Should You Include a Cover Letter with Your Resume?

Do Cover Letters For Education Jobs Still Matter in 2025?

The short answer is yes, in the right situations.

While many school districts and staffing agencies no longer require cover letters for education jobs, others still expect them. This is especially true for roles in special education, speech-language pathology, or school psychology where communication skills and professionalism are essential.

If you're applying through a job board, you may see a checkbox that says "cover letter optional." So should you include one?

Yes, if you want to rise above the noise.

A well-written cover letter gives hiring teams something your resume cannot. It adds context, shows initiative, and provides a human touch. When crafted intentionally, it can help a school remember your name before they ever meet you.

This guide explains when a cover letter helps, what it should include, and how to keep it short, effective, and human.

When Should You Include a Cover Letter?

You should include a cover letter if:

• The job posting specifically asks for one

• You are applying directly to a district or school rather than through a portal

• You are relocating or changing career paths

• You are a new graduate or clinical fellow

• You want to clarify employment gaps, credentialing status, or other context

• You want to show initiative in a competitive job market

You can skip the cover letter if:

• You are applying through a large automated portal that filters for resumes only

• A recruiter has already discussed your qualifications with the district

• You are applying for a substitute or emergency fill-in role with limited interaction

At Clarifi Staffing, we often tell candidates that a resume may meet qualifications, but a concise and relevant cover letter can show why you are the right fit for the role.

What a Cover Letter Should Actually Do

Your cover letter should answer three questions quickly and clearly:

1. Who are you?

2. Why are you applying for this specific job?

3. What value do you bring to the role?

This is especially important for special education teachers, therapists, and school-based clinicians, who are expected to navigate compliance, communication, and teamwork from day one.

Structure That Works for Education Professionals

Your letter should be professional, brief, and results-oriented. Keep it between 250 and 400 words. Here’s a format that works well.

1. Greeting

Use the hiring manager’s name if available. If not, “Dear Hiring Team at [District Name]” is acceptable.

2. Introduction

State your current role and why you are applying.

I am a certified special education teacher with five years of experience supporting students with autism and behavioral needs. I am applying for the open position at [School Name] because I am passionate about inclusive instruction and student advocacy.

3. Alignment

Explain how your background connects to the district’s goals.

I was drawn to your district’s collaborative model and use of structured literacy. In my current role, I co-lead IEP development meetings and have maintained 100 percent compliance for two consecutive years. My background in small-group reading interventions and data tracking would translate well to this position.

4. Key Skills and Accomplishments

Back up your experience with numbers or outcomes when possible.

I currently manage a caseload of 18 students across grades 2 to 5 and have helped reduce disciplinary referrals by 30 percent through PBIS implementation. I also facilitate monthly family communication meetings and coordinate closely with general education teachers.

5. Closing

Invite further conversation and express appreciation.

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to your team and support student success. Thank you for reviewing my application.

What to Avoid in a Cover Letter

Avoid these common mistakes that could weaken your application:

• Repeating your resume word for word

• Using generic language like “I am a hard worker and team player”

• Writing long paragraphs with no clear structure

• Submitting a one-size-fits-all template

• Going over one page

• Failing to proofread

Avoid Sounding Like AI

In 2025, schools and recruiters are more aware of AI-generated applications. A cover letter that sounds robotic or overly polished can be a red flag.

Avoid phrases like:

• “I possess a strong ability to synergize cross-functional deliverables”

• “It would be an honor to contribute to your esteemed institution”

• “With unparalleled dedication, I seek to leverage my capabilities…”

Instead, write like a real person with real experience. Use words and examples you would actually say in an interview. If you use AI tools for help, always edit the result to reflect your voice and credentials.

Tailor Your Letter to Your Role

If you are in special education or a related service position, your letter should include:

• IEP writing and compliance experience

• Collaboration with general education teams

• Knowledge of state-specific tools (like Embrace, EasyIEP, or SEIS)

• Ability to work across multiple buildings or grade levels

• Experience with MTSS, PBIS, or crisis planning

This specificity helps hiring teams immediately see that you are equipped for the demands of the job.

Do Staffing Agencies, Like Clarifi, Read Cover Letters?

Yes, and we use them to assess more than just writing skills.

We look for:

• Credential status and licensure clarity

• Clear explanations of career changes or relocations

• Confidence, adaptability, and interest in school-based service delivery

• Evidence of alignment with the job or district environment

If you are applying with Clarifi Staffing, we will help you decide when a cover letter adds value and how to tailor it for the role you want.

Cover Letter Template (Free to Use)

Here’s a quick template you can adapt:

Cover Letter Template .docx

Download DOCX • 8KB

Cover Letter Template .pages

Download PAGES • 203KB

Cover letters are not always required, but they are often worth the extra effort. When written with intention and authenticity, a cover letter can introduce who you are beyond your resume, clarify your value, and show that you are serious about the role.

Keep it clear, keep it relevant, and above all, keep it human.

Clarifi Staffing helps education professionals prepare application materials that get noticed. From resumes to cover letters to interview prep, our support goes beyond just job matching.

Upload your resume or explore open roles at 👉 www.clarifistaffing.com