Substitute Teacher Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide

Dear Human Resources, I am writing to apply for a position in your substitute teacher pool. With my teaching certification, classroom experience, and flexibility to work across grade levels and subjects, I am prepared to provide quality instruction whenever regular teachers are absent. My qualifications include: • Valid teaching credential with K-12 authorization • Three years of full-time classroom teaching experience • Experience teaching elementary, middle, and high school students • Strong classroom management skills across age groups • Ability to follow lesson plans while adapting to student needs What I bring as a substitute: • Reliable and available on short notice • Professional demeanor and positive attitude • Quick adaptation to different classroom environments • Consistent implementation of school policies • Accurate record-keeping and reporting I understand that substitute teachers play a crucial role in maintaining educational continuity. I take this responsibility seriously and am committed to creating productive learning environments in every assignment. I am available for daily and long-term assignments across all subjects and grade levels. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, Michael Johnson

Dear Substitute Coordinator, I am excited to apply for elementary substitute teaching positions in your district. With my elementary education background and love of working with young children, I am eager to support your schools whenever teachers are absent. My elementary experience includes: • Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education • Two years teaching 2nd and 3rd grade • Experience with reading and math intervention programs • Strong classroom management using positive reinforcement • Skill at engaging young learners with interactive lessons As a substitute, I will: • Follow lesson plans while maintaining engagement • Ensure student safety and well-being • Manage classroom behavior consistently • Communicate professionally with staff and administration • Leave detailed notes for returning teachers I have a genuine rapport with elementary-age children and understand their developmental needs. I make learning fun while maintaining structure and expectations. I am available Monday through Friday and can be reached on short notice. Thank you for considering my application. Warmly, Sarah Martinez

Dear Principal Thompson, I am applying for substitute teaching opportunities at [High School]. With my secondary teaching certification and experience with high school students, I am prepared to maintain rigorous academic standards during teacher absences. My secondary education qualifications: • Master's degree in Education, certified in English and Social Studies • Four years teaching high school English • Experience with AP and honors-level courses • Strong rapport with teenagers and young adults • Effective classroom management with older students High school substitute strengths: • Subject matter expertise in humanities • Ability to facilitate meaningful discussions • Comfortable with technology and digital learning tools • Professional demeanor respected by students • Willing to cover any subject area as needed I understand that high school students can be challenging for substitutes, but my experience and confident approach help me maintain productive classrooms. I take substitute teaching seriously as an educational role, not just supervision. I am interested in both daily and long-term substitute positions. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Robert Chen, M.Ed.

Dear Special Education Director, I am writing to apply for special education substitute positions in your district. With my special education certification and experience working with students with diverse needs, I am prepared to provide appropriate support during teacher absences. My special education qualifications: • Special Education teaching credential • Three years teaching students with learning disabilities • Experience with IEP implementation and modifications • Training in positive behavior interventions and supports • Familiarity with assistive technology and accommodations Skills for SPED substitute teaching: • Implementing IEP accommodations and modifications • Managing behaviors using positive strategies • Working effectively with paraprofessionals • Adapting instruction for diverse learners • Maintaining confidentiality of student information I understand the critical importance of consistency for students with special needs. I review IEPs thoroughly and work closely with classroom aides to ensure students receive appropriate support. I am available for positions in resource rooms, self-contained classrooms, and inclusion settings. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, Jennifer Davis, SPED Certified

Dear Head of School, I am applying for substitute teaching positions at [Private School]. With my teaching experience and commitment to educational excellence, I am prepared to uphold your school's standards during teacher absences. My qualifications include: • Bachelor's degree in Education from [University] • Teaching experience in private and public school settings • Strong academic background and subject matter knowledge • Professional appearance and demeanor • Commitment to school mission and values What I offer your school: • Respect for your school's educational philosophy • Ability to maintain high academic expectations • Professional interaction with families • Reliable, punctual, and well-prepared • Flexibility across grade levels and subjects I have researched [School] and am impressed by your commitment to [specific value]. I would be honored to support your teaching staff and students. I am available for daily and long-term assignments and can provide references from previous schools. Thank you for considering my application. Respectfully, Amanda Wilson

Dear Principal Anderson, I am writing to express my interest in long-term substitute teaching positions in your district. With my full-time teaching experience and ability to build relationships with students, I am well-suited for extended assignments. My teaching experience: • Five years of full-time classroom teaching • Experience taking over mid-year for teacher on leave • Strong curriculum planning and assessment skills • Ability to build rapport with students and parents • Experience with grading, report cards, and parent conferences Long-term substitute strengths: • Commitment to see assignments through to completion • Ability to maintain momentum in curriculum • Building relationships while maintaining boundaries • Professional communication with families • Participation in grade-level and department meetings I understand that long-term substitutes need to function as the teacher of record, not just a temporary placeholder. I am committed to providing the same quality of instruction students would receive from their regular teacher. I am currently available for assignments of any length. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, David Thompson

Dear Superintendent, I am applying for substitute teaching positions in your district. With my diverse teaching background and willingness to travel between schools, I am prepared to support your district wherever needed. My versatile qualifications: • Multiple subject teaching credential • Experience teaching grades K-12 in rural schools • Comfortable with multi-grade classrooms • Own reliable transportation • Flexible and willing to travel between schools What I offer your district: • Reliability in a district where substitutes are scarce • Adaptability to different school environments • Strong classroom management across age groups • Positive attitude about teaching all subjects • Commitment to rural education I understand the challenges rural districts face in finding substitutes. I am committed to being a reliable resource and can often be available on short notice. I look forward to supporting your schools and students. Sincerely, Karen Mitchell

Dear Staffing Coordinator, I am writing to register as a substitute teacher with [Staffing Agency]. With my teaching credentials and flexible availability, I am ready to accept assignments across your partner districts. My qualifications: • Valid teaching credential in [State] • Bachelor's degree in Education • Two years of classroom teaching experience • Cleared background check (FBI and state) • Professional references available Availability and flexibility: • Available Monday through Friday • Can accept same-day assignments • Willing to travel within [radius] miles • Open to all grade levels and subjects • Available for daily and long-term positions I understand that working through a staffing agency requires flexibility and professionalism across different school environments. I adapt quickly and maintain consistent professional standards. I am eager to begin accepting assignments and am available for orientation at your earliest convenience. Thank you for considering my registration. Sincerely, Christopher Brown