relevant information is left out. Not following these rules could mean your application is rejected, since employers could see it as too unprofessional. Our SEN teaching assistant CV writing tips are here to help you to land that position you’ve been waiting for!

1. Grab their attention with a personal profile

Your personal profile is the first section of your CV that employers will read to find out more about you. This is your chance to introduce yourself, sell your skills and outline your characteristics. Personal profiles are a perfect way to persuade recruiters, as it tells them straight off why they should hire you. 

This section can include relevant experience and achievements, but it’s important to tailor this to the job description and what’s prioritised there to show your enthusiasm for the role and that you’re a serious candidate for the position who has what they’re looking for. 

There are no set rules on the length of this section but you should aim for a few short sentences and no longer than 100 words. This way you can keep it concise and effectively highlight who you are to employers without giving them too much information, increasing the chances of them reading through the rest of your CV and considering you for the job. Make sure you’re putting your best foot forward and presenting the things that you think make yourself stand out.

Talk about yourself (when it's relevant)

Though your CV should be more focused on your skills and work experience rather than your personality, it can be good to include some relevant personal information such as your hobbies in your CV, but what counts as relevant will vary from job to job. 

2. Sell your skills

There should be a section in your CV that outlines your relevant skills. This makes it easy for the employer to read and more easily determine if you meet the requirements of the role. You should format this section using bullet points so that it’s simple and easy for employers to read. Make sure to include relevant skills that you think make you a good candidate for the position. Such as:

• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• Strong literacy and numeracy skills
• Patient and friendly
• Strong classroom management skills
• Excellent understanding of child development and learning

If you’re struggling to think of skills that are relevant to the job then it’s a good idea to check vacancy advertisements for some ideas. 

Start off by rereading the job you’re applying for and what might be useful to mention, but if you’re still stuck then take a look at other similar job postings. You should also think about which of your skills have been helpful in any of your past work or study. 

It’s important when talking about your skills to try and include both hard and soft skills, so that you can show some variety. Hard skills are the skills you gain through experience, knowledge, or learning such as through a qualification or after undertaking training. Soft skills refer to your personal traits and habits that determine how you work, like being an effective communicator, able to work in a team, or organisational skills.

3. Outline your experience

You should outline any past experiences in either work or volunteer positions that are relevant to becoming a forest school leader and can best show your potential employer the value that you’d be bringing to the position. 

The most valuable experience you can have as a SEN teaching assistant is working in either the same position before or as a regular teaching assistant, you should present this work experience front and centre. Give details of where you worked, including the dates you started and finished your employment (these don’t have to be specific, usually the month and year are fine), alongside your key responsibilities within the role. If you have a lot of relevant experience then list it from most to least recent. 

Employers will want to know more of what you’ve been doing recently rather than years ago, as it’s more relevant to the jobs you’ll be applying for now.

If you have no relevant experience then you should include any previous employment you’ve been in and the transferable skills you gained that will be useful in the role. Try and think about any similarities between your previous positions and the one you’re applying for. Is there anything listed on the job advertisement that sounds familiar?

4. List your education and qualifications

Making sure you mention your education clearly on your CV is very important, as it will show that you have the knowledge and qualifications needed for the job. When listing your qualifications you should prioritise two things: the level of the qualification (is it a degree or a GCSE?) and when you received it. Much like your experience, it’s best to list your qualifications from your most to least recent.

When you’re listing your qualifications make sure you include the name of the institution, the dates you attended them from, the subject(s) you studied or name of the qualification, as well as the final grade you received. If there’s a particular aspect of your study that is very relevant to the position you’re applying to then it would be a good idea to briefly mention it at some point.

Include your certificates and other qualifications

Don’t think you just need to include your experiences from school or university, things like standalone courses that award you with a certificate or diploma are more than relevant, especially if they cover a subject that’s relevant to your work. Add your certificates in the same way you’d add your other qualifications, providing any additional information as needed.

5. Remember to include your contact details

It might seem obvious, but having your contact details clearly signposted on your CV is extremely important, without them potential employers may have no way to contact you. You should include your up-to-date email, phone number, and address somewhere near the top of your CV so that they don’t get lost amongst the rest of your information.

Example SEN teaching assistant CV

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Struggling to put your CV together? Download our free CV template and get a head start on making a fantastic CV. Make sure to follow the rest of our tips and learn how to land that job you’ve always wanted!

Step 4: Search for SEN teaching assistant jobs you can apply for

Searching for a SEN teaching assistant position should be simple, and shouldn’t be any different from finding other jobs you’ve applied for before. Just make sure that the positions you apply for are a good fit for you and that you have all the necessary qualifications and you should have no trouble! Checking out our teaching assistant jobs around the UK could be a good start for your search.

Step 5: Write a job-specific SEN teaching assistant cover letter

You should write your cover letter using the job description of the vacancy you’re applying for. Your cover letter is an important part of many job applications. 

No matter what kind of job you’re applying for, your cover letter is going to help demonstrate to potential employers the passion that you have for the role and allow you to sell yourself as a valuable candidate that they need to consider hiring. 

Top SEN teaching assistant cover letter writing tips

Cover letters are your chance to really sell yourself to a prospective employer and progress to the next stage of the hiring process. This opportunity isn’t always fully exploited by candidates, and sometimes cover letters just become reworked CVs or are poorly planned and formatted.

1. What should a cover letter look like?

The header of your cover letter should have your up-to-date email, contact number, and the current date, as well as the recipient’s contact information. You should start your cover letter with a greeting such as “Dear [Company] Hiring Manager” or “Dear Mr/Ms Surname”, if you know who you’ll be contacting directly.

When choosing your font you need to make sure it’s not only easy to read but also looks professional, as well as the right size. Try to stick between a size 10pt-12pt font on your cover letter, as making your font size too big could come across unprofessionally, but it should still be clear and legible. Make sure to split the main body of text into multiple paragraphs, this not only makes it easier to read but also easier to plan the structure of your cover letter (each paragraph might have a specific topic, for example). 

It’s a good idea to sign off your cover letter using your name and a complimentary close. Using “Yours Sincerely” or “Your Faithfully” are seen as very formal, but can sometimes appear outdated, try using “Kind Regards” as a formal alternative that is still professionally acceptable.

2. What should I write in my cover letter?

Here are some suggestions for each of the paragraphs in your cover letter and what you might want to mention to your prospective employer: 

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First paragraph

Introduction

Start by explaining why you're writing the letter, making sure to mention the job you're interested in by its specific title, you could also mention where you saw or heard about the vacancy. Give a brief sentence stating your experience or a relevant qualification. 

Second paragraph

Experience and Qualifications

Highlight your relevant experience or qualifications. Talk about relevant responsibilities you had in previous roles, and go into more detail about how this makes you suitable for the role--is there a particular achievement you're proud of in your previous work or study that is relevant to the job? Mention it here!

Third paragraph

Discuss the skills you have that are relevant to the job and make sure that you mention how they make you well-suited for the role. Always be showing the employer what you have to offer them if they were to hire you. 

Final paragraph

Reiterate your interest in the role. Outline your motivations for not only working this type of job but why you want to work for this employer. It's a good idea to include some relevant knowledge about your potential employer, as it shows you are taking an extra interest.  

3. How can I make my cover letter unique for each role I apply for?

A good way of making your cover letter stand out from other candidates is by tailoring it to the particular role you’re applying for. It’s always easiest to look back through the job posting and pick out relevant information like the job title and employer and making sure to mention them early on. This will show your employer that your cover letter is tailored towards them, rather than being something generic you’re sending around to every employer.

When you’re going through the job posting take note of the specific skills and experience listed as desirable by the employer, you can tailor the skills and experience you mention to what they’re looking for. Try not to follow along too closely and risk looking like you’ve just copied the advertisement, but do enough to show that you’re the ideal candidate. Order your skills, experience, and qualifications in order of relevancy–what’s highlighted or mentioned first in the job posting? Is there something very specific that they’re looking for? Make sure you bring it up!

4. Finishing touches

Now that your cover letter is well-formatted, has the main body of it’s content written, and has been tailored to the job role, it’s time to put the finishing touches to your work.

Proofread what you’ve written a few times over to check for punctuation or grammar errors and how well your writing flows. Try and enlist the help of a friend or relative to give it a read over, they may spot something you missed!

Now you should go back to the job vacancy and re-read all of it. Check if there are any special instructions you should follow when applying for the position, like if they’re asking for the documents to be submitted as a particular file type or maybe want you to add a job reference number to your cover letter. Make any of the changes you need and ensure everything’s in order. Overlooking small things like this could ruin your otherwise perfect cover letter!

Example SEN teaching assistant cover letter

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Struggling to put your cover letter together? Download our free cover letter template and get a head start on writing an amazing cover letter. Make sure to follow the rest of our tips and learn how to land that job you’ve always wanted!

Step 6: Prepare for interviews

We all know that job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but being well prepared for the interview will help you to appear calmer and more confident. It might seem obvious, but make sure that you always present yourself professionally at interviews, dress well, and always be polite. First impressions can make or break your chances!

Interviews can be daunting and hard to prepare for–especially if you don’t have much experience–but we’re here to help you out. 

We’ve compiled a list of common questions that you might be asked in your interview for an early years job and how you should go about answering them, as well as some questions you can ask your interviewer to help show your interest in the position!

Questions your interviewer might ask

Your motivations.

• Why do you want to become a SEN teaching assistant?

This is possibly the most common SEN teaching assistant interview question. The interviewer wants to see that you have a genuine interest in the role, so when asked this question be sure to show your passion and dedication. There are many great reasons for becoming a SEN teaching assistant, but it’s important to talk about your own experience in your reply.

• How do you keep yourself motivated in such a demanding role?

This will differ for everyone but it’s important to let your employer know that you’re highly motivated for the position and won’t collapse under the sometimes challenging scenarios you’ll be dealing with on a regular basis.

Your personal approach to the role

• How would you work effectively with SEN pupils' parents?

Knowing how to work with SEN pupils’ parents is just as important as knowing how to work with the pupil themselves. It is good to demonstrate your understanding of the importance of this by discussing ways you will work with them.

You could talk about keeping regular communication with parents or carers, keeping communication consistent and through a number of channels, building a relationship of trust, being able to understand how to work with a particular family or parenting dynamic.

• How would you handle behaviour management?

Often, the pupils you will be working with will have behavioural issues so you will need to know how to deal with this in the classroom .  When asked this question, you need to show that you understand the nature of the role and highlight your capability . 

You could go into detail on what actions you would take if a pupil was being disruptive, or you could give an example of a time you have had to use your behavioural management skills in previous work .

• What kind of challenges do you think you will face in this role?

Pupils often work more effectively in a positive classroom atmosphere, and when they feel comfortable around the staff. When answering this question, talk about a few ice breaking methods that are useful when developing a trusting relationship with the pupils. 

If you can think of any other challenges, specifically relating to your work with SEN children, make sure to mention them and how you would deal with them. Being able to demonstrate your knowledge of best practices is going to give your interviewer the confidence that you can handle yourself in the role. 

• What are the additional challenges you face when safeguarding children with SEN?

You should ensure that you have a good knowledge of the various safeguarding responsibilities that educators have and the particular challenges that you’ll face when working with children with special educational needs. 

Safeguarding is extremely important in a school setting so being able to show your knowledge of the issues will impress your interviewer and reassure them that you’re able to handle all of your responsibilities.  

Qualifications and experience

• What skills and qualities do you have that make you a good SEN teaching assistant?

This is an opportunity to sell yourself. The interviewer wants to know if you are an ideal fit for the job and if you will bring value to the school.  You should talk about all the skills you  possess  which are crucial for the role, such as excellent communication skills, your ability to handle difficult situations, patience, flexibility and your ability to work  cooperatively  with others (pupils, parents and teachers).

• Can you give any examples of experience working with SEN children?

This requires a simple answer as you are  just  talking about yourself and your own experiences with SEN students .  It is a good idea to provide examples of the types of SEN pupils you have worked with and show your understanding of the issues that affect pupils with varying educational needs .  

• Do you have any experience in working with children with special needs?

This is important if you’re working in a specialised setting but can also apply to any nursery. You might not have any experience in this which is totally fine, if you do have no experience then talk about your willingness to learn instead and how past experiences or knowledge from your study might help in this situation.

Questions for you to ask your interviewer

• What is a typical day like at your school?
• What's the best part of working at your school?
• How do you measure success? Does the school have any goals or targets to meet?
• What would my day-to-day responsibilities be in the role?
• Are there any particular challenges in this position?
• Are there any opportunities for progression in the role or within the school?
• What are your most valued qualities in your employees?
• Is there anything else that you need from me?
• When can I expect to hear back about this application?

Reading through some of our common questions should help get you in the right headspace for your exam invigilator interview, but don’t stop here–have a think about what other kinds of questions you could be facing, as well as how you might answer them on your own (an answer that comes from you will always be better than something generic)!

Now let's recap...

Learn about a SEN teaching assistant’s role and responsibilities

Improve your chances of getting a position as a SEN teaching assistant

Make sure your CV is up-to-date

Search for SEN teaching assistant jobs you can apply for

Write a job-specific cover letter

Prepare for interviews

Improve your chances of getting a position as a SEN teaching assistant’s

After reading through our guide, you should be ready to embark on a new career as a SEN teaching assistant with the confidence you need to excel. If you follow our tips then you’ll be more than ready to get the job role you’ve been looking for! Good luck, and if you need any more advice on other career options, don’t forget to take a look through our  career advice page . 

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Teaching Assistant cover letter examples

A role as a teaching assistant can be incredibly rewarding. You can help students to learn, grow and achieve their goals.

But first, you’ve got to achieve your own goal of securing the position.

If you’re not sure where to start, let us school you for a moment.

In the guide below, we’ll show you how to write an impressive application, as well as share some teaching assistant cover letter examples.

CV templates 

Teaching Assistant cover letter example 1

Teaching Assistant cover letter example 2

Teaching Assistant cover letter example 3

These Teaching Assistant cover letter examples provide you with some guidance and inspiration for writing a cover letter that gets noticed and ensures your CV will get opened.

But if you really want to master the art of writing a winning cover letter , then follow our step-by-step cove letter writing guide below.

How to write a Teaching Assistant cover letter

Here’s a simple process to write your own interview-winning cover letter.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

You should write your cover letter in the body of the email (or messaging system if sending via a job board) and never attach it as a document.

The reason for this?

You want your cover letter to start connecting with the recruiter from the moment they open your application.

If they have to open a document to read it, it will slow things down and they may not even bother to open it.

Start with a friendly greeting

To build an instant connection with the recruiter reading your cover letter, start with a warm greeting.

It should be friendly but not casual – keeping it professional at all times.

• Hi, hope you’re well
• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Avoid overly formal greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very traditional companies.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try these methods to find it.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Once you have opened the cover letter with a warm greeting, you need to explain which role you are interested in.

Sometimes a recruitment consultant could be managing over 10 vacancies, so it’s crucial to pinpoint exactly which one you are interested in.

Highlight the department/area if possible and look for any reference numbers you can quote.

These are some examples you can add..

• I am interested in applying for the role of Teaching Assistant with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 40f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for an IT project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The bulk of your cover letter should be focused around highlighting your suitability for the job you are applying to.

Doing this will show the recruiter that you are suitable candidate and encourage them to open your CV.

The best way to do this, is by studying the job advert you are applying to, and find out what the most important skills and knowledge are.

Once you know the most important requirements, you then need to highlight your matching skills to the recruiter. In a few sentences, tell them exactly why you are a good fit for the job and what you can offer the company.

Keep it short and sharp

When sending a job application to a recruiter or hiring manager, it is important to remember that they will normally be very busy and pushed for time.

Therefore, you need to get you message across to them quickly (in a matter of seconds ideally). So, keep your cover letter short and to-the-point. A long waffling cover letter will overwhelm recruiters when they are running through hundreds of emails in there inbox, but a concise one will get their attention.

So, keep your cover letter to just a few sentences long, and save the extensive detail for your CV.

Sign off professionally

To round of your CV, you should sign off with a professional signature.

This will give your cover letter a slick appearance and also give the recruiter all of the necessary contact information they need to get in touch with you.

The information to add should include:

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Kindest regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network –  e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Jill North IT Project Manager 078837437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip: To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate documents that you could copy in.

What to include in your Teaching Assistant cover letter

So, what type of information should you write about in your Teaching Assistant cover letter?

The specifics will obviously depend on your profession and the jobs you are applying to, but these are the key areas you should be covering.

• Your industry experience – Tell recruiters the types of companies you have been working for and the roles you have held in the past.
• Your qualifications – Highlight your most important relevant qualifications to show employers you are qualified to do the roles you are applying for.
• The impact you have made – Demonstrate the positive impact you have made for employers in previous jobs. Have you saved money? Improved processes? Made customers happy?
• Your reasons for moving – Employers will want to know why you are leaving your current/previous role, so provide them with a brief explanation here.
• Your availability – When will you be able to start a new job ? Check your current contract to find out your notice period if you are in a position already.

Teaching Assistant cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Teaching Assistant cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

Hope you’re well.

I am writing to apply for the Teaching Assistant position at St Michael’s Primary School. Having recently completed my BTEC Level 3 in Health and Social Care, I possess the skills and enthusiasm necessary to contribute effectively to the growth and development of young learners.

My leadership experience, demonstrated through my captainship and coaching roles for various basketball teams, has honed my ability to inspire and mentor others, fostering a positive and supportive learning environment. Additionally, as the President of the Debating Society, I have nurtured critical thinking and communication skills among my peers. I am a diligent and reliable individual, as evidenced by achieving the highest mark in my year for the History Research Project and my part time job at Pizza Express.

I am passionate about education and excited about the prospect of contributing my skills the students and staff at St Michael’s. I am available for an interview at your convenience.

Yours sincerely,

Sajeed Shivaram

I am delighted to submit my application for the Teaching Assistant position at Mayview Primary. With six years of invaluable experience in educational support, coupled with CIM qualifications in behaviour management, I believe I am a great fit for this role.

As a qualified Level 3 Teaching Assistant, I possess a comprehensive understanding of modern teaching methodologies and child development strategies. My formal training, combined with hands-on experience in three state schools, allows me to effectively support students’ individual needs and tailor lesson plans to optimise their learning experience. In my current role at Lane Academy, I have helped raise students’ SATS performance by an average of 20% through personalised coaching. Moreover, my strong ability to cater to diverse learning needs and training in behaviour management has led to the successful integration of students with special requirements into mainstream classrooms.

I am available for an interview at your convenience and look forward to the prospect of contributing to the academic growth and success of the students at Mayview.

Kind regards,

I hope this email finds you well.

I am writing to submit my application for the Senior Advanced Teaching Assistant position at Chapel School, commencing in September 2023. With 19 years of experience and a genuine passion for education, I am well-suited to make a significant difference in students’ lives and contribute to their academic journey at your school.

As a Level 3 Teaching Assistant, I have effectively supported teachers in delivering the Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 curriculum to mixed ability classes, fostering an inclusive learning environment. I have demonstrated expertise in providing personalised 1:1 and small group support to identified pupils, including those with Educational Health Care Plans, and successfully implemented ILP’s for 30 students in my current role. Additionally, my adeptness in utilising educational technology tools such as SmartTeach30 and Kahoot enhances my ability to create dynamic and innovative learning experiences.

I am eager to further discuss my skills and dedication to your school’s vision in an interview from next week.

Susan Pritchard

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a Teaching Assistant job, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!

Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Example for 2024 (W/ Templates & Tips)

Ever since you were young, you've been drawn to helping and supporting others. 

Now, you're building a career as a professional teacher assistant. 

The only challenge as you’re applying for your next gig? Writing a strong cover letter. Feeling unsure about starting might remind you of first-day school nerves. 

But, we're here to help! In this article, we'll show you how to write the perfect teacher assistant cover letter

Here’s what we’ll cover: 

• What a Standout Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Looks Like
• 5 Steps to Writing a Great Teacher Assistant Cover Letter
• 3 Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Tips

…and more! Let’s dive in! 

Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Teacher Assistant Cover Letter

You've just read a top-tier, job-landing cover letter in action. 

Feeling inspired? All you've got to do now is follow the steps below, and you'll be crafting your own cover letter in no time:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Starting your teacher assistant cover letter? You'll want to get the basics right. Make sure your contact information is neatly placed in the header, just like on your resume .

Here's what you should include:

• First and Last Name. Start by listing your full name.
• Job Title. Your cover letter should specify that you're applying for a teacher assistant position. This helps if the hiring manager has many roles to look at.
• Email Address . A professional email is often a mix of your names. The fun email you created during your school days might not make the best impression now. So, instead of [email protected], a safer bet would be [email protected].
• Phone Number. Ensure you list a current number. And, if you're eyeing a position in another country, remember to include the dialing code.
• Location. Your city and state or country are typically all you need. If you can work from anywhere or move, say so.
• Relevant Links (optional). Consider including links to sites or profiles that highlight your experience or passion for education, like your LinkedIn.

Once your contact details are set, shift focus to the school or institution.

Here's your checklist:

• School Name. Start with the name of the school or educational institution.
• Principal or Hiring Manager’s Name. Whenever possible, find out and list the name of the principal or the person overseeing hiring. School websites, job listings, or LinkedIn might have this information.
• Their Title. If you've identified the specific person responsible for hiring and they happen to be, say, the "Dean of Staff", use that title instead of a generic “Hiring Manager.”
• Location. The city and state or country of the school are key. For added detail, you can include the school's full address.
• Email Address (Optional). If available, include the contact email of the principal or hiring manager.
• Date of Writing (Optional) . Include the date of writing to give your cover letter a professional edge.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

After adding your contact details, make sure to address your cover letter to the right person.

A proper greeting can set the right tone for the rest of the cover letter. 

How to start? Look at the job post, the school's website, or LinkedIn page if they have one to find out who's hiring for the teacher assistant job. You might find their name and email.

If you find out their name, address them politely - but skip the outdated “To Whom It May Concern.” Use "Mr." or "Ms." with their last name. If you're unsure about their gender, just use their full name. For example:

• Dear Ms. Martinez,
• Dear Carla Martinez,

Hit a roadblock and couldn't find the hiring manager's details? No worries! You can greet the broader teaching team or the educational institution:

• Dear Teaching Assistant Selection Team,
• Dear Human Resources Department,
• Dear Educational Recruitment Committee,
• Dear Head of Teaching Assistants,

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

School principals often quickly look over an applicant's cover letter.

So, making a strong first impression is important for a teacher assistant cover letter.

Start by stating your name and why you're interested in the role. Show your real excitement for education and for helping students to grab the principal's attention.

It helps to know about the school you're applying to. Understanding their values lets you show how you can fit in with the other teachers and their educational principles. This tells the principal you really want this specific job, not just any teacher assistant role out there.

If you are a seasoned professional with major achievements , mention them early in your cover letter. Or, talk about skills that make you great for the job.

But remember, keep this part short. Your goal is to pique the hiring manager’s interest and get them to want to see more of your cover letter.

Check out our other cover letter examples to write a stellar opening paragraph. 

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The main part of your teacher assistant cover letter is where you get to really explain why you're the best fit for the job.

The trick is to not just repeat your teacher assistant resume here. Instead, talk about your relevant skills and experience in helping teachers. Use this space to show why you stand out from other applicants. Share any big achievements or times you went the extra mile to help teachers and students. 

To really nail this part, use the job description as a guide.

Tailor your cover letter to the school's needs. If the job focuses on helping special needs students or using tech tools, highlight those skills if you have them. 

Additionally, show that you know about the school's teaching methods or goals. If you've worked with or know about the school's programs, mention that. This shows you've researched the school and that you share their values.

End strongly. Show your real excitement for teaching and how you're ready to help teachers and students with your skills and commitment.

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Finishing your cover letter strongly is key to making a good impression.

Make sure you reiterate your confidence about being a great teacher assistant. Use the closing paragraph to summarize your strong points, including why you're the right choice to help both teachers and students.

In your closing, show your excitement for the teacher assistant role and quickly remind them of your top strengths.

After your wrap-up, include a call to action. A simple invitation for further talks about joining their team can increase your chance of getting an interview.

End your letter in a friendly yet professional way. Choose a good closing line, then write your full name. Here's an example of how to end it:

I'm excited about the possibility of supporting your educational team. Please feel free to connect with me at the provided email or phone number for a more comprehensive discussion. Eagerly waiting for an opportunity to discuss how I can assist in creating a productive learning environment.

Alexandra Lee

If “Warmly” feels too personal for your taste, here are some alternatives you can opt for:

• Faithfully,
• Best regards,
• With gratitude,
• Thank you for considering my application,

3 Essential Teacher Assistant Cover Letter Tips

You've got the cover letter essentials under your belt, so now let's add some sparkle with these key cover letter tips designed especially for teacher assistants!

#1. Match Your Resume

Are you keen on landing that teacher assistant role? 

Make sure your cover letter's design matches your resume for a cohesive look.

Place your text and contact information neatly on the page. Ensure the font styles and sizes are consistent on both documents. Also, adjust the margins and spacing to make sure your cover letter fits on one page . 

Keeping both your cover letter and resume within one page is what hiring managers worldwide are expecting and it will prove that you’re professional, well-organized , and attentive to detail! 

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Stuck in a formatting rut? 

Just try our cover letter templates for a quick solution! 

Along with our free resume builder , you can use them to create the perfect teacher assistant application.

Each template is carefully crafted with the help of global hiring professionals, so they meet all industry standards while also looking great. 

Just pick one, match it with your resume, and go get that bartending gig!

#2. Be Enthusiastic 

Enthusiasm is contagious, especially in the world of education. 

As a prospective teacher assistant, showing genuine excitement about the role can truly make your cover letter shine. Highlight your passion for the industry and convey a positive attitude about joining the team. 

However, remember there's a fine line between enthusiasm and flattery. Instead of over-praising the institution, focus on your genuine interest in contributing to it. 

It's about striking the right balance: you want to exude confidence without appearing overbearing. An enthusiastic approach suggests you're not just looking for any job, but that you truly believe in the value of the role and are eager to make a difference.

#3. Be Formal

In the education sector, first impressions matter. 

While your passion and enthusiasm are essential, it's just as crucial to present yourself professionally in your cover letter. 

Adopting a formal tone signifies respect and shows that you understand the industry's decorum. It tells employers that you're serious about the position and are aware of the professional standards expected in an educational setting. 

Think of it as wearing your best attire for an interview – your cover letter should reflect your best professional self, setting the stage for a lasting positive impression.

Key Takeaways

That covers the basics for writing a teacher assistant cover letter! We hope you're all set to get that dream teacher assistant role soon.

Before sending out your cover letter, let's revisit the key points:

• Start your teacher assistant cover letter by listing both your contact info and the hiring manager's. Make sure your information is correct so they can get in touch for an interview.
• Your opening paragraph should catch the hiring manager's eye and make them want to read more.
• Use the main part of your cover letter to highlight your top achievements and skills that match the teacher assistant position.
• At the end, maybe suggest that they call or meet you. It's a nice way to encourage them to take the next step.
• Ensure your cover letter looks like your resume. If you're in a hurry, think about using one of our matched resume and cover letter templates.

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How to Write a Personal Statement for an SEN Teaching Assistant Role

• June 27, 2022

A personal statement (usually placed near the top of your CV beneath your contact details) is your chance to summarise your qualifications, experience, and key skills to highlight what you can offer to a prospective employer. 

Ideally, you should tailor your personal statement to each job that you apply for. This should be relatively easy to do since the jobs you’ll be applying for will probably be similar if they’re all in an SEN (special educational needs) environment. However, we advise that you always read the job description every time you apply for a new role. This is to ensure that you can provide relevant information in your personal statement which will help demonstrate the qualities a prospective employer is seeking in order to fill the role. For example, if you’re applying for an SEN teaching assistant job, then you’ll need to highlight your experience of working with SEN students and the key skills you acquired.

To help you successfully gain a special educational needs teaching assistant job, you need to have a personal statement that stands out. Your personal statement should be professional, but the key word here is personal; make it distinctive by providing the facts, such as the where and when (where did you teach and in what year), and then infuse your characteristics by detailing the how and the what (how you went about the day-to-day tasks and what you achieved). 

The start of a good personal statement should look something like this:

An empathetic, patient, and extremely dedicated teaching assistant, with experience and particular enthusiasm for working in special educational needs. In my previous role, as an SEN teaching assistant, I supported students in their learning, helping them to achieve their individual goals by adapting my teaching methods accordingly.

To create a personal statement that will make you stand out to a prospective employer, there are a few key pieces of information that you must include. With this in mind, we have put together a small list that should hopefully assist you when you come to write your personal statement for an SEN teaching assistant job.

What to include in an SEN teaching assistant personal statement:

1. mention any top achievements you’ve had.

Hopefully, these are relevant to the position you are applying for. However, even if your top achievement isn’t related to special educational needs, it is worth still mentioning it as employers like to see you have other passions in life. But you should also try to add another achievement or something that you’re particularly proud of, which you can relate to SEN.

2. Describe yourself using attributes needed for the role you are applying for

An example of this would be:

An empathetic, patient, and extremely dedicated teaching assistant, with experience and particular enthusiasm for working in special educational needs.

SEN teaching assistants need to be empathetic, patient, and very dedicated in order to effectively achieve their day-to-day tasks and, ultimately, help their students meet their learning goals. But there may be other personal qualities a prospective employer is seeking, which is why you should always check the job description so that you can tailor your personal statement to suit. 

3. Highlight any previous experience you have and the skills you acquired

You should link these skills to the job you are applying for. For example, you may be applying for an SEN teaching assistant position within a school, whereas your only previous experience could be from working voluntarily at a community centre where you supported children with SEN.

Although the previous role wasn’t within a school, the skills gained while working in a community centre will still be very relevant; you would have been exposed to children of various ages with numerous needs and you would have had to adapt your communication skills and your method of support.

This level of commitment and adaptability is exactly what prospective employers are looking for. This is also your opportunity to mention any qualifications you may have gained which will further demonstrate your dedication to the sector. 

4. Think about your aspirations for the future

Explain how the job you are applying for fits in with these future goals. A prospective employer wants to see that you have a genuine interest in pursuing a career within a special educational needs environment. So, to get an idea of what you’d like to be doing further down your career path, do some research into the sort of jobs that are available, and to where/how you can progress from the job you are applying for.

This will give you further insight into the SEN sector to enable you to establish your goals. You’ll then be able to include these goals in your personal statement which means a prospective employer will, hopefully, see longevity if they were to hire you.

5. Demonstrate you know what the job entails

If you have covered all of the above four areas in your personal statement, then you should have successfully demonstrated that you know what’s expected of an SEN teaching assistant. But, again, make sure you have thoroughly read the role description of the job you’re applying for, and include a couple of short examples from your previous experience that can prove you have exactly what it takes to be an SEN teaching assistant.

Now that you know how to successfully write a personal statement, take a look at the SEN teaching assistant jobs currently available.

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