Help needed applying for teaching job

[countrylass]

I'm applying for my first teaching job but because I've been studying for what seems like decades, I'm a bit unsure about something. I've received an application form from the school I'm applying to which has the bog standard stuff - qualifications, work experience and a personal statement which asks for stuff I've achieved, how I meet the job spec. etc. However, we had a lecture at college recently about the importance of the 'covering letter'. I realise that I need to send a letter off with the form, but am unsure what to put in it. Is it acceptable to summarise the main points of my statement - I'm thinking that maybe the school will judge the quality of the covering letter and, if it's not detailed, won't even read the statement in the application form. On the other hand, I don't want to waffle on when a simple 'I would like to be considered for the post of .... please find enclosed my application form' will do. What's the 'normal' expectations??

Thanks

This is my covering letter from my application for my current job.

Dear xxx

Please find enclosed my application for the position of Mathematics Coordinator.

I would relish the challenge of this position as I am passionate and enthusiastic about Mathematics and believe that I could use this to raise levels of achievement. I have many ideas about raising the profile of the subject and generating interest and enthusiasm. I would like to see children and staff involved in whole school maths challenges, puzzle days and pattern safaris, to see children using Maths in genuine situations throughout school life. I wish to see Mathematics firmly embedded within other topics where appropriate.

I have extremely high standards and an excellent subject knowledge. I am confident that I can bring about change. I have experience of most aspects of school life, including as a governor at xxx.

I would really enjoy the opportunity to work at xxx as I love the fact that the school is central to the local community. The school has a vibrant and exciting atmosphere that I would love to be a part of. It would be a privilege to join the excellent, hard-working staff. I would welcome the opportunity to become fully involved in school life; running clubs, assisting with productions and special events.

I believe that I have a very special set of skills, experiences and knowledge that would lead me to become an excellent Mathematics Coordinator. I am hard working, dedicated and tenacious and would tackle this opportunity with great enthusiasm.

I look forward to hearing from you,

xxx

When I was an nqt i remember talking about reasons for working in that area and what I liked about the school.

hope this is useful

thank you doddle, that's a great help

x

i assume you're applying as an nqt?

normally one side of a4 would be sufficient (including addresses & stuff).
tell them why you've come into teaching (because you wich to give your life & soul to ehm)
why, in partucular this school (because it's the best)
what 'kind' of a teacher you are (e.g. relaxed, understanding)& any points to note from your teaching practices,e.g. positive comments on your work.

thank them for reading it & even say you look forward to meeting them.

good luck

btw - are you near the school, it's slightly old fashioned, but some schools still expect/allow a brief visit before you apply, so that you can understand their ethos etc. don't bother with this if the deadline is soon.

Your personal statement is the most important thing. If you were being asked to send a cv and covering letter, you would include in the covering letter the same information as you have been asked to put into the personal statement. Whenever I have been involved in recruiting new teaching staff we have only ever looked at the personal or supporting statement. I can't remember ever even seeing a covering letter that said anything more than "please find attached my completed application form including my personal statement in which I explain how ..." Most of the personal statements I have seen (and written) are on a separate piece of paper as the box given on the form is seldom enough.

Yes fisil, that's the confusing thing - the school have sent me the form, but do not ask for a CV hence why I was confused about elaborating in a covering letter.

What you've been sent is completely normal for schools. The person who gave you a talk at college was probably living in a non-school world where a cv and covering letter is the norm. The standard application form (often standard to a whole local authority) replaces the letter and cv in one go. We liked using it because they were so easy to compare and ensured (well, not always) that you got exactly the information that you needed.

What I learnt from being on the other side of the interviewing desk is just how desperate the interviewers are to find the right person for the job, and how they want someone who is an enthusiastic and reflective teacher - and who is in it for the kids! So long as this comes across in your application you should be fine.

Good luck.

Yes fisil, you are right, it is a bog standard local council form. I think I'll stick to a simple letter saying 'please find enclosed' etc, etc and then go for it on the application form.

I don't qualify until July and it all seems so scary!! It doesn't help that our uni. tutors are full of doom and gloom about the lack of teaching vacancies as well as the fact that many primary schools are restructuring in September 2008 which will supposedly mean that headteachers will be reluctant to recruit.

All I can do is sell myself and pray!! Its also difficult to arrange a visit when I'm either at school or uni. from 8 onwards but I guess that other NQTs are in the same boat.